What I say….

I’ve been sitting here looking at the blank screen for almost 15 min.

Typing a little, then deleting and again.. it’s been a while since I’ve been here 😀 😀

So much I want to say, just not sure where to begin 😀 😀

….maybe tomorrow

 

 

≈Laugh loudly, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly≈

 

 

Out of the mouths of babes

When the kids were little and they said something profound , matter of factly or remarkably wise my mother would ” out of the mouths of babes”.

and she was right!

Daughter #2 and I were talking and she had said she saw an “ad” on Black Friday for an animal shelter offering cats and kittens buy one get one 1/2 off, she was really ticked to say the least  and said “animals are not a product to put on sale like tvs and groceries, how can the offer a sale like that?” I completely agreed!

Daughter #3 heard someone say this past summer something about gay pride and the pride parade in Toronto, something about how they disagreed with it, thought it was gross, she piped up and said simply “if you don’t like it don’t go”, she like myself have zero tolerance for any kind of discrimination of any kind. Once again completely agreed!

Daughter #2 mentioned that some of the teachers at her school were obviously unhappy about their jobs…one in particular, he centers out kids in class, is rude and seems generally unhappy, she feels its “time for him to retire as there are many new teachers looking for work that really want to teach and would make a big difference in the learning experience of the kids and maybe they would be a little happier wanting to go to school in a positive learning environment.“Did I mention this is a class that she cuts quite frequently….. Again agreed!

last but not least  😀

There are anti bullying ads all over the place, it is taught in school, how to deal with bullies, what to do if someone is being bullied etc.  #1,2 and 3 have all been bullied as many kids have been , that being said I am also sure that #1,2 and 3 have probably been bullies at one point or another again as many kids have been.  One of the girls is having difficulty at school, there is a small group of 3 sometimes 4 girls that are not only centering her out but others as well. Centering one girl out in the hallway in front of many onlookers and making her cry after revealing a secret she had told one of them when they had been friends.  She walks into to class and has all 3 sometimes 4 stare her down and start whispering, nasty remarks and cheap shots on twitter, Facebook and via text, which are quickly deleted….I know I would not want to go to school or work under those conditions.   None of these girls will go into the office to speak to a guidance counsellor of principle , nothing is usually done either unfortunately, the fear is that if they say anything the bullying will get worse!  I was reminded when I suggested speaking to the guidance counsellor that ” We are not in public school anymore and they won’t do anything anyway!”  I  hear these stories all the time, I think its very sad and discouraging.  So many people are working to stop bullying and really not much has changed.  I have spoken with other parents about bullying and the feeling is the same “nothing is ever done, teachers hands are tied”.

I’m a still thinking about the best way to help her with this….

 

 

Why is this ok?

“Someone” is marrying Charles Manson!!!!???  Personally I don’t think that a convicted mass murderer should have the right to marry, get an education or any other privileges that many of us are not entitled to. He took the lives of 7 and changed the lives of their families forever, not to mention the lives of those who “followed” him.

I found the following article written by Dane Fallon,

As Charles Manson obtains a marriage license to wed a 26-year-old, many people have pointed out that while a mass murderer has the right to legally marry, gay couples in 17 American states can not.

The 80-year-old, in jail in California for the murders of seven people, plans to marry Afton Elaine Burton, who has spent the past nine years trying to help exonerate him.

Burton is convinced Manson’s innocent, and she runs multiple sites that support him. She says they’re going to have the wedding next month, and adds, “Y’all can know that it’s true! It’s going to happen.” Manson’s 26-year-old soon to be wife Burton also says, “I love him, I’m with him. There’s all kinds of things.”

Charles Manson has his marriage license to wed 26-year-old Afton Elaine Burton. Terry Thornton, the California Department of Corrections spokeswoman, confirms that the license has been transferred to the prison. The license says the couple has 90 days to get married, otherwise they will have to reapply for a new one.

Manson’s 26-year-old fiance claims the wedding would’ve happened earlier, but Manson had some ‘situations’ in February. These ‘situations’ have been revealed as three violations, being possession of a weapon, refusal to turn over a urine sample, and making threats to the prison staff.

