I started UCF and I feel like I am 90 years old there, haha! I swear the campus is crawling with under 21's who arrive at class looking fresh as a daisy. Meanwhile I am pouring sweat and a frizzy mess by the time I walk the 10 minutes from the parking spot (parking is atrocious btw) to my first class. Its weird and I have no idea how they do it. I mean its 99 degrees here and UCF is not a tree ridden campus ( I miss trees:( so I am DRAGGING in the heat with the sun beating down on me.
I swear I will have skin cancer within a year at this rate.
Anyway, I am looking forward to finishing for crackers sake! It sucks having to work and go to school. I feel like I squish 2 days into one and it makes the week drag..
At least this is two more classes down and I really like the instructors so far.
About me
- Malusfemina
- The Dark Thought, the Shame, the Malice. I meet them at the door Laughing and invite Them in. -Rumi.............. Otherwise they just keep bothering me.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
passed the test!
My organization passed the USDA inspection on the FIRST TRY! Mary Jane gave me some pointers since she went through it with the inspector before and said he was a real nit picker. She was right.
He was an old time vet with a NY accent. He told you what he thought that was for sure but I think he was impressed because he dosent seem like the kinda guy to hand out compliments but I got one!
My record keeping was impressive enough for him to comment that he thought it was good and that he liked it. Whew! Fifteen years as a vet tech and meticulous medical record notes helped me on this one I truly believe.
However, I think Mary Jane helped me the most because I never would have addressed the things she recommended. They seemed sort of non-important but I think that was what earned me the license without going through the typical follow up.
Anyway, I just have to mail in the fee and I am licensed!
He was an old time vet with a NY accent. He told you what he thought that was for sure but I think he was impressed because he dosent seem like the kinda guy to hand out compliments but I got one!
My record keeping was impressive enough for him to comment that he thought it was good and that he liked it. Whew! Fifteen years as a vet tech and meticulous medical record notes helped me on this one I truly believe.
However, I think Mary Jane helped me the most because I never would have addressed the things she recommended. They seemed sort of non-important but I think that was what earned me the license without going through the typical follow up.
Anyway, I just have to mail in the fee and I am licensed!
Monday, August 13, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
black racer!
Saw a beautiful black racer eating an anole as I was mowing the back yard. I stopped so he could eat in peace =)
Love having a snake back there! Wish I could find the box turtle but I havent seen him. I hope he didnt leave for good.
I was wreck out there as I was mowing the lawn! I stopped and checked to see if he was hiding in large patches of weeds before i would mow!
Hopefully he is just hiding really well
Love having a snake back there! Wish I could find the box turtle but I havent seen him. I hope he didnt leave for good.
I was wreck out there as I was mowing the lawn! I stopped and checked to see if he was hiding in large patches of weeds before i would mow!
Hopefully he is just hiding really well
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
getting ready..
crossing off my to-do list like a madwoman trying to fit everything in before school starts on the 20th! So much to do!
My organization is picking up the pace. Super excited that my "baby" is getting bigger=)
My organization is picking up the pace. Super excited that my "baby" is getting bigger=)
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Love my sis's new puppy!
Bri brought her new(ish) puppy Shea over so I could tape myself training her (already trained) for a tech class. She is so cute! She is a Sable German Shepherd. She is 7 months old and despite being a pup, she is remarkably well behaved. Bri did a good job with her.
The cats were FREAKING OUT when she was here. They didnt know what to make of her but I expected that. I put them in a seperate room but they still knew she was out there (shes a puppy! she makes noise!=). They werent too impressed with her, even edgar who I thought would be the most chill. funny thing was, he was the most chill which isnt saying much, haha.
Speaking of the little devil incarnate, here he is squishing his egg shaped frame into sleepys hutch when I was feeding the torts this morning. He clearly knows he is not supposed to be in there.
sigh.....
The cats were FREAKING OUT when she was here. They didnt know what to make of her but I expected that. I put them in a seperate room but they still knew she was out there (shes a puppy! she makes noise!=). They werent too impressed with her, even edgar who I thought would be the most chill. funny thing was, he was the most chill which isnt saying much, haha.
Speaking of the little devil incarnate, here he is squishing his egg shaped frame into sleepys hutch when I was feeding the torts this morning. He clearly knows he is not supposed to be in there.
 | |
| Bad kitty! |
sigh.....
Sunday, July 22, 2012
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
My organization already has a few gigs! I have to admit, since the Mr. took over the title of Director and started doing what he does best which is directing (obviously), my "baby" has really taken off.
This leaves me to do what I want to do, which is animal care, education and hopefully research. We did a pollinator day at GTM with my fellow batty friend Jaimie (love her!). We are doing a Bats of Florida presentation at Lyonia Environmental Center this Saturday and we will be at the Lubee Bat Festival with a booth on rehabbing bats (per the director). Lyonia also expressed interest in doing a Bat Day in October. I would love to do that. Especially since we are getting the info on using bats in programs from the USDA. Things are happening!
I also signed up for classes at UCF. After talking to an advisor, my plans have changed a bit regarding vet school which upsets me but I am not surprised. I screwed up last semester, badly. I basically tanked an awesome GPA that I had for my whole college career in one semester. I thought I could do it all but i learned the hard way I guess. So, now I am looking at graduate school for Ecology which was always an option for me anyway. I still have to kick ass in my grades to even think about getting accepted but its waaaaaay more doable then a highly competitive spot in vet school.
So thats whats been happening!
This leaves me to do what I want to do, which is animal care, education and hopefully research. We did a pollinator day at GTM with my fellow batty friend Jaimie (love her!). We are doing a Bats of Florida presentation at Lyonia Environmental Center this Saturday and we will be at the Lubee Bat Festival with a booth on rehabbing bats (per the director). Lyonia also expressed interest in doing a Bat Day in October. I would love to do that. Especially since we are getting the info on using bats in programs from the USDA. Things are happening!
I also signed up for classes at UCF. After talking to an advisor, my plans have changed a bit regarding vet school which upsets me but I am not surprised. I screwed up last semester, badly. I basically tanked an awesome GPA that I had for my whole college career in one semester. I thought I could do it all but i learned the hard way I guess. So, now I am looking at graduate school for Ecology which was always an option for me anyway. I still have to kick ass in my grades to even think about getting accepted but its waaaaaay more doable then a highly competitive spot in vet school.
So thats whats been happening!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Goal list update
I realized that its already a half year gone.
wow.
I was looking at my goal list for 2012 and decided its time to revisit what I hoped to accomplish at the beginning of the year to what I want to accomplish 7 (!) months in.
a lot has changed in this short time. The big one was Ireland and above all else I am glad I had the opportunity to accomplish that goal. What a life changer!
1. Ireland trip-Accomplished!
2. Lose 30lbs-in the works
3. Tasty Worms retail opening-in the works
4. UCF (Sept)-in the works
5. My organization tax exempt and website design
6.Weekend vet work this summer for tech program-in the works
7. violin lessons
8. Rollar derby!
9.Martial arts class
10.find a piano cheap or free
11.bat blitz
12. start planning for 2013 trip-(sloth sanctuary? Bat hospital in australia?)
13. NASBR/or Training Course (may or sept/ oct)
14. begin painting -prints?
15. backyard redesign for tortoise enclosures (april/may/june)
16. build bat flight cage in garage
17. blog on a regular basis
18.Disney Tower of Terror marathon(sept)
19.volunteer?
20. Ed. programs for Laura?
21.BK (November)
22.summer garden (april/may)
The list was really pared down due to time. I dont have time to take classes for martial arts this year or to volunteer. I would still like to try and get in violin lessons but I am stretching it.
I didnt start training for the marathon to make the race in time so I will have to forfeit it this year. Really, the bits that I cut require more time than I realistically have.
So alas the new updated 2012 (updated) list
1. Lose 30 lbs-yeah I need to get on that...
2 Tasty worms retail opening -it's happening soon!
3. UCF-advising appt tomorrow!
5. My organization tax exempt and Webpage -Happening now thanks to Chris, my new Director!
6. Violin lessons
7. Find a piano cheap or free
8. Plan 2013 trip (sloth? bat? Iceland?)
9. Bat training course (sept?)-maybe
10.begin painting again
11.tortoise enclosures (backyard)
12 bat flight cage
13. Landscape front lawn
14.blog
wow.
I was looking at my goal list for 2012 and decided its time to revisit what I hoped to accomplish at the beginning of the year to what I want to accomplish 7 (!) months in.
a lot has changed in this short time. The big one was Ireland and above all else I am glad I had the opportunity to accomplish that goal. What a life changer!
1. Ireland trip-Accomplished!
2. Lose 30lbs-in the works
3. Tasty Worms retail opening-in the works
4. UCF (Sept)-in the works
5. My organization tax exempt and website design
6.
7. violin lessons
8. Rollar derby!
9.
10.find a piano cheap or free
11.
12. start planning for 2013 trip-(sloth sanctuary? Bat hospital in australia?)
13. NASBR/or Training Course (may or sept/ oct)
14. begin painting -prints?
