Hurricanes and Happenings

As I’m drinking my wine and waiting out Hurricane Isaac, I am trying to come up with blog material. The best I have for ya’ll would be just to compile the events of my life in the month of August. So, before we move to the next month, here are a couple of my life dealings. Shit… I just spilled wine on the keyboard… ugh.

Ok, crisis averted. So, scrolling through my iPhone…


My sweet Mimi and Poppy on his 80th birthday

first up, I spent many days on the coast (OS). My grandmother has been slowly progressing. The trouble first started on the 4^th of July when I was visiting my sister in Indianapolis. She was admitted and was diagnosed over the course of three weeks while in the hospital with a herniated disc and bursitis in her right hip joint. Her pain was finally managed, and she was discharged to a physical therapy clinic at the Sunplex. (NEVER go there!) Shortly thereafter she was readmitted to the ER and was placed in the ICU for atrial fibrillation which they corrected. About a week after discharge, she was diagnosed with a mild stroke which would explain her slower than normal recovery, slurred speech and inability to write. We were told it was due to the pain meds that she was on… I am actually very pissed off about the whole thing, but I’m going to try to remain calm on this topic for the sake of ya’ll, so no tangents tonight. I am happy to report that she is doing well. She receives physical therapy, speech therapy and at home nursing care provided by my wonderful mother. The compassion my mother shows on and off the job is just astonishing. More on this later. With my mother’s help, Mimi has managed to go to the boats (casinos) and to Belk, two of her most favorite things.
 
On the 4^th of August, I went to pick up our new kitty (described in my previous post). She was in Stark Vegas (i.e. God’s country or Starkville for those of you who are completely clueless). I arrived on Friday and took a tour of Hwy 12 and the campus to see if any changes had been made since my last visit. I found many new businesses including: Sunsations (presumed tanning salon?), Newk’s Café, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chic-Fil-A, and Waffle House which is super exciting since the first one was shut down and God only knows why! Most notably on campus was the new dorms across from the band hall and the renovations of the Hump were completed. Of course, dinner was provided by The Veranda, the best restaurant on the planet! The menu included lobster bisque OMG, cheese logs in my mouth, peanut butter balls with milk for dessert, and of course an Appletini for old times sake. I was able to help out a good friend of mine while up there. My friend, Kati, was moving her fiancé, Luke, up for school. Friday night was spent conversing over several alcoholic beverages in the Cotton District. Conversation mostly consisted of how we hated being adults, how we envied Luke, and reminiscing over the good times in the Vegas. Ahh. Saturday I helped them move, picked up Junebug and headed home. On the 8^th, I attended a CE (continuing education required to maintain boarded status) meeting at the Original Oyster House on the Causeway, and I got to see my colleagues whom I miss dearly. It was good to see their faces and reconnect.  
 

peanut butter balls

 

 
August 13^th brought yet another baby into this world. My cousin, Elizabeth, gave birth to Charlotte Rose Doss. I was happy I was able to be there for her and the birth of my second, second cousin. Yours truly served as the photographer and I produced many remarkable photographs, yeah, I’m humble too. What was most amazing was watching my mother. She was the nurse who delivered and took care of Charlotte. It was an awesome experience watching my mother do what she loves to do, and do it very well.
 

                                                  Elizabeth, Ray, and Charlotte

Next up, I won a pair of SNOOKI shades!!!!! For those of you who truly know me, this is a major deal. I was so flippin excited! Ok, back on track… Craig and I headed down to the Amphitheatre at the Wharf twice this month for two concerts. First, we saw Kelly Clarkson and The Fray on Monday, August 6th^th. Carolina Liar opened for them. I have to say, I was slightly concerned with how this one was going to go as I am not a big fan of either. Kelly did a fabulous job and put on a great show. She even went out into the audience, which I have never seen a musician do before. The Fray was eh, and I don’t even know who the hell Carolina Liars are. All performers claimed how hot and muggy they were. Welcome to South Alabama ya yankees! On Friday, August 17^th, we saw Jason Mraz. Christina Perry opened (still don’t know who that is). He was pretty good, however, I drank 4 Bud Light Platinums on the way down (about 45 mins) and was pretty toasted. The reason for that was an 8 hour visit at the hair salon where they had royally screwed up my hair big time. Highlighting, washing, cutting, blow drying, re-dying, re-washing, re-blow drying, re-highlighting, re-washing, re-blow drying and styling… and it was just satisfactory (orange really in my opinion) but I was ready to get the hell out of there. I guess that is what I get for going to freakin Genesis Career College. Gosh, I’m a cheap bastard… eh, lesson learned.
 

