April 30, 2012

Z is for ZOMG It's The End

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You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."Z".
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Sadly, the A To Z April Challenge comes to an end today.  It has been fun!
I hope you had fun also and I hope you come back to visit often.
 I have a lot of catching up to do on the hundreds of blogs that participated.
I can't wait until the next challenge...maybe I will be better prepared!

April 29, 2012

Sunday Stealing: The Semi Charmed Meme


1. My uncle once: told me that I should not date certain people. He even paid me a dollar to not date them (I was only 12 years old or so)

2. Never in my life: have I been para-sailing and I really want to try it.

3. When I was five: I read "Beulah Land"...a very thick and good novel.

                                                                                         

4. High School was: stressful and I am glad I never have to go back.

5. I will never forget: my parents.

6. I once met: a few NASCAR drivers.

7. There’s this girl I know who: lives  in Japan.

8. Once, at a bar: I dumped a beer in my ex-husband's lap.

9. By noon, I’m usually: exhausted.

10. Last night: I played video games until after midnight.

11. If only I had: enough money to pay off all my bills and debt...and maybe even get a new car.

12. Next time I go to church: I will say an extra pray for everyone.

13. Jonathan Frid: is not my type. I don't like vampires all that much.

14. What worries me most: is death.

15. When I turn my head left, I see: my dogs.

16. When I turn my head right, I see: a Diet Pepsi.

17. You know I’m lying when: I try to avoid the question.

18. What I miss most about the 80s: Hair Bands, parachute pants and being a teenager (no bills to pay).

19. If I was a character in Shakespeare, I’d be: Portia (because I like the name).

20. By this time next year: Hubby should be feeling better.

21. A better name for me would be: Ms. Needs To Sleep

22. I have a hard time understanding: Stupidity

23. If I ever go back to school, I’d: would get my Master's Degree.

24. You know I like you if: I don't avoid you.

25. If I ever won an award, the first person I’d thank would be:  those that helped me to get to that point.

26. If I could bring back a TV show for a reunion it would be: M*A*S*H

27. Take my advice, never: go grocery shopping when you are hungry.

28. My ideal breakfast is: orange juice, milk, biscuits, gravy, scrambled eggs, hash browns and bacon.

29. A song I love, but do not own is:  We Are Young


30. If you visit my hometown, I'd suggest: not staying there very long...there is nothing to do.

31. If I could meet a couple of my blog buddies, I'd include: RoseAnn, Barb, Erin, Tamy, Misty Dawn, Bud, and Dennis (and his daddy).

32. Why won’t people: stop being idiots and try to make the world a better place.

33. If you spend the night at my house: my black lab would lick your face all night.

34. I’d stop everything for: the ones I love.

35. The world could do without: Child Abuse, Animal Abuse  and stupidity.


36. The last time I got drunk I: 30 years old...which was 12 years ago.

37. My favorite blonde is: none that I can think of.

38. Paper clips are more useful than: staples.

39. If I do anything well, it’s: listening to other.

40. And by the way: Duct tape is silver.
 

April 28, 2012

Y is for Yard

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You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."Y".
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Here are a few photos of my dog, Annabelle, playing in the yard.
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This post is also for participation in Camera Critters!
Visit more Camera Critters by clicking the graphic below!
Camera Critters
 

April 27, 2012

X is for "X" Phobias

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You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."X". 
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Do you suffer from any on the following phobias?

Xanthophobia: Fear of the color yellow or the word yellow.

Xenoglossophobia: Fear of foreign languages.

Xenophobia: Fear of strangers or foreigners.

Xerophobia: Fear of dryness.

Xylophobia: 1) Fear of wooden objects. 2) Forests.

Xyrophobia: Fear of razors.

April 26, 2012

W is for Wisconsin Winter Weather

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You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."W".
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Here are a few photos of the Winter Weather here in Wisconsin.

 December 2011...
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April 2011..
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February 2011...
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December 2010...
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April 25, 2012

V is for Victims of Abuse

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You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."V".
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Don't be a victim of abuse!

Don't let others be a victim of abuse!

If you see someone or know of someone (human or animal) that is being abused,
say something...do something...tell someone!

No human and no animal should be the victim of abuse!

There are NO excuses to justify abuse!

 
Abuse may be physical, mental, emotional, verbal, sexual, financial, or a combination of all of them!

Take a Stand and let Victims know they ARE NOT ALONE!