15. backyard redesign for tortoise enclosures (april/may/june)
16. build bat flight cage in garage
17. blog on a regular basis
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
The list was really pared down due to time. I dont have time to take classes for martial arts this year or to volunteer. I would still like to try and get in violin lessons but I am stretching it.
I didnt start training for the marathon to make the race in time so I will have to forfeit it this year. Really, the bits that I cut require more time than I realistically have.
So alas the new updated 2012 (updated) list
1. Lose 30 lbs-yeah I need to get on that...
2 Tasty worms retail opening -it's happening soon!
3. UCF-advising appt tomorrow!
5. My organization tax exempt and Webpage -Happening now thanks to Chris, my new Director!
6. Violin lessons
7. Find a piano cheap or free
8. Plan 2013 trip (sloth? bat? Iceland?)
9. Bat training course (sept?)-maybe
10.begin painting again
11.tortoise enclosures (backyard)
12 bat flight cage
13. Landscape front lawn
14.blog
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Under the (hot) weather
Ive been super busy and its taking its toll on me. I feel very blah, exhausted and achy. My allergies are making me absolutely miserable to the point that I am having a hard time carrying out my daily routine much less anything extra.
My ears are plugged and I cant stop sneezing despite my heavy duty allergy meds. Not to mention the sinus pressure and headaches. Ha! I just realized that as I am typing this, it reads more like another bout of sinusitis rather than allergies. great.
Bunch of stuff I want and need to write down but dont have it in me energy wise. Hopefully soon. I might make another doctor appt to get some relief. ho-hum
My ears are plugged and I cant stop sneezing despite my heavy duty allergy meds. Not to mention the sinus pressure and headaches. Ha! I just realized that as I am typing this, it reads more like another bout of sinusitis rather than allergies. great.
Bunch of stuff I want and need to write down but dont have it in me energy wise. Hopefully soon. I might make another doctor appt to get some relief. ho-hum
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Will post soon!
Doing a big reno in the warehouse (opening store soon, for reals this time=) AND in the house. I am moving (downgrading?) my office in a spare room to a walk in closet in the bedroom. Its for the best. Chris REALLY needs an office and preferably one far away from the bedroom since I cant stand his dub step music haha!
Really, he is taking over the management of my organization in addition to Tasty Worms. Plus we are embarking on a new business idea but its Top Sekret =P
Anyway, I will have a much better post soon. A post to include Ireland, my organization, home renos and cats!
Really, he is taking over the management of my organization in addition to Tasty Worms. Plus we are embarking on a new business idea but its Top Sekret =P
Anyway, I will have a much better post soon. A post to include Ireland, my organization, home renos and cats!
Saturday, June 16, 2012
New baby tortoise!
Newest (and one of the smallest) patients at my organization!
Looks like something got a hold of his rear leg as most of it was missing. However it didnt slow him down! He a fast little guy!
Dr. O and the team fixed him up and he is recuperating and continuing treatment with us. Since he is missing a leg, he will most likely be non-releasable. Sleepy may have just gotten a new baby brother (or sister=)
we already adore him!
 |
| Bolt, the baby Gopher Tortoise |
 |
| Pocket sized! |
Dr. O and the team fixed him up and he is recuperating and continuing treatment with us. Since he is missing a leg, he will most likely be non-releasable. Sleepy may have just gotten a new baby brother (or sister=)
we already adore him!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Ireland-day 1 and 2 Kilarney!
Once we made our way into Kilarney I noticed what a charming little city it is. No chain stores but not a village like Adare. There were a lot of little shops, some hotels (we stayed at the Quality Inn believe it or not!) and lots of small businesses. The first thing I noticed was the gas station we passed. The price was like $2. 60 or something on the sign and I immediately thought how lucky they are to have cheap gas. James quickly pointed out that it was per QUARTER GALLON (or pint or liter or something, cant remember)! So it was really like $8 or $9 dollars for what would be a gallon of gas! I wont complain about the price of gas here (not that I really do considering I hate cars and driving and wish public transportation would become the norm like it is in Europe)
Anyway- we quickly freshened up (talk about massive nastiness from everybody, myself included, since this was the first time since the day before that we had a chance to shower and change our clothes!)
The hotel was pretty american for the most part, toilet was weird since water pressure there is low and that is considered normal. No A/C since they really dont need it (none of the hotels have A/C that we stayed at) but it was a little warm in the room due to being on the 2nd floor but opening the windows helped.
I bunked with Karol and Shelia and really enjoyed getting to know them. All in all everybody was really cool that went from the schools (we were also with 2 other colleges one from Kansas and one from Montana) . Plus they didnt give me a hard time about my snoring problem (you dont even know how stressed I was about that!)
We ate dinner on our own and I ordered a plain salad (airplane food made me sick for 2 days) and this is what I got
It was so gross. That huge blob of white stuff is called salad cream and apparantly is the most delicious thing to these folks (James included). It reminded me of mayo.
It was fine though since I really didnt feel like eating after my gut was reeling from the airplane food still from the day before.
It was a pretty uneventful night since we were all exhausted and looking forward to showers and sleep.
They have huge birds here in Ireland! This was the normal sized crow..so awesome.
More of day 2 Kilarney to come!
Anyway- we quickly freshened up (talk about massive nastiness from everybody, myself included, since this was the first time since the day before that we had a chance to shower and change our clothes!)
The hotel was pretty american for the most part, toilet was weird since water pressure there is low and that is considered normal. No A/C since they really dont need it (none of the hotels have A/C that we stayed at) but it was a little warm in the room due to being on the 2nd floor but opening the windows helped.
I bunked with Karol and Shelia and really enjoyed getting to know them. All in all everybody was really cool that went from the schools (we were also with 2 other colleges one from Kansas and one from Montana) . Plus they didnt give me a hard time about my snoring problem (you dont even know how stressed I was about that!)
We ate dinner on our own and I ordered a plain salad (airplane food made me sick for 2 days) and this is what I got
 |
| There are pickles in my salad! |
It was fine though since I really didnt feel like eating after my gut was reeling from the airplane food still from the day before.
It was a pretty uneventful night since we were all exhausted and looking forward to showers and sleep.
 |
| Crow |
 | |
| Kilarney alleyway! |
Street views of Kilarney
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Ireland- Day one-Arrival!
Finally!
Here is the day by day so that I can remember this awesome trip in all its fabulous details.
3pm-left Orlando Airport for Newark
7am (Ireland time) Arrived in Shannon, Ireland!
The view from the window of the plane as we were descending into Shannon was pretty much what I imagined from all the pic and stories I have seen of Ireland. Everything is so green! (name that movie, haha)
Shannon is pretty small and you could tell as there was only a spattering of farmhouses (not the kind you think of here in the US, but little stone farmhouses!) and miles and miles of green pastures and rocky cliffs. The weather was AWESOME. The climate is mild year round and it was in the 50's when we arrived. It was glorious.
The flight was horrible despite it being short (5hrs) due to a crappy airline (United, blah) but all was well when we stepped off the plane into Shannon! We were greeted by our British tour guide, James. What can I say about James. James was charming, funny, smart and so cute! First thing I noticed was his outfit which was so typically British. Brown cords, a button down shirt, a brown sportscoat, a messenger bag and a newsboy(?) hat that I found out later most Irishman and Brits wear. This was pretty much his look everyday and it just made the trip more authentic.
From there we drove to the village of Adare which, according to James, is probably the prettiest little village in Ireland. I have to agree! Thatched rooftops and the most adorable park.
We were only in Adare for a about an hour before the trek to our stop for the next 2 nights...Kilarney!
Here are some random castles (!) that spotted the road to Kilarney.
Kilarney to come....!
Here is the day by day so that I can remember this awesome trip in all its fabulous details.
3pm-left Orlando Airport for Newark
7am (Ireland time) Arrived in Shannon, Ireland!
The view from the window of the plane as we were descending into Shannon was pretty much what I imagined from all the pic and stories I have seen of Ireland. Everything is so green! (name that movie, haha)
Shannon is pretty small and you could tell as there was only a spattering of farmhouses (not the kind you think of here in the US, but little stone farmhouses!) and miles and miles of green pastures and rocky cliffs. The weather was AWESOME. The climate is mild year round and it was in the 50's when we arrived. It was glorious.
The flight was horrible despite it being short (5hrs) due to a crappy airline (United, blah) but all was well when we stepped off the plane into Shannon! We were greeted by our British tour guide, James. What can I say about James. James was charming, funny, smart and so cute! First thing I noticed was his outfit which was so typically British. Brown cords, a button down shirt, a brown sportscoat, a messenger bag and a newsboy(?) hat that I found out later most Irishman and Brits wear. This was pretty much his look everyday and it just made the trip more authentic.
 | |||
| Shannon Airport |
From there we drove to the village of Adare which, according to James, is probably the prettiest little village in Ireland. I have to agree! Thatched rooftops and the most adorable park.
 | |
| Pub in Adare |
 |
| thatched roofs! |
 |
| cute buidling |
We were only in Adare for a about an hour before the trek to our stop for the next 2 nights...Kilarney!
