Life and Stuff

So it’s time to pick out the new addition to your family?  Many hours have been spent contemplating the size, breed, temperament, and maybe even color of your new pup.  The next question becomes ‘Where do I find this particular furry friend?’  Many people go to pet stores or find a breeder, but too often the local humane society gets the cold shoulder.

The reasons are many, for this, but many people believe the dogs are either too abused or damaged to take on, or they feel like, without a purebred, life would not be the same.   The fact is that, many times, animals that get brought to the shelter are from good homes, but the owner has to give them up due to financial reasons, limited room, or just didn’t have enough time to give the attention needed.   Also, there are usually a few purebreds that make their way to the shelter every month and they won’t cost you an arm and a leg, except for when it comes to buying a decent memory foam dog bed.

The Western coast of Thailand was the most amazing place I have ever been. The food, the people, the topography and the ocean are all unique and stunning in Thailand. I enjoyed visiting all corners of the country during my stay there, and if I return I will probably spend more time in the North of Thailand. However, I yearn for the water along the coasts of Thailand. The water is warm, calm, clear and teaming with interesting life. While many places in Thailand have become havens for tourists, you can still find many refuges along the coast and throughout Thailand. If you enjoy well balanced food, then Thailand is the place for you. Although there are regional differences, this is where you get all your flavors in one mouthful!

Not in the traditional sense of collecting stamps or making models. But I have found as a stay at home mom with three kids, having designated hobbies allow me to focus energies on something other than my children. This helps me to stay balanced and feel as though I am leading a fuller life. Among my hobbies are mountain biking through the regional and national parks around my house. On the other end of the spectrum I enjoy making mosaics, specifically mosaic furniture like tables and chairs. I have a corner set aside in my garage with broken glass, glue and my latest project. I set up my news podcast, grab a cut of tea and enjoy a couple hours of quiet, thinking and creating.

It allows for spicier food that is often heavier and more complex than what we find in breakfast or dinner. My favorite food at the moment is Indian food, particular its curries with some good naan bread. Our local Indian restaurant uses free-range or organic meats and makes a wonderful selection of naan breads to match their fresh and authentic dishes. Their curries are not just soup with spices, but always include the most tender meats and fresh salads. I also had samosas with my meal which include triangles filled with spicy meat, potato and peas with a side dipping sauce of tamarind. Yum, now I am hungry!

We don’t get many seasons here in Northern California but generally summer is my favorite. I call summer around here the months of September and October because things finally start to heat up and the fog burns off a bit. I only wish that school started later in Northern California. I love being able to laze away the hot days either just in our own backyard or at the swimming pool. The other great thing about summer is a lack of schedule and more people being social and having parties. Everyone just seems a little more relaxed, with less of an agenda and less emphasis on achievement.

Today is still young, but I intend to go for a bike ride in the early morning fog. Last night we had to bury our cat, after he got hit by a car. I think a little quiet time with nature in the still of the morning is just what a therapist would order. I should have the kids out the door in about 10minutes when my husband takes them to school. I will hit refresh on my ipod, download today’s news and my favorite playlists and head off into the hills. Hopefully I will stay upright for the duration.

Last week I recevied a new addition to my growing family!  A wonderful little puppy named Gumby!!  He is a lab and golden retreiver mix, and seems to fit in just great with my four children and two other dogs!  Already he is learning to use the doggie door, which is great because it means I don’t have to let him out every hour.  He also is learning to grasp the idea of sitting and staying, and yesterday we went out for our first walk on a leash.  Though I had to carry him part of the way, it was still very enjoyable.  That is, at least it was until the dog down the road decided to try and play with us.  We think he was an abused dog, and is not used to playing around other animals. Hopefully, he will warm up to people and new places soon, with the proper training and lots of love!

I live in the city of Richmond, capital of the great state of Virginia!  It is an old city, with all of the charms of a new city also.  Ancient mansions dating back to the civil war go right alongside hip and funky eateries, and genteel southern ladies lunch right next to kids with pierced faces and tattoo covered bodies!  There is a great music scene, lots to do outdoors, and the cost of living is relatively cheap!  It is also a great place to raise children, if you have them.  If you like the water, it’s also a great place to live, as I believe it’s the only urban city to have Class IV rapids going right through the downtown area.

Today I have spent the entire day in my pajamas, an indulgence I allow myself every few months or so.  My pajamas consist of sweat pants and an old college tee shirt, and both have been worn for so long that they are nearly thread bare, just the way I like it!  My tee shirt comes down nearly to my knees, and my sweat pants are a little to short, so I tend to think it makes me look like and overgrown child, but when comfort is king, who cares about the way you look!  Sad thing is though, I actually went to the supermarket looking like this, and as luck would have it, ran into one of my coworkers!