April 24, 2012

U is for Under

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."U".
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This is my dog Shelby, UNDER different things.
Here she is hiding under my desk.  She does this when it storms.
In this case she was hiding from the parade going through town.
Someone in the parade was making their car backfire and it scared Shelby.

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This is a photo of Shelby standing under the pine tree in our yard. 
It was the only place the snow could not touch her!

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And this third photo is Shelby trying to get under our boat.
She chased a bunny through the yard and the smart bunny
hid under the boat...then ran out the other side when
Shelby was not looking.

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April 23, 2012

T is for Tips

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."T".
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Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.

When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, ‘My purpose is to __________ today.’

Dream more while you are awake.

Try to make at least three people smile each day.

Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.

Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

Make peace with your past so it won’t spoil the present.

Don’t compare your life to others’. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

Do the right thing!

Call your family often.

Enjoy the ride. Remember this is not Disney World and you certainly don’t want a fast pass. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy the ride.

April 22, 2012

Earth Day 2012

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Today, April 22 2012 - more than one billion people around the globe will participate in Earth Day 2012. People of all nationalities and backgrounds will voice their appreciation for the planet and demand its protection. Together we will stand united for a sustainable future and call upon individuals, organizations, and governments to do their part.  Please visit EarthDay.org for more information.

April 21, 2012

S is for Save A Life

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html
Today we are working on the letter...."S".
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The Reason
- Author Unknown -

I would've died that day if not for you.
I would've given up on life if not for your kind eyes.
I would've used my teeth in fear if not for your gentle hands.
I would have left this life believing that all humans don't care

Believing there is no such thing as fur that isn't matted,
skin that isn't flea bitten, good food and enough of it,
beds to sleep on, someone to love me,
to show me I deserve love just because I exist.

Your kind eyes, your loving smile, your gentle hands
Your big heart saved me...
You saved me from the terror of the pound,
Soothing away the memories of my old life.

You have taught me what it means to be loved.
I have seen you do the same for other dogs like me.
I have heard you ask yourself in times of despair
Why you do it-

When there is no more money, no more room, no more homes
You open your heart a little bigger,
stretch the money a little tighter
Make just a little more room...to save one more like me.

I tell you with the gratitude and love that shines in my eyes
In the best way I know how
Reminding you why you go on trying.
I am the reason

The dogs before me are the reason
As are the ones who come after.
Our lives would've been wasted, our love never given
We would die if not for you. 

April 20, 2012

R is for Rescue

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."R".
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 Dedicated To Rescuers
By Arlene Pace

Once I was a lonely dog, Just looking for a home.
I had no place to go, No one to call my own.
I wandered up and down the streets, in rain in heat and snow.
Ate whatever I could find, I was always on the go.
My skin would itch, my feet were sore, My body ached with pain.
And no one stopped to give a pat, Or to gently say my name.
I never saw a loving glance, I was always on the run.
For people thought that hurting me was really lots of fun.

And then one day I heard a voice, So gentle, kind and sweet,
And arms so soft reached down to me, And took me off my feet.
"No one again will hurt you, Was whispered in my ear."
"You'll have a home to call your own, where you will know no fear."
"You will be dry, you will be warm, you'll have enough to eat."
"And rest assured that when you sleep, your dreams will all be sweet."
I was afraid I must admit, I've lived so long in fear.
I can't remember when I let, A human come so near.

And as she tended to my wounds, And bathed and brushed my fur
She told me about the rescue group, And what it meant to her.
She said, "We are a circle, A line that never ends."

"And in the center there is you protected by new friends."
"And all around you are the ones that check the pounds,
And those that share their home after you've been found."
"And all the other folk are searching near and far.
"To find the perfect home for you, where you can be a star."

She said, "There is a family, that's waiting patiently,
and pretty soon we'll find them, just you wait and see."
"And then they'll join our circle, they'll help to make it grow,
so there'll be room for more like you, who have no place to go."
I waited very patiently, The days they came and went.
Today's the day I thought, my family will be sent.
Then just when I began to think, It wasn't meant to be,
there were people standing there just gazing down at me.

I knew them in a heartbeat, I could tell they felt it too.
They said, "We have been waiting for a special dog like you."
Now every night I say a prayer to all the gods that be.
"Thank you for the life I live and all you've given me.
But most of all protect the dogs in the pound and on the street.
And send a rescue person to lift them off their feet."

April 19, 2012

Q is for Quotes I Like

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html
Today we are working on the letter...."Q".
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“We are never very far from those we hate.
 For this very reason, we shall never be truly close to those we love.”