Here are some random castles (!) that spotted the road to Kilarney.
 |
| castle |
 | ||
| Castle |
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Busy busy
Bat pups are doing well! Gaining weight (thanks to my sleep deprivation, I'm sure=) and staying warm. I plan on setting up the flight tent tomorrow since one of the pups is ready to start flying!
Its amazing how different their personalities are. One pup just bitches about everything. My littlest one just wants to cuddle and comes scurrying over to me as soon as I open the tent. My oldest one is acting more and more like a typical adult bat...cautious but aware Im the one with the food=)
Its amazing how different their personalities are. One pup just bitches about everything. My littlest one just wants to cuddle and comes scurrying over to me as soon as I open the tent. My oldest one is acting more and more like a typical adult bat...cautious but aware Im the one with the food=)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
I need toothpicks...
to prop my eyelids open. Baby season is in full swing here at City Bats Conservancy. I haven't even been home a week and i already have 3 pups in need of round the clock feedings. Exhausted but enjoying these little sweet peas.
Ireland recap is coming....really.
off to catch a few hours sleep before round 79 of pup feeding.....
Ireland recap is coming....really.
off to catch a few hours sleep before round 79 of pup feeding.....
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Irish eyes are smiling
I'm back!
Ireland was every bit as amazing as I had hoped. Love the country, the people, the countryside and even the cities.
My first trip abroad was so positive and really put a lot of things in perspective. I feel like I have opened a door in my life that I desperately needed to find and step through. Greeting me on the other side was a big, wide open world that I had been afraid to explore but now I am anxious to see.
I will post a day by day once I recover from the (slight) jet lag and resume a sense of normalcy in the next few days.
What an adventure it was and one I will repeat. However, a new and exciting place to visit is already forming in my mind for next year! More to come!
Ireland was every bit as amazing as I had hoped. Love the country, the people, the countryside and even the cities.
My first trip abroad was so positive and really put a lot of things in perspective. I feel like I have opened a door in my life that I desperately needed to find and step through. Greeting me on the other side was a big, wide open world that I had been afraid to explore but now I am anxious to see.
I will post a day by day once I recover from the (slight) jet lag and resume a sense of normalcy in the next few days.
What an adventure it was and one I will repeat. However, a new and exciting place to visit is already forming in my mind for next year! More to come!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Leaving on a jet plane
today is the day. I board a plane for a 10 hour flight across the atlantic to Ireland.
I am scared shitless but excited.
I am already homesick.
It will be great though if nothing else...ITS IRELAND!
Deep breath......
I am scared shitless but excited.
I am already homesick.
It will be great though if nothing else...ITS IRELAND!
Deep breath......
Monday, May 7, 2012
down to the wire
Ireland countdown has begun! I leave in 8 days and am nervous and excited. I still have a ton of stuff to do but the list is getting done.
Chris started the Rabies vaccine series to take care of the bats for me. I'm a lucky gal.
In other news, Merlin's "mass" was an impacted scent gland. I really need to chill out and stop jumping to conclusions =P
Chris started the Rabies vaccine series to take care of the bats for me. I'm a lucky gal.
In other news, Merlin's "mass" was an impacted scent gland. I really need to chill out and stop jumping to conclusions =P
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
There must be something in our water...
So now Merlin has a mass on his lower lip. It appeared rather suddenly or at least I only just noticed it. The latter doesnt surprise me since he is all black (including black pigmented gum tissue) and isnt keen on anyone messing with his mouth. Its solid feeling and I cant determine whether it feels attached to any bone or muscle. I am desperately hoping and praying that it is not.
He's 13 now and Piggy's 14. They both will be having a birthday soon too. I hate the fact that they are getting older and I think about it all the time. I cant imagine my life without them.
Not that they are going anywhere anytime soon(knock on wood)! This mass could just be a cyst (please, please, please let it be a cyst). Thursday he has an appointment for a dental and to either remove or biopsy the mass. Its in a bad spot for removal, not much skin to be able to close.
Meanwhile, I made an appointment with a therapist to sort me out. The insomnia is unbearable and my social anxiety is pretty bad. As in I push people out of my life kinda bad. I dont know if this will help since I am notoriously bad at spilling my guts but I need to at least really try.
The countdown to Ireland has officially begun. I am so glad to be going but also really nervous!
He's 13 now and Piggy's 14. They both will be having a birthday soon too. I hate the fact that they are getting older and I think about it all the time. I cant imagine my life without them.
Not that they are going anywhere anytime soon(knock on wood)! This mass could just be a cyst (please, please, please let it be a cyst). Thursday he has an appointment for a dental and to either remove or biopsy the mass. Its in a bad spot for removal, not much skin to be able to close.
Meanwhile, I made an appointment with a therapist to sort me out. The insomnia is unbearable and my social anxiety is pretty bad. As in I push people out of my life kinda bad. I dont know if this will help since I am notoriously bad at spilling my guts but I need to at least really try.
The countdown to Ireland has officially begun. I am so glad to be going but also really nervous!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Insomnia is the pits
Dear brain,
I want to sleep. I love to sleep. I get great joy out of sleeping. Why do we have to disagree on this subject? Really, you benefit big time. Sleeping a solid 8 hours is like Thanksgiving. Seriously, you get fed all this crazy chemical juice which makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. Just think, it could be like that EVERY DAY.
So, can we please make up and catch some z's?
k, thanks
the bod
I want to sleep. I love to sleep. I get great joy out of sleeping. Why do we have to disagree on this subject? Really, you benefit big time. Sleeping a solid 8 hours is like Thanksgiving. Seriously, you get fed all this crazy chemical juice which makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. Just think, it could be like that EVERY DAY.
So, can we please make up and catch some z's?
k, thanks
the bod
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Schools out for summer!
Nod to Alice Cooper for the title of this post but thats not entirely true. School is out for 2 weeks=P I did remarkably well! I got a B in calc which I worked very very hard for. I also got an A in my tech course which I didnt have to work as hard for, lol. Thankfully, that stuff comes much easier to me.
Good(?) new with Grimmy. I took him to see Dr. O Thursday for what I was convinced was for enlarged lymph nodes. Naturally, I thought the worst. My brain instantly jumped to lymphoma or Bartonella (which wouldnt have been awful, just a long duration of medication).
Turns out after doing a fine needle aspirate (he was good for it, such a brave kitty) it turns out I just have a really fat cat. Yeah. She aspirated what I instantly saw as fat on the slide. Apparantly, the "enlarged" I was talking about was a fat roll above his calf muscle. god.
He weighed 16lbs! That is a 5lb gain since December when we got him. Needless to say, he has been put on a very strict diet which he is taking pretty well. I switched him over to Purina OM since its a higher protein than Sciene Diet light which is less calories but more carbs. Since his problem is that he is always screaming for food, I figured a higher protein will keep him fuller faster. So far, so good.
Before I can even think about declawing, I need to get him back to a normal weight so he's not bearing all that extra on his paws postop. I plan on weighing him once a month to see our progress.
In other news, I had to euthanize Bruce the bat =P Poor little thing was wasting away. I have a few theories, he may have been an older bat which I suspect do to his wing condition. May be it was renal? liver? He never ate whole mealworms and I concocted every recipe from the book and then some trying to find something that he would like. He ended up liking A/D which is completely wrong. I would gradually add blended mealworms to it but he always knew something was up and would refuse it. I just hope that I did everything that I could. I think I did but I agonize over every bat that dosent make it to see if I could have done something different.
I plan on spending the weekend tackling more spring cleaning and catching up on my ever expanding to-do list.
Good(?) new with Grimmy. I took him to see Dr. O Thursday for what I was convinced was for enlarged lymph nodes. Naturally, I thought the worst. My brain instantly jumped to lymphoma or Bartonella (which wouldnt have been awful, just a long duration of medication).
Turns out after doing a fine needle aspirate (he was good for it, such a brave kitty) it turns out I just have a really fat cat. Yeah. She aspirated what I instantly saw as fat on the slide. Apparantly, the "enlarged" I was talking about was a fat roll above his calf muscle. god.
He weighed 16lbs! That is a 5lb gain since December when we got him. Needless to say, he has been put on a very strict diet which he is taking pretty well. I switched him over to Purina OM since its a higher protein than Sciene Diet light which is less calories but more carbs. Since his problem is that he is always screaming for food, I figured a higher protein will keep him fuller faster. So far, so good.
Before I can even think about declawing, I need to get him back to a normal weight so he's not bearing all that extra on his paws postop. I plan on weighing him once a month to see our progress.
In other news, I had to euthanize Bruce the bat =P Poor little thing was wasting away. I have a few theories, he may have been an older bat which I suspect do to his wing condition. May be it was renal? liver? He never ate whole mealworms and I concocted every recipe from the book and then some trying to find something that he would like. He ended up liking A/D which is completely wrong. I would gradually add blended mealworms to it but he always knew something was up and would refuse it. I just hope that I did everything that I could. I think I did but I agonize over every bat that dosent make it to see if I could have done something different.
