My "Furbaby"

I belong to a Shiba Inu. I call him my furbaby and he is a riot. If anyone knows anything about Shibas they know they are really big dogs in a medium sized body. They are the smallest of the Japanese breeds and very catlike in behavior. He was a rescue and is coming around quite nicely to be a family pet.

I was passing by a pet bakery recently in a historic downtown area and I could not resist the urge to browse. They had samples of home baked dog treats and I grabbed one to bring home. My Shiba is very picky about his treats and I was not wasting money on something that would end up in the trash. I broke it in half (almost) and gave him the smaller of the two pieces. He ran off with it and I placed the leftover on the coffee table and went about my business expecting to pick up his half later off the floor. Several minutes later I came back in the living room to this:



He knows he is NOT allowed to take things off the table so I assumed he liked the treat made of honey and peanut butter and I asked him why was he staring at the table. (Yes, I talk to my dog in complete sentences. It freaks some people out. Especially when he responds like he understands me.) He gave me this funny look and did this:



As if to say "Give me my treat, woman! I know the other piece is there." By this time I am laughing out loud and he gives me this face:



As if to say "What the heck is so funny?" So I gave him the other piece of the treat. I think we will go back to the bakery this weekend ;-)

Praying Up a Storm

For years conservationists have been preaching that we need to conserve. Now the southeast is in one of the worst droughts in history. We have been bombarded with pictures of docks and boats laying on dry land and video footage of the trash that use to be buried under water. But the sight the other day was by far the most shocking thing I could have seen.

Governor Purdue and members of his legislature gathered on the steps of the state capitol, joined hands and literally tried to pray up a storm. Some of the same people who voted to remove the ten commandments from the courthouses throughout Georgia, could be seen praying for rain.

How ironic is that? I guess it is true what they say, when you hit rock bottom and don't know what else to do, you turn to prayer. I hope the divine power that watches over us has a sense of humor, because that sure was amusing.

Since they are in the praying mood, I think the preacher who resided over the prayer session could have thrown in some other important issues like:
- Praying for the safety of our neighborhoods, school and playgrounds
- Praying that empathy and consideration returns to civilization
- Praying that common sense prevails when stupidity seems to be the norm
- Praying for a more peaceful and happy existence for the people you represent

Add of all of these things to your list, dear Georgia legislative, the next time you want to pray up a storm.

Timing is Everything

Religious conversations and debates are slippery slopes that almost always end in heated arguments. I avoid them at all costs, unless I know you well enough to know you can handle a serious debate and discussion without overheating. That being said, I attended church last week and the topic was "What to do when you reach the end of your rope?"

If you read my previous entry you know what a timely sermon that was for me. Sometimes, timing is everything. Timing can be a great thing or it can be one of the most frustrating things you can encounter.

So, what do you do when you reach the end of your rope? In a nutshell....tie a knot and hang on!

Slipping, Falling and I Can't Get Up

How things can change in such a short time. Dance is the only thing in my life right now going wonderfully. I have a new respect for dancers, especially ballroom dancers. Lifts are no joke! But thanks J for being a great partner.

I have two more baby showers to attend and almost all of my friends will be new moms by spring.

Me?

No, I'll enjoy the ones around me and maybe one day I can blessed enough to have my own.

Life is changing and it seems like the more I fight and try to stay positive, the more negativity and uncertaintity comes my way. It's almost like trying to climb a muddy hill in the rain. The more you claw and walk up that hill, the more you slip and slide down the slope.

I have a milestone birthday coming up in the next few weeks and with my life changes, it doesn't seem like I will be celebrating as planned. I will be taking time off work to remember, reflect, write and relax.

It's well overdue.