The month after graduating from UW in 2006, I moved to San Diego and was excited to finally adopt a pet of my own.  Loki, the longest stay at the Escondido Humane Society at 7 years old, choose me when he crawled into my lap and started immediately purring up a storm.  Loki was the most talkative cat I’ve ever known and his purrs could be heard from several rooms over.  He was always affectionate and playful, and loved his treats – taking people to his treat drawer in the hopes they would give him a pile’s worth.

This amazing kitty has lived with me in three states, traveled over 10,000 miles with me, seen me through several failed relationships, saw me hold numerous jobs, supported me through  graduate school, snuggled countless nights next to me (some nights more aggressive than others depending on the temperature outside), sat in my lap whenever it was available (and also most times when it was not really available, but whatever – it was lap time), and most of all, he loved me unconditionally.

Loki passed away this morning after a hard battle with cancer.  I will miss him for the rest of my life.

Thank you, Loki, for being my soul-mate, my heart, my cuddle buddy, my friend, and the light in my life for the past seven and a half years.  I love you.

We believe I was the last person to talk to my Grandmother when I called her on Black Friday – my first phone call on my new phone.  She was decorating her place for Christmas and was excited about the holidays.  She was found on Sunday unresponsive in her chair of her den.  We eventually learned she had a massive stroke and was then transferred from ICU to hospice.  I felt beyond hopeless and lost.  She passed this past Sunday.

I try to take comfort in knowing I was able to sing for her one final time when we phoned in my choir concert this past Saturday, even though she probably couldn’t hear me, I want to believe she could.  And while my heart hurts as I mourn the loss of my last grandparent, I am truly grieved as I witness my mother – my best friend – lose her best friend.  The pain is agonizing and I am at a loss for how to cope.

My grandmother was an awesome, strong, smart lady.  I will miss our Sunday afternoon chats while I walked Monty and we discussed the Packers, the weather, and the latest movie she saw on Netflix.  I will miss the many thoughtful cards she sent to me for every holiday, always sent with love and support.  will miss her total and complete support of my career and hobbies.  She was my biggest fan in all my singing endeavors, even before I was actually worth listening to.  She always praised and supported my choice to work in nonprofits, making small donations to my causes and sending her love when things got stressful.

Childhood memories of playing in her yard with the huge, gorgeous pine trees.  Watching Heidi in the den and drinking ovaltine out of her brown plastic mugs.  Going up north to her cabin at Two Rivers.  The massive bumper sticker collection on her garage wall.  Playing chinese checkers and lincoln logs.  Her collections of bears, dolls, pewter figurines.  Flying in from CA to surprise her for the big 8-0.  Her love of good food and our dinner/movie dates.  Going to the library together to pick out a great read.  Her love of being outside, sunflowers, rocks, and watching birds in her yard.

She is the only grandparent I got to know as an adult, she was there at my high school, college, and graduate school graduations.  But I wish I could have done more with my life before she went so she could see I was doing something good with my life.  I will get there, Grandma.  And you will live on in my heart – Love You forever.

Dec. 7, 1941 – a date which will live in infamy – the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with the government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific.

Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As commander in chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us.

No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounding determination of our people – we will gain the inevitable triumph – so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire.

Be aware that everything you do on this earth affects others… Be kind.  Be smart.  Be compassionate.

Another Halloween is upon us and as always, we want to include our pets in the celebration!  Here are a few tips on keeping safe with your fur kids while still having an awesome time:

• Be careful with pet costumes.  Costumes are fun, but make sure they don’t restrict your pet in any way.  They should still be able to walk, go to the bathroom, eat and drink when they are dressed up.  Also make sure it is not too tight on any part of their body.

• Keep your pet secure.  Trick or Treaters are always a treat to have at your door, but Fido may not agree!  It is best to have your pets safely secured away from the door, maybe in a separate room with music playing so they will not hear the knocking and can chew their bone in peace!

• Keep your pets inside.  While it is extremely rare for anyone to want to harm your animals, that possibility along with the chance they may get scared and try to escape are two great reasons to bring your pets into the house while the celebrations are happening.

• Be safe with all that candy!  A lot of those sweets are extremely harmful for your pets, so once your kiddos come back with all their loot, safely secure that candy where the pets cannot get to it.  Also be sure your kids understand that their candy should be kept away and not given as a treat to their fur friends.

With just these few easy things to take care of, you will ensure a fabulous and fun time for the whole family.  Happy Halloween, everyone!

“Later that day I got to thinking about relationships. There are those that open you up to something new and exotic, those that are old and familiar, those that bring up lots of questions, those that bring you somewhere unexpected, those that bring you far from where you started, and those that bring you back. But the most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you can find someone to love the you you love, well, that’s just fabulous.”  ~SATC