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

Yep, my little Lucy is officially looking for a home!  Below is her adorable bio the cat marketing team at Austin Pets Alive! helped write up for her as well as a little video I put together of her.  Please help her find a forever home and spread the word about this amazing lady!

This beautiful feline specimen is a Flamepoint Siamese. Lucy may be 12 years old, but she is an ideal lap kitty and reading partner. She LOVES being pet and headbutts all the time. Because of her maturity, she is not super needy, pushy or demanding, but definitely wants to spend time with you and be near you. Lucy plays a little with strings and loves her scratch post at times, but is normally pretty mellow.

Lucy is currently in a foster home with another gentle cat and a friendly dog and Lucy doesn’t seem to mind too much. As long as other pets are respectful and don’t try to engage in too much play, Lucy is fine.

Lucy has been diagnosed with IBD (irritable bowel disease), which sounds worse than it actually is. It’s an auto-immune disorder where parts of her intestinal tract have become inflamed, but are managed with a gentle prescription food, both the canned & kibble varieties (Purina EN available through your veterinarian and costs the same as most high-quality cat foods). Her foster currently keeps a large, shallow litterbox in a tiled bathroom so that if Lucy has any accidents it’s easy to clean up. This doesn’t happen often, but gives everyone peace of mind.

Despite her occasional tummy troubles, Lucy has a very sweet, quiet “meow” that comes out when you are getting her dinner ready or sometimes when she wants to say hello and receive some affectionate pets. Overall, this mature gal loves to lounge around and enjoy sunbeams more than run around or play.

Lucy has been microchipped, vaccinated, tested negative for FIV and FeLV, and is given her monthly flea preventative. To learn more about Lucy contact adopt@austinpetsalive.org.

Hello Loves!

As you may have heard, I have been suffering from a freakishly strong strain of strep in my throat for over three months. Yep, that’s three months of my throat hurting, pain whenever I swallow, losing my voice almost daily, and pain when I talk or sing for more than 10 minutes. After a trip to urgent care, then the primary doctor, and then the specialist – and five rounds of steroids/antibiotics during the process – they have determined surgery (removal of my tonsils) is my final option for relief. My surgery is scheduled for October 9, 2013.

While I am incredibly lucky to finally have a job that offers insurance, I unfortunately have over $2500 in bills for the co-pays, deductible, and prescriptions. Also unfortunately, paying my own way through grad school, living on my own, and working for nonprofits means I have also been pretty much breaking even each month since moving to Austin. So these bills are putting me into a debt that I don’t see a way out of due to my profession and income. I spend my days – am spending my life – raising money for very worthy charities. Now I’m hoping you will help my personal cause by making a donation towards my medical bills as I try to make ends meet and be healthy.

Thank you for any support you are able to provide. Hugs & Kisses to all of you!!

Best Friends Animal Society is quite possibly my favorite nonprofit.  They embody everything I love about animal welfare organizations and the no-kill movement.  While the organization is itself a sanctuary in Utah, they also have a very strong presence in the United States and beyond with national initiatives to keep community cats safe and out of shelters with trap/neuter/return, battle commercial breeding operations, and fight discrimination against pit bull terriers.

I am currently a volunteer for Best Friends as the Booth/Vendor Chair on the planning committee for the Austin Strut Your Mutt event.  It has been a busy past few months helping plan this great event that not only benefits Best Friends, but also the local rescue partners of Austin such as Austin Pets Alive, Love-a-Bull and Shadow Cats.  If you are in the Austin area, I strongly encourage you to sign up and enjoy this AMAZING event next Saturday, September 28 with your pup(s).  If you cannot make it, please consider making a donation on my Strut Your Mutt donation page.

Best Friends Website