Manson is able to invite 10 guests that aren’t inmates to his wedding. He can also invite an officiate to perform the ceremony. Seeing he’s a prisoner for life with no parole date, Manson is not allowed to have family visits, therefore he can’t have his children present.

Charles Manson has received a license to marry 26-year-old Afton Elaine Burton.

What are your thoughts on Manson getting married?

Do you think a convicted murderer has the right to have a wedding?

 

Sunday Status

My Facebook Status today

I’ve come to the conclusion that loving my body ONLY when it’s in perfect shape
is like loving my kids ONLY when they are well behaved!

  Keep calm and love the Curves !

Me time

 

I’ve been home quite a lot on my own lately and loving it, as some of you know I have been unemployed for about 5 weeks.

I have been working part time and have signed up to volunteer at the OSPCA again, I can’t wait…!

I have been giving myself some quality “me” time.  Spending time alone is a great way for me to recharge my “mental batteries” and regroup – everyone should try to do this!

So many great things to do alone like going to a bookstore,  spending hours exploring every genre of book known to the world,  snagging one off the shelf and plunking down in a comfy chair for a while.

I have become a Criminal Minds Junkie, watching almost everyday at noon I then move on to the Food Network and learn new recipes and cooking techniques which I try to whip up later in the week, but often end up making a mess of.

I’ve been walking more with the dogs and becoming one with nature again 😀 😀 began doing yoga again,  not quite “class” ready yet but I’m getting there.

So much to do so little time…..I still want to go people watching, I love to people watch, it’s always interesting, often hilarious, very entertaining.

It’s nice to get to know me again, I lost sight of who I was for a little while and its awesome to have this time to get reacquainted 😀 😀

 

Learn to be alone and like it.
There is nothing more freeing and empowering than learning to like your own company.
– Mandy Hale

Blanket Forts and Caterpillars

I’m not having a very good day today…..

So

 I have made a decision,  I no longer want to be an adult and if anyone needs me I’ll be in my blanket fort coloring!!

Today I really need to try and remember that
When the caterpillar thought the world was over
it became a butterfly.
😀 😀 😀

Saying “no” politely

 

I have always had trouble saying “no”.

I sometimes feel like a bad person for saying no, I’ve heard that it’s a symptom of “the disease to please.”

Always volunteering to help, work late, weekends…and of course at home. I often say yes when I should say no and it causes personal and emotional “burnout” .

I need to learn to say no for many reasons, my sanity, my wallet, my time….the list goes on.

It’s a simple fact that you can never be productive if you take on too many commitments — you simply spread yourself too thin and will not be able to get anything done, at least not well or on time.

Recently I have slowly been learning how to say “no” politely!  The more I say it the easier it becomes. 😀

I’ve learned that saying “No” doesn’t mean I am being rude or disagreeable. Saying “No” doesn’t mean there will be conflict or that I’ll miss opportunities in the future.

I have my own priorities and needs, just like everyone has his/her own needs. Saying no is about respecting and valuing my time and space.

Just sayin…:D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your excuse is invalid.

Manson Musical??

When I think of musicals the first thing that comes to mind would be Mary Poppins, Cats or Phantom of the Opera.
NOT
Charles Manson.

There have been many plays based on “murderers” Sweeney Todd, A Gentleman’s guide to Love and Murder and American Psycho, the stories based on research and fictional characters.

Charles Manson is a former cult leader who in 1969, he and members of the Manson family killed actress Sharon Tate and four others, followed shortly thereafter by the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.  is serving a life sentence in a California prison. Manson supposedly was influenced by a number of pop music bands, including the Beatles, whose song “Helter Skelter” provided him with his apocalyptic vision of the universe.
In Germany, a new stage musical about the convicted killer recently opened and provides a glimpse into Manson’s failed music career and his relationship with his followers who became known as the Manson family.

“Charles Manson: Summer of Hate – The Musical” opened last Friday in Hamburg, Germany.

Not sure how I feel about this one….other stories have been written and have made it to Broadway, television and film based on events, bits and pieces from murders and put together to make a story,  this “story” actually happened, Manson is still alive…  I think its one thing to write a book or produce a documentary but a musical play?  I won’t be lining up for tickets to this one.

Any thoughts?

 

Bits and pieces taken from the Toronto Star

 

 

 

Fruits and Veggies Toxic?