I plan on spending the weekend tackling more spring cleaning and catching up on my ever expanding to-do list.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Sunday, April 22, 2012
My Pledge
1. reduce/eliminate plastic shopping bags by bringing my own
2. recycle plastic and glass until I make a habit of recycling
3. Reduce consumerism because really, less IS more
4. Landscape with native plants
5. Grow and purchase local and organic as much as I can
6. Use homemade cleaners EXCLUSIVELY.
Many of these I have started implementing but today I pledge to really make an effort on doing what I can to ensure this amazing planet, the ONLY planet we have, gets the respect she deserves.
pic from google image search
Friday, April 20, 2012
TGIF...I think
What a week. Its been very long and very crappy. It seems as if everything is going wrong at work, its finals week, the house is a mess and I have a ton of stuff to do (including find a bat rehabber to care for my non-releasables! yikes!) all before I leave for Ireland in 3 weeks.
However, I know it could be worse and I am a lucky person. First of all I have a job, I can go to school, I have house to clean and I am going to Ireland. I tend to forget how lucky I am in the midst of the chaos. (The bat thing though is still a HUGE source of stress, I have to admit)
I also have an incredible mister and 4 awesome (most of the time=) cats. Grimmy is a real pleasure and I am glad he is ours. He has got about 50 vet visits ahead of him (Im almost positive he has Bartonella) but I suppose its good that we took him in and will take the time and relatively small expense (thanks to an awesome vet) to fix him up and get him out in general population.
We are slowly getting the living room to our liking and more"us". We added "beetlejuice" curtains over the ugly vertical blinds. We raised the curtain up about a foot since the wall looked like Christina Ricci's forehead before, big and empty. We figured this would eliminate the whole boxy look we had going on before. Of course this is the pic that shows no artwork rehung and mismatched temporary furniture..but Piggy's cute anyway.
Only about a million other things to do but its getting there.
However, I know it could be worse and I am a lucky person. First of all I have a job, I can go to school, I have house to clean and I am going to Ireland. I tend to forget how lucky I am in the midst of the chaos. (The bat thing though is still a HUGE source of stress, I have to admit)
I also have an incredible mister and 4 awesome (most of the time=) cats. Grimmy is a real pleasure and I am glad he is ours. He has got about 50 vet visits ahead of him (Im almost positive he has Bartonella) but I suppose its good that we took him in and will take the time and relatively small expense (thanks to an awesome vet) to fix him up and get him out in general population.
We are slowly getting the living room to our liking and more"us". We added "beetlejuice" curtains over the ugly vertical blinds. We raised the curtain up about a foot since the wall looked like Christina Ricci's forehead before, big and empty. We figured this would eliminate the whole boxy look we had going on before. Of course this is the pic that shows no artwork rehung and mismatched temporary furniture..but Piggy's cute anyway.
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| Burton curtains! |
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Spring cleaning!
Mariana and I started spring cleaning this weekend! The house is nasty and has a faint (or strong if you ask Chris) odor of cat, mildew and hot sauce (i dont even know how to explain that). At any rate, it needed cleaned, and I mean cleaned really badly.
However, chris and I are really busy and the house cleaning gets pushed aside and put at the bottom of the list every week. I know everybody is busy, its America thats how we operate, but with Chris juggling a full time job, a growing business that is trying to open its doors and dealing with business politics, he is pretty much stretched to thin as it is. He has a mile long to-do list that had to be completed months ago.
As for me its working, my part in the business planning, school and City Bats. It's amazing how much work there is to do, all the time.
But anyway, back to this weekend.
It was a good weekend to start since I just finished a test last week and we are reviewing for the finals this week so nothing is due (for the most part) at school. School is a huge source of pressure for me. These are pre-vet classes and they are tough! Needless to say, I am a wreck most of this time.
We tackled the hallway and wiped down the walls with vinegar and water (I read that was the thing to do) and dusted and vacuumed. We made sure we even got the doors and arch thingy that holds all the knickknacks. We ended up doing 3 water changes in the bucket. It was THAT GROSS.
We were pretty much beat after that so we stopped for the day. I started the little room where we are currently housing Grim. Just as nasty.
Not a bad start. The kitchen will take both Chris and I for sure. I am looking forward to scrubbing it down. It will probably top all the other rooms as far as grim and dirt goes! Yuck.
However, chris and I are really busy and the house cleaning gets pushed aside and put at the bottom of the list every week. I know everybody is busy, its America thats how we operate, but with Chris juggling a full time job, a growing business that is trying to open its doors and dealing with business politics, he is pretty much stretched to thin as it is. He has a mile long to-do list that had to be completed months ago.
As for me its working, my part in the business planning, school and City Bats. It's amazing how much work there is to do, all the time.
But anyway, back to this weekend.
It was a good weekend to start since I just finished a test last week and we are reviewing for the finals this week so nothing is due (for the most part) at school. School is a huge source of pressure for me. These are pre-vet classes and they are tough! Needless to say, I am a wreck most of this time.
We tackled the hallway and wiped down the walls with vinegar and water (I read that was the thing to do) and dusted and vacuumed. We made sure we even got the doors and arch thingy that holds all the knickknacks. We ended up doing 3 water changes in the bucket. It was THAT GROSS.
We were pretty much beat after that so we stopped for the day. I started the little room where we are currently housing Grim. Just as nasty.
Not a bad start. The kitchen will take both Chris and I for sure. I am looking forward to scrubbing it down. It will probably top all the other rooms as far as grim and dirt goes! Yuck.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
revamped and recharged
I updated my 2012 list as there have been a few modifications since January. I decided to postpone my surgery for a year due to some recent developments with logistics. It was not an easy decision. I have/had all my hopes invested in this surgery happening but Chris has pledged to tackle weight loss and getting healthy for one year. I think this can be achieved as a team.
In other news...
My parents postponed their trip down here. Instead of a Spring visit, they are coming in the Fall. I'm bummed. I miss them.
I also miss home. I have a pretty good life here in Florida and I'm very lucky to have an amazing mister by my side. But, I do have a touch of homesickness. I miss Michigan and my parents and my old home and Dodger the cat.
It's weird really. I dont feel my age. I have the mentality that nothing has changed, really since I was in my mid twenties. Maybe its because I am STILL in school (damn my indecisiveness) or maybe I am still figuring stuff out. Which is kinda sad now that I think about it.
It is what it is though.
In other news...
My parents postponed their trip down here. Instead of a Spring visit, they are coming in the Fall. I'm bummed. I miss them.
I also miss home. I have a pretty good life here in Florida and I'm very lucky to have an amazing mister by my side. But, I do have a touch of homesickness. I miss Michigan and my parents and my old home and Dodger the cat.
It's weird really. I dont feel my age. I have the mentality that nothing has changed, really since I was in my mid twenties. Maybe its because I am STILL in school (damn my indecisiveness) or maybe I am still figuring stuff out. Which is kinda sad now that I think about it.
It is what it is though.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Its been a whole week! Ive been uber busy and this week has really flown by. April and May are shaping up to be crazy busy months.
Only 3 more weeks of school left and I am having a really hard time staying focused. I guess I am just ready for it to be over.
Tomorrow is going to be a math homework and test study day. All day! I just have to stay the course!
Only 3 more weeks of school left and I am having a really hard time staying focused. I guess I am just ready for it to be over.
Tomorrow is going to be a math homework and test study day. All day! I just have to stay the course!
Friday, March 30, 2012
Time flies! (and baby otters kill with cuteness)
Wow its been awhile. Not too much has been happening since last post. Working, planning,school, house reno's, rehabbing...busy,busy.
I did get tosnuggleandsqueeze pet two baby otters though! Mary Jane is rehabbing them. I was dropping off mealies and picking up a trap when I heard chirping from one of her large cages. I wasnt sure what it was since it wasnt quite birdlike. She lifted the blanket that was covering the cage and the sweetest little face popped out from underneath a pile of newspapers!
So cute. Seriously, I fell in instant love. The otter has officially jumped to the top five in the infinite long list of favorite animals. She took the little boy out and he was like a little kitten! All playful and clamoring for attention. He was no bigger than ruler and so soft! Their fur is thick but velvety. She says she hasnt had otters in 10 years so she is really enjoying them. I feel so lucky that I got to actually pet a baby otter. What a treat!
Of course, I didnt have a camera but I am hoping for a pic when I return the trap. Hopefully, she will still have them!
I googled a pic because now I am all otter giddy and this is pretty much the same face that greeted me!
Ever feel something was so stinking cute that you just wanted to bite em haha? Not in a sick twisted way but in a Iamgoingtoimplodefromthecutenessoverload type of way?
My parents taught me not to bite so consider me dead from self-implosion.
I did get to
So cute. Seriously, I fell in instant love. The otter has officially jumped to the top five in the
Of course, I didnt have a camera but I am hoping for a pic when I return the trap. Hopefully, she will still have them!
I googled a pic because now I am all otter giddy and this is pretty much the same face that greeted me!
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| Love! |
My parents taught me not to bite so consider me dead from self-implosion.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Hot times
I know that most of the country is rejoicing in this especially mild winter that we had. Being from Michigan, I do understand how nice a reprieve from shoveling snow and icy roads are.