                                                  Carolina Liar at Dusk

Kelly Clarkson

                                          

                                                        The Fray

                                                        Jason Mraz

                                                       very "happy"

 Ashley and Mark came into town on Friday, August 17^th. We spent the weekend drinking, gambling, eating, and NOT going out on the boat to the island. Very disappointing, but this has been a trend every weekend this summer. We made the best of it with a visit to Ed’s on the Causeway to fill Mark’s tummy with a Yo Mamma Platter. Ah-mazing. We also got to practice our marksmanship or “shootin pistols” as Craig calls it. On that Saturday they were down, I drove up to Jackson, MS to help co-host a guitar-themed baby shower for my friend, Mindi. I practiced my crafty skills and produced a bad-ass diaper cake and a few other clever decorations. I think she enjoyed it, and it was good to see some of my old friends. Below is the Yo' Mama Dessert, WOW!

Guitar diaper cake and below are the mini diaper bassonets I made for Mindi

 

 

                                                 
The following weekend I had two bridal showers to attend. One, for one of my oldest friends, Erin. I got to hang out with some of my high school friends in OS at Treasure Oaks Country Club. Always good to see them, we talked about old times and of course discussed the latest gossip (mostly high school reunion drama). It’s bittersweet seeing these gals because I never know when I will get to see them again due to our busy lives (well, not so much mine…). Next, was Kati’s shower in downtown OS at Leo’s (an amazing hang out pizza place). Live music and good food was this shower’s theme. Tina did a very good job with location and getting things planned. I had a great time, and I’m pretty sure Kati did too. After dropping off Tristan with my mom (which she LOVED by the way, gotta give her a baby fix somewhere, damn), we stayed for beers which was great. Craig and I also attended a marriage seminar hosted by our church on Friday and Saturday which was excellent. I hope to post a “serious” blog about this next. Very good information.
 

                                             Ole friends at Erin's Bridal Shower

Me + my girls + Tristan = good times

 
 And finally, the “hurricane.” We prepared at the start of hurricane season, so there wasn’t much to do other than the obvious. We put up all the outside stuff into the garage, gassed up, and got some cash out from the bank. Other than that, stocking up on the alcohol. Craig is off and we are enjoying our time together and doing our own things as well (me blogging and Craig playing Diablo - wth?). Power/Internet is still on, so I’m posting this. And… the bottle is gone. So, I guess it’s time to bid you ado. Thank goodness for spell check. Stay safe.
 
Cheers!
Tara

New Addition

So, to make it completely official, this blog is dedicated to the newest member of our still growing family. NO, it’s not a damn baby announcement! Gah! We have adopted a new kitty.

A veterinary technician that I met while doing a rotation in shelter animal medicine during vet school first introduced her to me. She travels with the veterinary mobile unit at Mississippi State. They journey to the surrounding animal shelters and take 2-3 vet students with them 3-4 times a week. The objective is to sterilize as many animals that time will allow during the day. Other duties include making sure they are appropriately vaccinated, providing treatment for internal and external parasites, and making individual and group health recommendations. If you want to learn more about the MSU-CVM Mobile Unit, check out this website.  http://www.msumobilevet.com/

Shelter cats are notoriously more difficult to find homes for. Did you know that 3-4 million cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the US, and of those 71 % of cats are euthanized. Emily, the vet tech, is a cat person. To express her love of feline friends, she takes beautiful photographs of the shelter cats that she comes across and posts them on Facebook. She displays the photograph, the name of the cat, and where it can be found in hopes that it will light a fire in someone’s eyes. And, it did just that. Below is the picture of “Prissy” that she posted.

Beautiful, isn’t she? The minute I saw this picture a wave of emotions went through me. Now, most of you know that we had another kitty. Her name was Sugar, or as we called her, Shug. I will tell Shug’s story in another blog later. It is still tough to revisit.

After viewing the photograph, showing Craig, and hearing her story, it was decided that we would adopt her. “Prissy” was a long time resident of Columbus - Lowndes Humane Society. From what I understand, she was an owner relinquishment in the beginning of June 2012. Two days after her drop off, she delivered a litter of four kittens. I was told that none survived. Her time at the shelter was running out, and her adoption fee was discounted. So, I would go to Starkville, and Emily was kind enough to keep her for me in the mean time.