I have always had a dog in my life, 10 to be precise and the 4 beautiful golden retrievers I had the privilege of working with over the past few years,  I can’t imagine life without, at one point in my life we had 4 large breed dogs, two toddlers and a cat! Considered myself a little bit of a dog whisperer 😀 Until I learned a little more this past summer when a friend of mine heard I was feeding Bentley baby grapes as a summer snack!

I often share food with my dogs, especially fruits, Sims loves watermelon and Scamps love apple with peanut butter!  Bentley when he visits…well just about anything!  I did learn this past summer however that grapes are toxic to dogs!!   I had no idea and was sharing a handful with Bentley!!

 

#1 Grapes

The fact that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs is becoming common knowledge among pet owners, and for good reason! They are toxic. While some dogs can consume grapes and/or raisins with no symptoms, it’s simply just not worth the risk. This is because consuming grapes or raisins can actually lead to irreversible kidney damage.

#2 Onions and Garlic

While some argue there are benefits to feeding our dogs garlic, the Pet Poison Helpline warns that garlic is actually considered to be even more toxic than onions. Either way, both vegetables can cause serious problems in our dogs. Symptoms of onion or garlic toxicity include lethargy, elevated heart and respiratory rates, pale gums, and even collapse. Many recipes call for onion or garlic and some dog foods may have it added….I think this just means don’t feed your dog a whole garlic clove or wedge of onion…

#3 Cherries

There are many types of cherries, all of which are pretty popular snack foods. It’s no wonder why – they’re delicious! While the pulp of the fruit is safe for dogs to eat, the plant and pit are moderately toxic to our dogs, and can result in respiratory failure and death. In fact, the plants and pits contain cyanide, so it’s no that they are toxic. Be sure to keep your dog away from cherry plants, and feed only the pulp if you’re going to share with your pooch.

#4 Mushrooms

While only a small amount of mushroom species are toxic to our dogs, it’s important to make sure you aren’t feeding the wrong ones if you ever share them with your dog. If you’re unable to identify a mushroom species quickly, it’s imperative that you take your dog to the veterinarian immediately after consumption. Mushroom toxicity is known to be fatal in dogs, resulting from seizures, tremors, and organ failure.

#5 Currents

While you might be familiar with grapes and raisins being dangerously toxic to dogs, currants might catch you by surprise. But currants carry the same level of severe toxicity that grapes and raisins do. Even if you don’t notice sudden vomiting and diarrhea after your dog consumes currants, take your dog to the veterinarian. Just like the other small fruit, currants can cause severe renal failure.

#6 Raw & Green Potatoes

This might seem surprising, considering potatoes are often found in quality dog foods. But unripe, green, and raw potatoes are toxic to our dogs. In fact, consuming any of these varieties are toxic to humans as well! Symptoms of potato toxicity in dogs include nausea, vomiting, seizures and heart irregularities.

#7 Apricot

Like cherries, the seeds, leaves and stems of apricot plants are toxic to dogs. While they are able to consume the pulp of the fruit with no ill effects, caution should be taken if your dog has access to any other parts of the plant. These plants also contain cyanide, and can result in respiratory failure and death.

#8 Rhubarb

Although this vegetable can make a delicious pie for humans, it should never be given to our canine friends. The leaves and stems of rhubarb depletes the calcium levels in our dogs’ bodies. This can result in renal failure as well as other medical problems.

#9 Apple seeds

We have an apple tree and the dogs love to play with their “apple ball” I kick them around for them or we play catch…I’ll be a little more careful from now on…Another fruit that is generally safe for dogs, apples should be fed with care. Apple seeds contain cyanide, and are very toxic to our dogs. While dogs typically have to eat quite a bit of apple seeds in order to suffer the effects, it’s not unheard of. If you feed them as a snack, better to be safe than sorry and avoid feeding the core.

#10 Tomato Plants

While the actual red tomato can be beneficial to our dogs, the plant itself is quite toxic. The stems and leaves of the tomato plant, as well as the unripened fruit, can cause gastrointestinal upset in our dogs. While your pooch will need to consume quite a bit of the plant to be dangerous affected, it’s best to make sure your pup can’t get into your garden and eat these plants.

For a much more extensive list check out Pet Poison Helpline