But I'm in Florida now (miss the seasons sooooo much=( where its hot 80% of the year as it is. I was looking forward to the crisp cool mornings and hoodie weather the last 4 months was supposed to afford. But, alas, not this year (and I am concerned about years to come).
It was in the upper 80's the past few days. Not typical which means the scorching, humid miserable summer is probably coming earlier than I would have liked this year. Le sigh.....
The possible up side is maybe my veggie garden (which I have yet to plan, yikes!) will be a success this year. That is if my black thumb of plant death dosent go all grim reaper the whole thing.
But I'm in Florida now (miss the seasons sooooo much=( where its hot 80% of the year as it is. I was looking forward to the crisp cool mornings and hoodie weather the last 4 months was supposed to afford. But, alas, not this year (and I am concerned about years to come).
It was in the upper 80's the past few days. Not typical which means the scorching, humid miserable summer is probably coming earlier than I would have liked this year. Le sigh.....
The possible up side is maybe my veggie garden (which I have yet to plan, yikes!) will be a success this year. That is if my black thumb of plant death dosent go all grim reaper the whole thing.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Happy day
St Patty's day was a good day! We did a two-fer and celebrated our 5th (!) anniversery (March 18) and Chris's birthday (March 28th) as well by taking Mariana to Boma. So goood as always. It's an African Buffet that serves the most amazing food. The carrot ginger soup is to die for! I am also a big fan of their sirloin and fufu (african yam dish). I also have to admit I frequent the kids buffet for the mac and cheeze! haha! Buts its so creamy and good!
I love Boma cause we can literally walk outside and see Giraffe, Zebra and Crowned Cranes grazing around the premises since its located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
We always joke about how there are a few dozen other places to eat at at WDW that we want to try but we love Boma so much that we just keep coming back! AKL is kinda our special place though. It was the first real weekend we spent together after we started dating (Chris surprised me with it!). So much so that when we booked a cabin at the Disney campground on property a few years ago they ended up overbooking them and we were relocated to the lodge. I was soooooo disappointed not to finally stay at the cabin (we were planning for months) but ended up loving AKL the 2nd time around. After that, it has and will remain my most treasured place to be with my mister.
Animal Kingdom is my favorite park and I loved working there in education. I suppose it sort of fits that I am drawn there.
We had thought about heading over the Magic Kingdom to top the celebrating off with a fitting Haunted Mansion end but we were so sleepy and stuffed that we decided to head home on the condition that we would make our own shamrock shakes (yes, more food!)
So we had a grand time making a huge mess in the kitchen. Lots of laughter due to my inept skills at controlling how much mint to add to a shamrock shake (needless to say we had to use the whole container of ice cream to dilute the mint =P) Mariana was a good sport as the taste tester although my mad mint shake skills sent her to the sink to spit out the overly minty shake at some point.
It was a good weekend!
I love Boma cause we can literally walk outside and see Giraffe, Zebra and Crowned Cranes grazing around the premises since its located in the Animal Kingdom Lodge.
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| Animal Kingdom Lodge |
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| Greater Kudu at AKL |
Animal Kingdom is my favorite park and I loved working there in education. I suppose it sort of fits that I am drawn there.
We had thought about heading over the Magic Kingdom to top the celebrating off with a fitting Haunted Mansion end but we were so sleepy and stuffed that we decided to head home on the condition that we would make our own shamrock shakes (yes, more food!)
So we had a grand time making a huge mess in the kitchen. Lots of laughter due to my inept skills at controlling how much mint to add to a shamrock shake (needless to say we had to use the whole container of ice cream to dilute the mint =P) Mariana was a good sport as the taste tester although my mad mint shake skills sent her to the sink to spit out the overly minty shake at some point.
It was a good weekend!
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Look who's staying for dinner....permanently
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| "Grim" |
I wish I could blame it on the fact NO ONE called about him in the past 4 months to adopt or even inquire about him (so sad). Well, that IS part of it. Primarily though its because we are rather fond of him and as you can see, he is quite comfortable in is new digs.
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| Grim getting his chill on |
Oye, another
Friday, March 9, 2012
and friday, Im in love
I am itching to do some renovations around this house. It will be a few years until I move so I want to pretty it up a bit.
We have some bits started in our Haunted Mansion Hallway but we are getting to this effect very slowly. The wallpaper would make it all work but its expensive! We also need the stretching portraits and the arm sconce and I think we would be pretty much set. (althought the servants quarters bat sign would be AWESOME for the door of the bat room!)
We have ideas but need to build it slowly due to funds. I would LOVE to DIY stuff! Which we might have to do!
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| Dream Bathroom! |
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| Dream Kitchen! |
| my (kinda) dream hallway! |
We have ideas but need to build it slowly due to funds. I would LOVE to DIY stuff! Which we might have to do!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Dude, this is the best shit evah....
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| cats getting their high on |
And apparantly, the evidence that they did too much was found in a nice green yak pile in the hallway several hours later.
Monday, March 5, 2012
speaking of babies
I sort of have baby fever lately. Something I thought would NEVER happen to me. I was adamant since I was a teenager that I did not want kids...ever. Just my farm with lots of animals! However, lately I have been thinking that maybe I do want A kid, not kids, but one kid. Oh, and the farm with the lots of animals...kid or no kid that will never change.
It terrifies me though. I really dont know what kind of mom I would make. My pitfalls make me think I would never make mom of the year. I'm impatient, quick tempered, hate ill manners, easily annoyed and really enjoy my down time. Sheesh, I sound like a real drag, haha. Thank goodness all these shortcomings rear their ugly heads only on occasion...for the most part=p I also am aware that I am pretty selfish. I want to do so many things still.....vet school, travel, field work, buy acres and acres for the Ultimate Plan. It seems a kid might, dare I say, get in the way? Awful, I know. But I'm trying to keep it real.
In talking to Chris, I also mentioned that I feel this world is going to shit and fast. Did I mention I'm pessimistic as well? It would seem a pretty cruel thing to do to bring a kid into this world in the state that its in. Chris said that is one reason why I should have a kid. Someone who cares about the planet, about women, animals, who is kind, compassionate and wants to make a positive difference. All the things I want and strive to be.
I said it seems like I would be raising a soldier. I suppose I would be in a sense. A soldier for good. To help dispel the negativity that has us surrounded on a daily basis. A soldier that fights with love =) I suppose it would be like raising the white flag is I decided this planet isnt worth fighting for. I certainly dont want to do that.
I'm not claiming to be perfect. I fuck up on a daily basis but my hope is that I can nurture the positive qualities that we would bring to a kid. Human beings have inner demons, a dark side of the force in a way (haha) that linger in shadows of our subconscience or souls depending on your beliefs. Every human has it from Ghandi to Mother Theresa. I think though that they learned to acknowledge that aspect, respect that its there and maybe have a cup of tea and work out your differences. But, make it perfectly clear that he's never invited to the party. There is my deep thought for the day. lol.
I will be turning 36 this year(!) I dont feel 36 if thats supposed to feel any different then 30. Yet, I know my body is doing some weird miraculous crazy shit that I cant feel that is telling my mind I should probably start thinking about this baby thing more seriously.
Well, I already have thrown around some names...does that count? haha. I like Helena Grace (H.G Wells!) and Henry James Gerald. Chris like H.G but isnt on board for Henry. He says it reminds him of a serial killer. m'kay.
Harrison James Gerald is a good alternative I think. Classic and strong.
I guess we'll see what happens!
It terrifies me though. I really dont know what kind of mom I would make. My pitfalls make me think I would never make mom of the year. I'm impatient, quick tempered, hate ill manners, easily annoyed and really enjoy my down time. Sheesh, I sound like a real drag, haha. Thank goodness all these shortcomings rear their ugly heads only on occasion...for the most part=p I also am aware that I am pretty selfish. I want to do so many things still.....vet school, travel, field work, buy acres and acres for the Ultimate Plan. It seems a kid might, dare I say, get in the way? Awful, I know. But I'm trying to keep it real.
In talking to Chris, I also mentioned that I feel this world is going to shit and fast. Did I mention I'm pessimistic as well? It would seem a pretty cruel thing to do to bring a kid into this world in the state that its in. Chris said that is one reason why I should have a kid. Someone who cares about the planet, about women, animals, who is kind, compassionate and wants to make a positive difference. All the things I want and strive to be.
I said it seems like I would be raising a soldier. I suppose I would be in a sense. A soldier for good. To help dispel the negativity that has us surrounded on a daily basis. A soldier that fights with love =) I suppose it would be like raising the white flag is I decided this planet isnt worth fighting for. I certainly dont want to do that.
I'm not claiming to be perfect. I fuck up on a daily basis but my hope is that I can nurture the positive qualities that we would bring to a kid. Human beings have inner demons, a dark side of the force in a way (haha) that linger in shadows of our subconscience or souls depending on your beliefs. Every human has it from Ghandi to Mother Theresa. I think though that they learned to acknowledge that aspect, respect that its there and maybe have a cup of tea and work out your differences. But, make it perfectly clear that he's never invited to the party. There is my deep thought for the day. lol.