I picked her up Saturday, August 4^th. She was quiet the three and a half hour trip down. As I put my finger to the mesh siding of the carrier, I remember telling her that she had big shoes to fill. She just looked into my eyes and rubbed the side of her muzzle against my finger. She was happy.

So, the introduction went well. Wait, what introduction? This cat acted like she was born in this house. She ran up to Bella and Asher almost like she was saying, “what up my dawgs?” The dogs were slightly confused by this. She spent the next couple of days exploring her new habitat and the fauna that inhabited it. She was, of course, curious by the little critters but did not try to harm them. Craig renamed her “Junebug” because of her bright green eyes.

Junebug has a lot of personality. She is extremely talkative and even talks as she is jumping so when she lands it kind of sounds like a loud “whoop.” She has to be in the same room as the dogs, and Bella will get upset because she tries to lay right next to her. Sniper cat is what we call her when she ambushes the dogs as they run by. She likes to lay on top of you as you sleep and purrs loudly. She knows where to scratch and where not to. She does not beg for human food but has come to recognize the sound of the kitty treats rustling in the bag. She get a Mohawk down her back when she is very excited or when you just get home. And, just like most every other cat in the world, the kitty crack fairy descends upon her at 10 pm, goes berserk for about 15-30 minutes and then settles back down. She also does the same thing Shug did after she took a crap - sprints away as fast as she can like the demons just escaped her. Yep, she’s a keeper. She has filled a deep void in our hearts in only a three week period of time. She gives the type of love only a cat can provide, and she loves us already, unconditionally.


So, in closing, I leave you with the words of Bob Barker. Help control the pet population. Please spay or neuter your pets. Save a life, ADOPT!

Cheers!
Tara

An American Tale - Somewhere Out There

As some of you may have read on Facebook, Lola had an amazing adventure the other day. Lola is our inquisitive Fancy rat that joined our family shortly after I started working as a veterinarian two years ago. Craig was less than thrilled that I had brought home yet another animal to add to our menagerie, but did not put up much of a fight because well, resistance was futile. He learned early on that we would/will add to our family with or without permission at any given time.

Lola is a lovable little rat. She resides in her three story condo that sits in the middle of the living room downstairs. We once discussed moving her home to the office where the other little critters live, but quickly decided that this would not be in her best interest as she loves to be around us as much as possible. She usually comes out of her little blue igloo (where she likes to sleep) when we are in the living room and will just “hang out” with us.

    

Now, I know what you are probably thinking. Who on Earth would want a pet rat? Well, let me just tell you. You have no idea what you are missing. Lola is more or less like a tiny version of a dog. She knows her name and comes when she is called. She is completely housebroken, as in she will not use the bathroom outside of one corner of her cage. She does tricks for treats, sit, stand, follow, etc. And, she gives kisses and makes sweet squeaks when you are loving on her. Now again, ask me why I wouldn’t want one of these?

It all began on a dreary summer night… no, actually it what pretty clear that evening. Anyways, I came home from visiting the coast (and when I say coast, it always means Ocean Springs in South Mississippi). It was a short trip, one and a half days. Prior to leaving, I checked on all of the animals as I normally do, making sure that they have food and water and a clean area. Everyone was good to go, so I left thinking that Craig had it under control. All was well.

I returned shortly after and made the rounds checking on everyone. I was particularly interested in Lola. See, the average life expectancy of a Fancy rat is only 2 -3 years. I know, probably not a good idea for me to own one as I get super attached to my pets. But, Lola has been exhibiting some signs of old age. She doesn’t hear nearly as well. She seems to get somewhat short winded when exercising. And, her little body doesn’t move as quickly as it used to. Well, needless to say, every time I leave, I worry about her. So, I go to her cage and call for her. No response. That’s ok, sometimes she doesn’t hear me. I call for her louder, still no movement. I shake the cage and strum the wires. Still, nothing. Oh God. Lola. I burst into her cage and vigorously shake the blue igloo. Still, nothing. I lower my head as my heart just completely sinks into my stomach. Craig, all the while watching, runs over and tells me to go sit down. Trying to hold back the tears as Craig separates the cage, he lifts the igloo and says, “um, she’s not in there.” What? “Move out of the way!” I rustle through all of the bedding. Where in the hell is she?

