3 weeks

So after 7 or so years in the graphic design/ print industry, I've decided to step out and work for a local animal rescue and hospice starting September 1st. I realized that I needed to do something else... something that excites me and leaves me feeling good at the end of the work day.
I've hit the point where I can't stand the city and its residents any more. The smell, the sights, the traffic, EVERYTHING in the city has started to bother me. I need to get out of here so I can once again appreciate Charm City and its potential to be a beautiful place.
People come in and spend so much energy worrying about their signs and projects - I want to shout at them "This is NOT IMPORTANT! There are so many other things in life and the world you should be worrying about!" I recognize the fact that it's always been like this and these people have to/like to worry about this stuff. I've just lost interest and I personally don't care about this field anymore. It's not satisfying for me. I could elaborate on things that piss me off regarding this particular organization, but really, it's not worth it. Why burn bridges? I stuck around here for more than five years and tolerated things as long as possible. I'm just going to another place to grin and bear it somewhere else... where it's more worthwhile - at least in my eyes. No place is perfect... As much as we wish it were. I will miss the people I've worked with here though... Hopefully we all stay in touch!
I have lost the passion I once had for this job and I am ready to apply it to something (and some little furry beings) that can really benefit from my hard work and dedication. I honestly could give a flying sh_t. :)
It's going to be messy, stinky and sad at times, but I can't wait! I am so excited to make a living while helping animals (it helps that it's less than 3 miles from my home too). It has always been a love of mine and I'm thankful that I've been given this opportunity to break out into the animal welfare field. I've been instructed by a friend to wear my "heart armor" because I'm going to see some "sad puddins"... Loss of an animal is never easy, but knowing that you are key in keeping them comfortable and happy in their last few months/days/hours of their lives must feel amazing!
I did the proper thing and gave 3 weeks notice... Let me just say, This is the LONGEST three weeks I have experienced EVER! I'll be sure to post updates once I start this new job...

Itty Bitty Kitty Committee

There's a blog that I religiously follow everyday called the "Itty Bitty Kitty Committee" http://www.theittybittykittycommittee.com/
A very nice lady named Laurie in Washington fosters litters of kittens for the local shelter. She has a great photographic eye so the pictures of her little furry friends are AMAZING. Please take some time to visit this website - it will brighten ANYONE'S day! It's a bit bittersweet when the kittens move on to their "forever homes"... but there will always be more to come. I can't wait to see what the next batch of kittens are like!
Feel free to donate to the Humane Society as well!

I don't have a red thumb after all!

Here are some shots from the Summer so far...
Poor Haley thought she was going to be able to accompany us to the picnic at Boordy Vineyards... Little does she know that she was much more comfortable in the air conditioned house with her 2 sisters.

I'm so proud of myself because this year I started some flowers and vines from seed and the plants are ACTUALLY thriving on the back balcony!!!

Summertime Fun - Past, Present and Future

My cousin's wedding went by without a hitch! Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time (even with the heat and humidity) and family squabbles seemed to not be the top priority on everyone's mind. There was only one snarky comment after the ceremony that was muttered, but I think it was ignored because it was a damn wedding for goodness sake! No need for fighting and bickering!

On Saturday, Billy, Jeff and I went to Billy's sister's house (Darcy) to surprise his father for his 69th birthday. What made this such a surprise was the fact that we would NEVER normally be out in her neck of the woods. Billy and Jeff are very close but they don't often hang out with their sister much so needless to say, Billy's dad was FLOORED when he saw the 3 of us at the house munchin down on deviled eggs and veggies. We all ate our fair share of crab, hamburgers and birthday cake. Hopefully we'll all get to go back because everyone had a really good time.

At the bottom of the hill in Darcy's backyard, there was a pier with a boat (owned by Darcy and her boyfriend). After stuffing my face and falling into a complete food coma, I walked down to the dock and sat down for a little bit while my food digested. Sitting at the pier was so peaceful, calm and beautiful. I started to think of how me and my 2 cousins (the older boys) would spend hours on the dock at the marina catching catfish with hotdog bait and we would explore the boatyard. My parents, my aunt and uncle and grandparents all co-owned a boat at the time and they would sit on the boat and do "adult" things... like drink and gossip and stuff. When I was thinking of those good times, I started to tear up a bit because I know nothing like that will happen again. I don't know what went on with them in the past, but now they can hardly be in the same room with each other. Why were they all able to tolerate each other at the docks? Were they pretending to get along for the sake of us kids? We used to vacation together to OC every year, but that stopped when my mom and her brother/my uncle fought during those trips. Where did all of the squabbles come from? I am completely baffled by it all!!!!

I think the only thing I can do now is work to make sure my cousins, my sister and I don't repeat this history. While our personalities are sooo different, what matters most is that when we ignore what cliques we're part of and set aside our differences... We are the next generation and it would be a shame to see all of us turn out like our parents did.

manic Summer ranting

I can't wait! The next few months are sure to bring lots of fun!

My cousin Ben is marrying his long-time girlfriend next weekend and Billy and I are so excited for the wedding. There's some family bullshit that I'm sure is going to threaten the happy times, but I'm not going to let it get to me. SERIOUSLY. Both sides of the family need to give it a rest for a day and CELEBRATE the once in a lifetime event!

We have a few Phish concerts to go to and while they aren't my favorite band, the whole festival-type atmosphere is a blast! Sunshine, warm weather and live music - a perfect Summer combination.

After Phish, to the Riviera Maya we go July 12-July 19. I CAN'T WAIT! Blue water, white sand and all-inclusive STUFF. Snorkeling, hiking around Mayan ruins, 100% relaxation...yay! I'll be sure to put up plenty of pictures when we get back.

I've picked up casual running over the past few months (around the neighborhood and on the treadmill at the gym) I love the way it makes me feel and look. It's a great way for me to work out the day's frustration and stress. Bonus points for the bikini-ready body I'll have :)

Summertime, here I come!

the Winter funk has hit

I can't take this weather anymore!
I'm tired of the cold, the wind, the snow, the ice!
I'm in a big ol' funk right now and nothing can help me.
I'm trying to look at vacation spots to make me feel better, but that's not turning my mood around. I take drugs for this, but everything seems hopeless in February every year.
I miss the sun!
I'm not in the mood to see anyone or do anything...
I wish I had someone who could relate.
I can't wait for Spring to arrive.

Facts About Poop