I will be turning 36 this year(!) I dont feel 36 if thats supposed to feel any different then 30. Yet, I know my body is doing some weird miraculous crazy shit that I cant feel that is telling my mind I should probably start thinking about this baby thing more seriously.
Well, I already have thrown around some names...does that count? haha. I like Helena Grace (H.G Wells!) and Henry James Gerald. Chris like H.G but isnt on board for Henry. He says it reminds him of a serial killer. m'kay.
Harrison James Gerald is a good alternative I think. Classic and strong.
I guess we'll see what happens!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Released my little girl evening bat admit last night! After several days of SQ fluids and rest, she started eating a TON of mealies. Like unusually large appetite for an evening. Maybe she is planning on being a mama? Wouldn't that be the icing on the already vanilla with filling cupcake......mmmmm cupcakes....
Can you tell I'm still on a diet? haha!
So glad that she is out there being a bat. I wished her luck and a long life with lots of babies=)
I love a success story!
Can you tell I'm still on a diet? haha!
So glad that she is out there being a bat. I wished her luck and a long life with lots of babies=)
I love a success story!
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Dr. C emailed me the results of the necropsy on Flapjack last night. She reported that all his organs looked normal except the kidneys were a little redder than she expected. She suspected that the cause of death was a kidney infection secondary to his thumb joint infection or an undiagnosed UTI.
I am glad, in a way, that it wasnt his liver since I am always worried about their nutrition. However, I am angry with myself for not being diligent in observing his elimination behavior. It may have clued me in if I noticed anything abnormal. I became lazy with my captives.
I learned though from Flappy's death. I reassesed the diets and am creating a chart for my remaining captives. I will be more aware of their habits and document changes as if they were one of my admits.
I removed his cage today and rearranged the bat room so hopefully I can move on from this. I miss him. Terribly. I miss giving him belly rubs with the tiny bat comb, I miss the cute little stretches he would do after a good meal. I miss how excited he became when I opened his cage and hand fed him is meals and water. I miss the way he would wrap himself up in his furry little tail and hang by one foot when he slept.
I wish he was still here =(
I am glad, in a way, that it wasnt his liver since I am always worried about their nutrition. However, I am angry with myself for not being diligent in observing his elimination behavior. It may have clued me in if I noticed anything abnormal. I became lazy with my captives.
I learned though from Flappy's death. I reassesed the diets and am creating a chart for my remaining captives. I will be more aware of their habits and document changes as if they were one of my admits.
I removed his cage today and rearranged the bat room so hopefully I can move on from this. I miss him. Terribly. I miss giving him belly rubs with the tiny bat comb, I miss the cute little stretches he would do after a good meal. I miss how excited he became when I opened his cage and hand fed him is meals and water. I miss the way he would wrap himself up in his furry little tail and hang by one foot when he slept.
I wish he was still here =(
Friday, March 2, 2012
a needed break
My darling mister gave me the day off from the bugs and orders and gloominess of the warehouse after I told him I needed a mental health day. I'm so glad he did. He took over the orders today and I know he is tired. We (as in mostly he) have been replacing the carpet with laminate in the living room in preperation for his saltwater tank project.
He looked up some you tube videos on a DIY laminate flooring tutorial and they make it look so easy. Let me tell you, its not! What they say takes a few hours, has thus far taken us 2 days and not even half way complete. It stinks. By the end of the night we were hunched over with bruised knees and claws for hands. The bright side is that it looks great so far. Its so much better than the carpet which was NASTY. I mean, we knew it was nasty, but once it was ripped up it was way more nastier than even nasty can adequetley describe. Lesson learned though, no more carpet....ever!
At any rate, I have been attending to my remaining bats today. Doing health checks, assesing the diet, enclosures and such so that I can regroup since Flappy's death. I sent his remains to Dr. Cottrell last night for necropsy and he arrives today. I am just waiting on word in the next few days for any theories as to what may have caused my little loves demise. I'm anxious. I haven't been able to stop thinking about him and looking at his empty enclosure saddens me daily.
I was also to get a huge chunk of school stuff done that has been lingering on the back burner for awhile. I feel like I got quite a bit accomplished so far.
I love my boy.
He looked up some you tube videos on a DIY laminate flooring tutorial and they make it look so easy. Let me tell you, its not! What they say takes a few hours, has thus far taken us 2 days and not even half way complete. It stinks. By the end of the night we were hunched over with bruised knees and claws for hands. The bright side is that it looks great so far. Its so much better than the carpet which was NASTY. I mean, we knew it was nasty, but once it was ripped up it was way more nastier than even nasty can adequetley describe. Lesson learned though, no more carpet....ever!
At any rate, I have been attending to my remaining bats today. Doing health checks, assesing the diet, enclosures and such so that I can regroup since Flappy's death. I sent his remains to Dr. Cottrell last night for necropsy and he arrives today. I am just waiting on word in the next few days for any theories as to what may have caused my little loves demise. I'm anxious. I haven't been able to stop thinking about him and looking at his empty enclosure saddens me daily.
I was also to get a huge chunk of school stuff done that has been lingering on the back burner for awhile. I feel like I got quite a bit accomplished so far.
I love my boy.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
I'm doing a little better today. Mainly trying to keep my mind of the events of this past week. Too many deaths...polar opposites in impact. Goblin was expected and I'm grateful that she went peacefully, without pain. I have been preparing for her passing for months and I felt a sense of relief when she finally went. She was nothing but skin and bones and so feeble (but what an appetite!). She ate well up until the day she died which is why we didn't make that decision. It was day be day with her but in the end, she chose when to go.
Flappy was different. So sudden and so not right. He was young and full of life and was fine. I don't know what caused him to pass. I am having a necrosy done on him to hopefully get some answers.
Its been a pretty bad week.
Flappy was different. So sudden and so not right. He was young and full of life and was fine. I don't know what caused him to pass. I am having a necrosy done on him to hopefully get some answers.
Its been a pretty bad week.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
last weigh in!
I had my last weigh in at the diet class (I decided to take the extra 2 weeks and not weigh in at the beginning of the month as planned). The good news is that it paid off! I lost 7lbs since my last weigh in last month! I was so excited!
So now its a waiting (weighting? haha) game. I should know in about 3 weeks whether I have been approved or not from my insurance company. From there it should take another 3 weeks to get on the surgery books. So I figure about the end of April or beginning of May should be the time that my whole life begins to change!
So now its a waiting (weighting? haha) game. I should know in about 3 weeks whether I have been approved or not from my insurance company. From there it should take another 3 weeks to get on the surgery books. So I figure about the end of April or beginning of May should be the time that my whole life begins to change!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Bittersweet
A fellow bat friend just excitedly informed me that they posted the Bat blitz info. She is planning on going since its in the Florida panhandle this year(!). Usually, I end up having to drive to SC, NC or GA or somewhere in that area so what a treat that its finally close to home! To make things even more awesome, they plan on doing a survey at the GTM reserve where my batty friend is a biologist. She has been working with a bat biologist from my area (did not even know that he was so close to me when I met him last fall!) to set this up for almost a year. Great plans have been made and executed and finally confirmation of all this awesome battyness.
But I can't go.
The blitz is happening right when I am midway through my Ireland trip. Its not usually until mid to late summer, but alas I am assuming since its Florida and practically summer year round, the event was moved up a few months (?) Who knows, le sigh, I was so hoping (and counting on) the usual scheduling. So while I will be walking through old castles and looking for pots of gold (or lucky charms?) in the green hills of the emerald isle. My beloved blitz will be happening in practically my own back yard. sniffle.
Don't get me wrong, I am SO happy that I have this chance to go to Ireland. There will be many more blitzes, most likely. This one was special though in that I could really network with bat biologists in my own state. Especially, since I'm having doubts about vet school. I WANT to go to vet school more than anything. Being a veterinarian is part of the Ultimate Goal, however I am having a really hard time with some of the math and chem. I'm just not sure if I can get through it. I hate having doubts, but I am also facing a real reality that it may be the universe telling me its just not in my Plan. Maybe I am supposed to go into field biology like I initally intended.
Time will tell.
So, sadly, the bat blitz for 2012 is off the list due to scheduling conflicts. I do have another bat opp although less field related. The NASBR conference is in the fall so I am planning on making that happen.
But I can't go.
The blitz is happening right when I am midway through my Ireland trip. Its not usually until mid to late summer, but alas I am assuming since its Florida and practically summer year round, the event was moved up a few months (?) Who knows, le sigh, I was so hoping (and counting on) the usual scheduling. So while I will be walking through old castles and looking for pots of gold (or lucky charms?) in the green hills of the emerald isle. My beloved blitz will be happening in practically my own back yard. sniffle.
Don't get me wrong, I am SO happy that I have this chance to go to Ireland. There will be many more blitzes, most likely. This one was special though in that I could really network with bat biologists in my own state. Especially, since I'm having doubts about vet school. I WANT to go to vet school more than anything. Being a veterinarian is part of the Ultimate Goal, however I am having a really hard time with some of the math and chem. I'm just not sure if I can get through it. I hate having doubts, but I am also facing a real reality that it may be the universe telling me its just not in my Plan. Maybe I am supposed to go into field biology like I initally intended.