Panic mode ensues. Trying to think of what happened prior to leaving. I lifted her out and gave her kisses then fed her a piece of cheese prior to leaving for my trip. Craig couldn’t remember the last time he had seen her. Surely, everything was latched properly. We usually only go into her cage through the top. She is somewhere in this house. For two and a half hours, Craig and I tore up the entire house. I mean, every piece of furniture upstairs and downstairs had been moved, most of it on its side. We looked inside the furniture, inside the mattresses, inside of the drawers. No Lola. We looked inside of the laundry baskets, inside of the cabinets, inside of the garbage. No Lola. I called and called for her. No Lola. The only evidence we found was two little pellets by our bed upstairs, odd. She was in the mattress. Nope. If I was a rat where would I go? To food an water! Nope, she wasn’t in the pantry, wasn’t near any of the water sources. Oh God. What if one of the dogs or the cat got a hold of her? Surely, there would be something devastating found if that was the case. Nothing. I even thought that I may have to take the dogs to get an abdominal x-ray just to check. I was distraught. I wondered if she was stuck somewhere and that we wouldn’t find her until the end. The thought of that just killed me. How was I going to sleep that night.

After searching, we were exhausted. I went upstairs to change. I was taking my clothes to the hallway. Looked down, and there is little Lola running full speed towards me. Almost like she was screaming, “Hey! There you are, I’ve been looking for you. I’m famished!” A wave of relief rushed through me as I scooped her up and showered her with kisses. Thank you God! She was fine. I immediately rushed downstairs and put her in front of her water bottle. Nah, no thanks, where’s the good stuff. I gave her all of her favorite foods, checked her cage, and watched her for the next two hours to make sure Houdini didn’t try to escape again. I cleaned her cage completely out yesterday, checking all the hinges and doors. So far, so good. Who knows what happened. We won’t ever know. But, she must have had a blast. I still can’t believe the dogs and cat didn’t mess with her. I have found some shreds of fabric and little bite marks on my flip flops but other than that nothing. I hope she had a great adventure, but that little turd scared the hell out of me.

If you want to know more about Fancy rats as pets, check out this website http://www.fancypetrats.com/

Cheers!
Tara

                                       Lola getting her Christmas presents!

Why blog? Why now?

Well, to put it simply, I have some free time as of now, and it may be amusing to look back on later down the road. I never thought I would be the one that would discuss my life in a public forum. I consider myself more of a "keep it to yourself" type person. Or, in most aspects of my life… I have a few friends that blog on a pretty consistent basis, and I have really enjoyed reading them for the most part. It allows for a little more in depth look at what is going on in someone's life, as apposed to just a status update. When it has become so hard to keep in touch, as happens when everyone grows up and becomes an adult, it is a nice way to maintain relationships.

Social media is, of course, my main source of information. I literally check Facebook around 20-30 times a day. And, I have recently joined Twitter as well. Facebook provides me with the day to day occurrences in peoples' lives, whether it be a picture of what someone ate for lunch or a yoga session that really kicked their ass today. And you may think, why would anyone care about when someone just got a coke from the coke machine? Well, I would. Frankly, it's just entertainment, and if you don't like it then maybe you should unsubscribe from the people that annoy you most. I, however, will not. I enjoy reading everyone's little blips about life. It makes me feel connected to people and grounded in a way. I mean, isn't that what Facebook is all about?

Twitter, on the other hand, is a little more difficult to follow. Honestly, I joined to follow Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi. Don’t hate. I friggin love that little meatball, and I think we would be great friends if our paths ever were to cross. She reminds me a lot of myself, which I know, is scary. She just has this “I don’t give a shit” attitude that I admire. Now, every Thursdays, is dubbed “Jerzday” at our house and Craig knows to leave me the hell alone from 9 to 10 pm and most of the time from 8 to 9 pm so that I can recap from the previous weeks‘ Jersey Shore episode. It has been rough lately with no shore, but luckily Snooki and Jwoww have sufficed. This show is like Jersey Shore light, and I believe this is due most in part because poor ole Snooks got accidentally knocked up. Well… I went off on a tangent now didn’t I. Well, back to Twitter. Really, all Twitter is from what I can tell, is a place to connect with celebs, end of story.

So as for blogging, I’ll give it a shot as well. Assuming that you are reading this because you want to know about my life, I will try to blog as often as I am able to. I will probably do a little back tracking for all that feel the need to play catch up with my life. I hope it will provide you with a laugh or two, or maybe it will send you into deep thought. Either way, I hope it brings you yet another form of entertainment.

Cheers!
Tara