Why I Couldn't Blog Yesterday

I have found myself in quite the conundrum these past few days. In discussing the matter with my writing friends at the 2nd annual Words In The Park event at the library yesterday, I believe I've discovered what the impetuous to the problem with my neck was. Last week, I believe it was Wednesday, I was scaling the 30" doggy barrier we use to corral the pups (they haven't earned the privilege of free range within the house yet but are getting ever closer) when my foot caught on the top edge and I pitched forward into our four-poster bed -one of the large posts to be exact - Ouch! Thankfully, Graci and Joey were no worse for wear (I was holding them at the time) but I was bruised and sore within a couple of hours. Add to this, the intensive and lengthy runs of typing for NaNoWriMo and falling asleep on a too-worn sofa and I've developed a painfully swollen, tender and binding neck. My big achievement for yesterday was being in attendance at the Words In The Park event. Once the triple advil (not supposed to take that much but I get 'drunkish' on painkillers so I didn't dare, knowing I was going to be in public) took affect, I was able to visit with friends and other attendees. I enjoyed the poetry that was read and the visit with Dr. Kwantes (vet author) and Kelly Ross ("The 5th C"). An afternoon hanging out with writing friends and authors is a fabulous way to take a mind off one's crimpy neck.

A Really Bad Idea

Ever come up with a really bad idea? I have... just can't share them, lol. I'm sure I can come up with a couple that I can share and will post it later. In the meantime, have any you can share? I'm sure I'm in good company.

Bad Idea #1 = cooking eggs in the microwave WITHOUT a cover -ICK! What a mess!

Menopausal Maniac

With my neck giving me such acute trouble the last two days, I've been really irritable and grouchy. I've forgotten just how much pain changes a person's mood. I wonder if this is what menopause will be like. Oh, well. I'll have to sequester myself on those days I may not be fit for human companionship. I may not come out of my hidey hole for a few years. Oh, dread!

THANK YA!

Choosing to take joy in the great things happening in my life right now, I've compiled a list of the top 10. Maybe you could share your top 10 with me. After all, we really do have so much to be thankful for.

1) That soft place to land that God provides - I can always count on it.

2) My Blackberry is here! Hope to get it up and running this weekend.

3)Joey and Pixie came through their surgery yesterday with flying colors and all are healthy and happy.

4)I am able to help my mom (Elsie) during a very difficult health issue.

5)I've successfully written over 8,000 words for Butterflies In The Rain!

6)I am so fortunate to have Linda in my life. She helps me in so many ways that go over and beyond the call of duty for any friend. Love you, lady!

7)My Pack Rules Inc. ad comes out in the Sherwood Park yellow pages in Dec! One more step toward my new career!

8)Since blogging nearly every day for over a month, I am getting better and better at "Titles".

9)I have been able to maintain my recently achieved size 14! Looking forward to another loss soon.

10) Last but certainly never least, my family: I am so incredibly happy I have family that love me enough to put up with my endless shenanigans. They encourage me through tough times when I doubt myself and give me that tough love that is always received with a bit of resistance. Love you guys and thanks for hanging in there with me!

An Ounce Of Prevention =

a pound of cure. This is applicable to the dental care for small dogs, especially, as often their mouths are too small for tooth brushes and all those teeth can become crowded in such a tight space. The first line of defense? Tooth extraction. Often, vets will extract any deciduous teeth when the dog is under general anesthetic for routine spay/neuter. Sometimes, these teeth are not quite ready to be pulled and a follow-up visit to check for stubborn baby teeth may be in order. That is what happened to Joey and Pixie. They are both in at the vets today to have their upper baby canines removed as they are still hanging on for dear life. If left unattended, the crowded teeth offer food particles a place to catch and rot. If your dog has persistent bad breath, it is likely due to tooth decay or food that has become caught between teeth. Making certain that your dog, regardless of his size, has appropriate dental care is key in maintaining overall health.

I've seen too many toothless dogs that are sentenced to mushy food because they've lost all or most of their teeth due to rotting. Budget for dental care when you decide to get a dog and give the topical treatments a try. For my dogs, I use a gel once each day that helps prevent decay and tartar buildup. It keeps their teeth pearly white and negates the need for toothbrushes.

When You Get Caught Red-Handed...

it's hard not to be contrite. Look at the expression on this dog's face. It reminds me of my kids when they were little.

"Did you get into the cookie jar?" I'd ask.

"No," they'd say while sporting the same expression as Randy. Never mind the chocolate smears and crumbs on their chubby cheeks.

That's ok for children. It's to be expected. But what about for me? I feel like Randy when I weigh in at Dr. Bernstein's. I know that coke and fries is going to plaster me to the fridge. My dad used to say, "You ain't foolin' nobody but yourself." I suppose it holds true for children and adults, alike. Here's to no more coke and fries (or anything else that's not on 'The List") until Christmas Eve.

Writing, Writing, Writing...

November is National Blog Month as well as National Novel Writing Month. I have decided, against all sense of reason, to participate in both. Hmmmmmm, only time will tell if I will be successful. Anyway, I will be focusing most my efforts toward my novel, "Butterflies In The Rain". If I finish it... perhaps you will see a copy of it shortly after the new year? The blog will continue, but will likely be brief 'thoughts to ponder' bits and pieces. Hope you enjoy. I am looking forward to reading your blogs as well. Watch for my comments, cuz that is something I love to do.

Take Care & Happy Blogging!

Butterflies In The Rain = 1589 words (goal = 50,000)