Time will tell.
So, sadly, the bat blitz for 2012 is off the list due to scheduling conflicts. I do have another bat opp although less field related. The NASBR conference is in the fall so I am planning on making that happen.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sleepy gets a garden
Mariana and I planted sleepy a garden! We used a busser's tub for the wheat and sweet oat grass, a window planter box for dandelions and we bought a hibiscus shrub and planted it in large pot until we figure out where we will put it permanently in the backyard. I also made to small pots of grass and dandelion so that I can put them directly into his enclosure for some enrichment as well as natural grazing practice. Im sure he feels weird eating out of a dish.
I cant wait to see the results of our hard work!
I cant wait to see the results of our hard work!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
2012
I've decided to list here some of the upcoming events that are confirmed for this year as well as some events/goals I would like to at least get started on as well. I plan on referencing it often and since my New Years resolution was to blog more here, this will "make" me do it, haha!
**I decided to make it part of my page as opposed to an entry. This should make it easier for me to reference over time instead of searching for it***
I am sure I will be adding more and some of these have subpoints that go along with them but I dont want to overwhelm my list! Its already mid-february so I need to get on this already.
My eye is still weird. But, not as weird, haha. Personally, I think its viral but whatevs. I also had to go back to the expensive allergy meds with D since the rx the nurse practitioner gave me dosent do crap. I think my next move is an allergist to finally get the relief I need.
**I decided to make it part of my page as opposed to an entry. This should make it easier for me to reference over time instead of searching for it***
I am sure I will be adding more and some of these have subpoints that go along with them but I dont want to overwhelm my list! Its already mid-february so I need to get on this already.
My eye is still weird. But, not as weird, haha. Personally, I think its viral but whatevs. I also had to go back to the expensive allergy meds with D since the rx the nurse practitioner gave me dosent do crap. I think my next move is an allergist to finally get the relief I need.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Dr. What (as in whats wrong with my eye)
I look like I have gone 6 rounds with Rocky for the past week. My eye has been all puffy and teary and red and I couldnt open it completely. Bu, alas, no pain! Like at all. It didnt hurt, it was more annoying than anything.
I figured it was allergies but my zyrtec-D was not helping so I bit the bullet and went to the doctor this morning. I was expecting a viral or bacterial conjunctivitis or something but instead I was told I had a corneal ulcer! huh?
Corneal ulcers in animals are VERY painful. I was not very painful, or even remotely painful. Pain was not even in the adjectives I used to describe the eye issue to the doc, but thats what they diagnosed (they said I had fluorecine dye uptake) and sent me to an ophthalmologist STAT. The irony was not lost on me,lol.
I was like, okay... maybe its different in people? Maybe its different pain receptors in animals that cause them to go spastic when you attempt to touch their (very obvious) red, squinting, painful eye upon examination? Needless to say, I was doubtful. But whatevs, I figured something is bothering me and who better than an eye doctor to figure it out. My doc's office did all the legwork and got me the appt this afternoon. At least I didnt have to call and all that.
The eye doctor was very nice, older and he wore a bow tie like Dr. Who (how cool is that!). As soon as he introduced himself you could tell he was doubtful it was a corneal ulcer without even getting all exam-y. He told me so. He said that they are very painful, red eye and you sometimes can see a spot...ha! I knew it!
However, it did turn out that I had a piece of fabric fiber stuck under my eyelid that was probably doing all the irritating. It was super tiny he said but enought to where he thought that it was probably the culprit. I agree, cuz I have been home an hour and it already feels 100% better.
yay for bowtied Doctors! haha!
**update: turns out I had a corneal abrasion when I went for a recheck since my eye was back to being puffy and irritated the following morning. Guess the fabric did some damage! He was surprised I was not in pain! I told him that I am a tough nut to crack when it comes to pain, haha. High tolerance I guess. Anyway, it was small but he said it was healing so sent home with meds and to heal!***
I figured it was allergies but my zyrtec-D was not helping so I bit the bullet and went to the doctor this morning. I was expecting a viral or bacterial conjunctivitis or something but instead I was told I had a corneal ulcer! huh?
Corneal ulcers in animals are VERY painful. I was not very painful, or even remotely painful. Pain was not even in the adjectives I used to describe the eye issue to the doc, but thats what they diagnosed (they said I had fluorecine dye uptake) and sent me to an ophthalmologist STAT. The irony was not lost on me,lol.
I was like, okay... maybe its different in people? Maybe its different pain receptors in animals that cause them to go spastic when you attempt to touch their (very obvious) red, squinting, painful eye upon examination? Needless to say, I was doubtful. But whatevs, I figured something is bothering me and who better than an eye doctor to figure it out. My doc's office did all the legwork and got me the appt this afternoon. At least I didnt have to call and all that.
The eye doctor was very nice, older and he wore a bow tie like Dr. Who (how cool is that!). As soon as he introduced himself you could tell he was doubtful it was a corneal ulcer without even getting all exam-y. He told me so. He said that they are very painful, red eye and you sometimes can see a spot...ha! I knew it!
However, it did turn out that I had a piece of fabric fiber stuck under my eyelid that was probably doing all the irritating. It was super tiny he said but enought to where he thought that it was probably the culprit. I agree, cuz I have been home an hour and it already feels 100% better.
yay for bowtied Doctors! haha!
**update: turns out I had a corneal abrasion when I went for a recheck since my eye was back to being puffy and irritated the following morning. Guess the fabric did some damage! He was surprised I was not in pain! I told him that I am a tough nut to crack when it comes to pain, haha. High tolerance I guess. Anyway, it was small but he said it was healing so sent home with meds and to heal!***
Saturday, February 4, 2012
I've been on a crash diet the past week to try and shave off a few more pounds before Monday's final weigh in. I rarely weigh myself but I decided to see if I had at least lost a few pounds. Well, as of yesterday at least, I had lost 5!
I have deviated slightly since then (I know, I know) but not much. Monday is the moment of truth and the final step in getting the ball rolling! Lets see what iit brings!
I have deviated slightly since then (I know, I know) but not much. Monday is the moment of truth and the final step in getting the ball rolling! Lets see what iit brings!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Last week I attended my 2nd to last nutrition class at Florida Hospital and was told my weight loss was not up to par. as in I lost 3lbs in 5 months. oye.
Well thats part of the reason i am getting this surgery, I have a hard time losing weight. Always have. My next class is Feb 6th or 28th. I can attend either one and I usually go at the end of the month. However, this will be my last month of the class and I REALLY want to get the ball rolling on the surgery. So, I plan on attending the one at the beginning of the month
The clincher is that I need to lose at least 3lbs by then and seeing that it took me 5months to lose 3lbs up until this point, I needed to do something different. I decided to follow Slim fast for the next week and see if the misery of liquid meals and constant hunger could at least get me to where I need to be so the surgery approval could go forward.
This is day one and I'm HUNGRY. Its only for a week though so I plan on suffering through it. It stinks but at least it allows me to get used to the amount of food I will be allowed to eat post op, which isnt a lot.
One day down, 6 more to go. Fingers crossed.
part of my pre-op requirement was to get a psych eval. I ended up taking some written and online tests and then spoke with the doc about my results. My scores were interesting and (much to my surprise) pretty accurate. It basically confirmed that I am a very anxious guarded introvert who avoids social interaction due to my low self-esteem and self-criticism as well as my inability to say no to people to the point that I eventually end up overextending myself to the point that I say eff you and ruin friendships/ relationships/ opportunites. In a nutshell. Not to mention that I am terrible with authority and refuse to follow rules because I feel like I am being pushed around. Wow. Needless to say, she recommended meds and therapy, haha.
So I made the appointment with my dr and started Celexa 2 days ago. I'm not sure if its due to the meds themselves or the fact that I really want them to work but I do feel a little better. I slept remarkably well the first night, not as well the 2nd night though. I did wake up thinking about somthing that was worrying me (cant remember what) but I was able to fall back asleep, which rarely happens. I usually end up getting up so that was an improvement.
She also prescribed meds for my chronic headaches which she thinks are due to stress. So far the headaches havent been as bad and when I do feel one coming on I pop a pill and it ceases to come to fruition. Thats also positive since those were annoying.
I'm relieved to be on meds. I so believe it is the best choice for me given my history with prozac which also helped in the past.
Here's hoping!
Well thats part of the reason i am getting this surgery, I have a hard time losing weight. Always have. My next class is Feb 6th or 28th. I can attend either one and I usually go at the end of the month. However, this will be my last month of the class and I REALLY want to get the ball rolling on the surgery. So, I plan on attending the one at the beginning of the month
The clincher is that I need to lose at least 3lbs by then and seeing that it took me 5months to lose 3lbs up until this point, I needed to do something different. I decided to follow Slim fast for the next week and see if the misery of liquid meals and constant hunger could at least get me to where I need to be so the surgery approval could go forward.