“Cold Skin” by Albert Sanchez Pinol © 2002
Translated by Cheryl Leah Morgan © 2005
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“You've gotta be original, 
because if you're like someone else, 
what do they need you for?”

 ~*~Bernadette Peters~*~ 
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"In a perfect world, 
every dog would have a home 
and every home would have a dog."
 ~*~Author Unknown~*~

April 18, 2012

P is for Peace

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com
Today we are working on the letter...."P".
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Just a reminder that the next BlogBlast4Peace is happening on November 4, 2012.  Get your peace globes ready!

What is BlogBlast4Peace? Well, a small group of bloggers answered a challenge Mimi at Mimi Writes tossed one angst-filled October day in 2006. Mimi wanted to know what would happen if all bloggers everywhere signed their name across a globe and all posted the SAME POST on the SAME DAY.  Mimi created a graphic and made the first one.  Mimi asked them to write "Dona nobis pacem" which is Latin for "grant us peace" across the graphics image and post it on their blogs in November. Fifty-two people responded enthusiastically and soon it began to spread like a beautiful lyric across the internet.

Mimi started the Internet's first ever online movement of this kind which moves from blog to blog and continues to grow. There is something magical about the peace globes. Something that can't be explained.


You can see the official 2011 BlogBlast for Peace Video at
http://mimiwrites.blogspot.com/p/2011-official-blogblast4peace-video.html

The Peace Globe Gallery can be found at
http://peaceglobegallery.blogspot.com/

April 17, 2012

O is for "Ode to an Abused Dog" ...for Laila Ali

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html
Today we are working on the letter...."O".
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ODE TO AN ABUSED DOG
Someone hurt you, hit you, beat you
would not give you food
The only water that you got
was from a muddy pool
And yet when help did finally come
though you were almost dead
You wagged your tail in greeting
and you tried to raise your head
What gave you strength or made you hope
what helped to see you through
The agonizing hunger
and lonliness you knew
Yet you forgave and took a chance
and graced us with your love
For us to know such spirit was
a gift from God above.

~*~Author Unknown~*~

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This make me cry every time I see it. Laila Ali is a brave, wonderful, beautiful boxer! Keep growing girl!

April 16, 2012

N is for Nostalgia

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html
Today we are working on the letter...."N".
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A wave of nostalgia sweeps over me when I think about my childhood.  I think of my favorite games...like Merlin and Pac Man.


Leg Warmers and Slouch Socks.

The Dukes of Hazzard and Alf.


Easy Bake Oven and Lite Brite


...and pay phones!

What are somethings you remember?

April 15, 2012

Camera Critters: Boxer Chasing Bunnies

The other day as we walked out the back door, Shelby saw a bunny in HER yard. She chased the poor bunny all the way to our garage. The smart bunny ran under the boat to get away from Shelby. Shelby is a tad to big to fit under the boat so she stuck her nose under and kept snorting at the bunny. Bunny did not care and just ignored the big, silly dog.

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Visit more Camera Critters by clicking the graphic below!
Camera Critters

April 14, 2012

M is for MRSA

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html
Today we are working on the letter...."M".
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In November 2010, I went to the doctor because my left leg was swollen and there were red streaks running from my knee to my ankle.  The doctor gave me antibiotics and in a few weeks the swelling and red streaks were gone and I felt a little better.

In January 2011, I went to the Emergency Room with a high fever, chills, left leg swollen and very red. I spend 5 days in the hospital on very strong antibiotics.  The final diagnosis was ....Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Since all this has started I found that I get tired very easily and I have flare-ups often.  The doctor told me I will never be rid of MRSA, I just have to take better care of myself to prevent frequent episodes.  All I know is that I do NOT like MRSA.

More information about MRSA can be found online at:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa/DS00735
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0004520/
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-mrsa-methicillin-resistant-staphylococcus-aureus

April 13, 2012

L is for Love

Photobucket You can read more about this challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com/p/what-is-blogging-from-to-z.html
Today we are working on the letter...."L".
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This is a poem I wrote on July 22, 2005, on one of my "not so good and happy" days. I was thinking about many things and certain people that day...may someday I will write about them.

Love comes and love goes.
Love blossoms and love grows.

Love runs deep and love runs long.
Love makes you feel as if you belong.

Love can be intimate and sweet.
Love can sweep you off your feet.

Love can start in the blink of an eye
Love can end with a harsh goodbye.

© July 22, 2005: Shannon G. Wamsley