Gone Fishin'

5:30 am

I walk downstairs,

To find my three year old gold fish, Boxer 2, lying on the floor. (YES, his name is Boxer 2)

He wasn't gold anymore but had a tinge of green.  

I grabbed him and placed him back in his bowl.

A few minutes later, bubbles surfaced.

I changed his water.

He looked beaten.

Bruised.

Bloody.

My 8 month old cat, Cooper, was the culprit.

For so long now, Cooper has watched Boxer 2, gazed at his bowl and took sips of water to quench his thirst.

Today, was not Boxer 2's day.

A few hours later, I took a break from work and visited the local Petco.  Not only is it where the pets go but it's where this fish owner and adoring animal lover went to seek solace with a fish expert.  The salesperson gave me antibiotics, crystals to coat the water and a bit of hope for my fish (a fish I might add who has personality and spunk like his owner). 

I went home.  Boxer 2, still traumatized from the morning's festivities, was swimming ever so lightly on the bottom of the bowl.  But he was breathing.

Five hours later I came home from work.  I needed to change to go to another evening function.  Boxer 2 was alive, swimming at the top now,  his orange color coming back.

But when I returned two hours later, he took his last breath (almost like he was waiting for me to get home) and died.  Rest in peace, buddy.

So, a shout out to all the pets I've owned. I've learned so much from you and have enjoyed the unconditional love you have shared.

In honor of Memorial Day, this blog entry is about believing in something other than yourself.  It's about caring for a pet when they are sick or advocating for them when they are down.  If you've never owned a pet out of fear or hate, try out a fish.  Not only are they a joy to see swim, they actually bring levity to your life.  They take on your personality and enjoy your voice.  PS, could you imagine living with your personality and your voice all the time?

Memorial Day is a US federal holiday honoring soldiers and is observed on the last Monday of May (May 30, 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates US soldiers who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I, to honor Americans who have died in all wars. Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.

Today, I remember, my father who served in the Korean War (RIP, 1975) and all of my family and friends who have lost loved ones.  

Climbing the ladder

I don't have a ladder like normal people do.  I have a step stool.  It's useful for those projects like changing a light bulb, locating the dish you really need for parties and reaching those cob webs that only you can see.  However, now that I need a ladder, I don't know what size to get or what brand to purchase.  You see there are actually hundreds of kinds, yes, hundreds and all I really need to do is clean dust off a shelf (which is actually viewable by the human eye).  Right now, I use a golf ball retriever taped with a towel (not too pretty but quite handy).  

So, allow me to share with you my research in an attempt to purchase my very first ladder with some very nice features:

• Exterior Aluminum Ladders   Available with or without safety cage (hey, I might need that) and a security door (really do I need a security door?)
• Little Giant Ladder   No Sales Tax - Free Work Platform Ships Free in 24 Hours - does it come with a handy man too?
• Safety Step Ladders   Free Shipping & Lifetime Warranties On All Little Giant Ladders. 
• Attic ladders and loft ladders are still made of wood, others that are designed for outdoor work are made of materials such as aluminum or fiberglass - seems old school to me.
• Platform Ladders  this one is the best option for painters, decorators and electricians. The advantage of this type of ladder is that it holds the workman as well as his tools and products - shouldn't they all?  
• Extension Ladders  are well suited for use at high levels in outdoor environments. As their name indicates, these useful ladders can be adjusted to the exact height of the job they are required for, be it painting the exteriors of a house or clearing the gutter - this would've been nice for my woodpecker problem. 
• Folding Ladders nice for people with limited storage space. They can easily be carted around in a truck or stored on an RV or in a small shop (not too helpful, I don't have a truck, RV or small shop).
• Articulated Ladders  transforms itself to be used as a step ladder, a straight ladder, scaffolding or even a table. I like the idea of a table...Oh, wait, I am looking for a ladder not new furniture.

So, you ask, why in the world is she writing about ladders?  

Do you ever wonder why people say, "I'd like to climb the corporate ladder?"  I think it's quite simple if you are at that point of looking for a new ladder either at home or at work - making a change in your profession, advancing your career or not as challenged at your current employment, do a little research and go for it.  Life is too short not to challenge yourself, be tied to a time clock or not 100% happy.  

There.  Some advice from Dr. Richey.

Ode to Granny

Today is Mother's Day.  In honor of my mom and my very best friend, granny (may she RIP, 2008), I ask that you remember your grandmothers, mothers and lessons learned.

Priceless lessons learned from my granny:

1. Always eat your carrots whether raw or cooked
2. Believe in yourself, no one else will
3. Argue with your heart not your head, you will be able to find peace and forgive
4. If you must clean your teeth at the table, use a napkin
5. Eat with your mouth closed (when you get older, a lot of people forget this)
6. Love with your all your might, despise no one
7. Make a promise, see it through
8. Giggle, it feels good
9. Pass on something to a child
10. And, finally, live to the fullest and behave accordingly

Happy Mother's Day mom and granny!

May Day

April is over. The showers have made way for May's flowers.  Did you receive flowers at your door step? In many countries, May Day is synonymous with International Workers' Day, or Labour Day, a day of political demonstrations and celebrations organized by communists, anarchists, socialists, and activist groups. May Day is also a traditional holiday in many cultures. 

Did you know today is the 160th anniversary of the first world's fair? Or, pretty random but true that golf handicaps arrive to your email box on the 1st and the 15th?  

May is pretty special.  We have Mother's day.  National Teachers Day. Outdoor intercourse day.  Nurses Day. Armed Forces Day. National Maritime Day.  Victoria Day.  Memorial Day.  And, Cinco de Barb.  Yes, Cinco de Mayo is my birthday.  Cinco de Mayo (the fifth of May) is a national holiday in Mexico and also celebrated in many areas of the U.S. It celebrates the legendary and victorious Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. 

However, in honor of my birthday month and turning 41 years old, I want to share my bucket list in no particular order.  Enjoy.

1. Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
2. Hike the Grand Canyon
3. Travel through Ireland
4. Climb Mt. Rainier
5. Climb Mt. Baker
6. Enjoy the sunrise (really enjoy)
7. Enjoy the sunset (not just enjoy, savor it)
8. Run the San Francisco marathon (yes, you get a Tiffany necklace at completion)
9. Golf in England
10. Complete a triathlon
11. Finish the Make-A-Wish 300 mile bike ride
12. Travel the US in a car
13. Spend New Year's eve in New York City
14. Take a safari and ride an elephant or a giraffe
15. Stay in a sweat lodge
16. Travel to Alaska (via a boat of some kind)
17. Visit Augusta
18. Go para sailing
19. Go skydiving
20. Visit South America
21. Go sailing
22. Take a barefoot cruise in green water
23. Bali, Belize experience
24. Volunteer to teach English as a second language
25. Learn how to ice climb
26. Attend the Olympics
27. Join a caravan in the Sahara
28. Laugh everyday
29. Take a Thailand excursion
30. Fall in love in Italy (not with an Italian mind you)
31. Stand on the North or South Pole
32. Watch an international soccer game (in person)
33. See the 7 Natural Wonders of the World
34. Inspire someone
35. Co host a TV show
36. Meet Oprah
37. Go to the Superbowl and NCAA Final Four
38. Learn to salsa dance
39. Camp at Joshua Tree National Park (I wonder if they allow campers)
40. Continue to make progress on my 50 other bucket list items 
41. To be able to wear these shoes without falling into the cashier at Macy's - yes, I did.