This is day one and I'm HUNGRY. Its only for a week though so I plan on suffering through it. It stinks but at least it allows me to get used to the amount of food I will be allowed to eat post op, which isnt a lot.
One day down, 6 more to go. Fingers crossed.
part of my pre-op requirement was to get a psych eval. I ended up taking some written and online tests and then spoke with the doc about my results. My scores were interesting and (much to my surprise) pretty accurate. It basically confirmed that I am a very anxious guarded introvert who avoids social interaction due to my low self-esteem and self-criticism as well as my inability to say no to people to the point that I eventually end up overextending myself to the point that I say eff you and ruin friendships/ relationships/ opportunites. In a nutshell. Not to mention that I am terrible with authority and refuse to follow rules because I feel like I am being pushed around. Wow. Needless to say, she recommended meds and therapy, haha.
So I made the appointment with my dr and started Celexa 2 days ago. I'm not sure if its due to the meds themselves or the fact that I really want them to work but I do feel a little better. I slept remarkably well the first night, not as well the 2nd night though. I did wake up thinking about somthing that was worrying me (cant remember what) but I was able to fall back asleep, which rarely happens. I usually end up getting up so that was an improvement.
She also prescribed meds for my chronic headaches which she thinks are due to stress. So far the headaches havent been as bad and when I do feel one coming on I pop a pill and it ceases to come to fruition. Thats also positive since those were annoying.
I'm relieved to be on meds. I so believe it is the best choice for me given my history with prozac which also helped in the past.
Here's hoping!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Bad Kitty
Merlin was literally caught in the act of urinating on Chris's shorts that were on the floor. This is quite unlike him. piggy has been known to pee on things rarely but not Merlin. Its been ongoing since we found a few more spots around the house. Grrrr....
Ive been monitoring his blood glucose levels and they have been in normal range the past few times. Maybe its the insulin. Maybe he has reverted and is no longer diabetic. I've seen that happen a few times in cats over the years.
Monday he has an appointment with Dr. O. It will SUCK taking him in as he morphs into a hellcat the minute you let him out of the carrier and on the exam table. Really. He becomes evil.
Ive been monitoring his blood glucose levels and they have been in normal range the past few times. Maybe its the insulin. Maybe he has reverted and is no longer diabetic. I've seen that happen a few times in cats over the years.
Monday he has an appointment with Dr. O. It will SUCK taking him in as he morphs into a hellcat the minute you let him out of the carrier and on the exam table. Really. He becomes evil.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Busy, Busy!
School is already in full swing with my first test rapidly approaching (Wed!). I'm only in my 3rd week and I am already stressing. Bah
In other new, we were able to come up with the full amount due for the next payment for Ireland! Yea! That's a load off.
I have a very busy few months ahead of me with getting the bats on their way (must start them SOON), the emerald isle and of course the my-entire-life-is-riding-on-this surgery. I can.not.wait. for that glorious day to finally be upon me. Its been a long and expensive road getting to this point and I am absolutely terrified that something will come unhinged and my insurance will deny it. I don't even know how I would deal with that.
anyway =) off to eat dinner and start the long arduous math homework.
In other new, we were able to come up with the full amount due for the next payment for Ireland! Yea! That's a load off.
I have a very busy few months ahead of me with getting the bats on their way (must start them SOON), the emerald isle and of course the my-entire-life-is-riding-on-this surgery. I can.not.wait. for that glorious day to finally be upon me. Its been a long and expensive road getting to this point and I am absolutely terrified that something will come unhinged and my insurance will deny it. I don't even know how I would deal with that.
anyway =) off to eat dinner and start the long arduous math homework.
Monday, January 16, 2012
this IS important...really
because now I no longer drive single-handedly because I have a coffee mug in my other hand. Precarious indeed.
Whomever invented travel mugs....not to mention cute travel mugs. I thank you.
Whomever invented travel mugs....not to mention cute travel mugs. I thank you.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Getting down to the wire....
Ireland is coming up fast. We have been on a quest to scrape up the
next payment due in a few weeks by rummaging through our stuff and
deciding what can be sold for some moolah.
I keep thinking that I am going to find something that I forgot I had that is so awesome that it will sell for serious dough. I can't help thinking back to a beanie baby I once had when they all the rage a long time ago that a woman offered $250 cash for. It got me a plane ticket to New Orleans. Madness, that beanie baby thing. Bizarre thinking back to it. It's amusing to me that I have maybe 2 or 3 now, bats and cats, and they are used as snuggle buddies for any new rehab bats I get in. ha!
Not counting on those this time around.
I keep thinking that I am going to find something that I forgot I had that is so awesome that it will sell for serious dough. I can't help thinking back to a beanie baby I once had when they all the rage a long time ago that a woman offered $250 cash for. It got me a plane ticket to New Orleans. Madness, that beanie baby thing. Bizarre thinking back to it. It's amusing to me that I have maybe 2 or 3 now, bats and cats, and they are used as snuggle buddies for any new rehab bats I get in. ha!
Not counting on those this time around.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Lazy Day
Spent all of today doing pretty much nothing. And it felt refreshing.
I have a to do list a mile long, deadlines to be met and brainstorming to do.
However, sometimes the brain just needs to recharge and the body needs a break.
So I took a cue from Piggy and curled up with a soft snuggley of my own and napped the afternoon away.
I have a to do list a mile long, deadlines to be met and brainstorming to do.
However, sometimes the brain just needs to recharge and the body needs a break.
So I took a cue from Piggy and curled up with a soft snuggley of my own and napped the afternoon away.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
We painted the frontroom of the warehouse which will be turned into the retail space once we open our doors to the public in February (eep!). Since we are focusing mostly on reptiles, we chose to do a southwest theme. Now my inspiration was actually a New Orleans home that I found on a google image search pictured here (kathyprice.typepad.com)
Are the colors awesome or what? It has that adobe, mexican desert vibe to it. We had decided on a terra cotta color before searching for decor ideas so we knew that would be our main color. However, we were stuck on the accent colors so this pic brought it all together for us. I love the muted off white trim and the pop of bright blue. We have a very small space so we will have to incorporate a bit more blue and the off white but this is what we ended up with so far.
I like it. I think it will all come together nicely once we build the shelves and pretty it up a bit.
I like it. I think it will all come together nicely once we build the shelves and pretty it up a bit.
Monday, January 2, 2012
We spent New Years Eve (as in the mister, Mariana and I) at home playing Dark Souls and catching up on Dexter (just started season 5). At the stroke of midnight we headed outside and watched the neighborhood fireworks and choked down sipped champagne. It was a pleasant night but not particularly different than most others (except for the champagne and fireworks)
New Years Eve in recent years hasnt been as monumental as those passed. Not sure why. There really isn't any where I would rather spend then at my home ringing in the new year. Home is where I am happiest. I feel safe here and comfortable.
Looking back at 2011, Im not sad to see it go. However, I dont want to start 2012 drudging up the pitfalls of 2011. Honestly, I dont know why, personally, it was such a poor year. I just wasnt happy most of the time. Chris told me that I tend to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, likening me to Atlas. If I had the muscles to handle it like the latter, it probably wouldnt have been so bad. However, I am not a particularly strong person. I get by but not without taking damage (I have been watching chris play way to many video games=) It's starting to wear me down.
But, 2012 is a new year, a fresh start in some aspects. I am a little apprehensive about resolutions (other than the one I made last month), because I have never stuck with them. Maybe thats part of the problem. I make all these big promises to myself but always let myself down.
Anyway, I am grateful for what I have and I really do realize that it could be so so much worse. I have a roof over my head, food to eat and healthcare. All possible because of one person who loves me. Thats pretty special.
Its funny but a Monty Python tune popped into my head this morning and its been playing itself over and over in my head all day. It just popped in there and puts things in a little bit more perspective, in a jolly way:
Words to live by =)
New Years Eve in recent years hasnt been as monumental as those passed. Not sure why. There really isn't any where I would rather spend then at my home ringing in the new year. Home is where I am happiest. I feel safe here and comfortable.
Looking back at 2011, Im not sad to see it go. However, I dont want to start 2012 drudging up the pitfalls of 2011. Honestly, I dont know why, personally, it was such a poor year. I just wasnt happy most of the time. Chris told me that I tend to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders, likening me to Atlas. If I had the muscles to handle it like the latter, it probably wouldnt have been so bad. However, I am not a particularly strong person. I get by but not without taking damage (I have been watching chris play way to many video games=) It's starting to wear me down.
But, 2012 is a new year, a fresh start in some aspects. I am a little apprehensive about resolutions (other than the one I made last month), because I have never stuck with them. Maybe thats part of the problem. I make all these big promises to myself but always let myself down.
Anyway, I am grateful for what I have and I really do realize that it could be so so much worse. I have a roof over my head, food to eat and healthcare. All possible because of one person who loves me. Thats pretty special.
Its funny but a Monty Python tune popped into my head this morning and its been playing itself over and over in my head all day. It just popped in there and puts things in a little bit more perspective, in a jolly way:
Words to live by =)
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