You may remember the little black kitten named Adam that I have been blogging about. He was seriously burned by two teenaged girls who are currently being held in juvenile hall.
The good news is that Adam is doing really well. He had his final skin graft surgery and his new fur is coming in gray and white! Some of his musculature is deformed from burns so his back will be a little deformed and he will have a limp in one of his hind legs but he will be fine. He has an amazing little spirit!
A petition is currently going around to create "Adam's Amendment" which would call for harsher punishment for people convicted of harming an animal. (Michael Vick, anyone?!) If you are interested in signing it or reading more about it, go here.
To see the latest photos of Adam, go here. People are sending him lots of little shirts to wear to protect his back and they are so cute. He has also befriended a chihuahua and another kitten!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
LBC Freebie of the Day
Get a free sample of new AQUAFRESH Advanced toothpaste.
(these are great travel sizes to take on vacation or donate to a local shelter!)
LINK
(these are great travel sizes to take on vacation or donate to a local shelter!)
LINK
Monday, August 27, 2007
Cool Quote
"I really didn't realize the librarians were, you know, such a dangerous group. They are subversive. You think they are just sitting there at the desk, all quiet and everything. They're like plotting the revolution, man. I wouldn't mess with them."--- Michael Moore
Playing Tourist
My mom is in town while D.H. is away camping so we have been doing some touristy stuff. It is Fashion Week in San Francisco so I took my mom to one of the shows. It was really fun. My mom said it was like being on PROJECT RUNWAY. I wouldn't be able to fit my big toe in any of the fashions but it is fun to see them.
On Friday, we took a double-decker tour bus around San Francisco and saw some of the sights. The cemetary at Mission Dolores was beautiful. I love old cemetaries. There was one near my house in Denver and I used to love to explore it. We also stopped at the Japanese Tea Garden which was wonderful. I can't wait to go back and have tea there sometime. On Saturday, we boarded the ferry to Alcatraz. I didn't know what to expect and I was surprised at the history there. Much of the island is in sad shape and is in desperate need of repair. There are lots of Civil War-era buildings that need attention. I was shocked at how tiny the cells were. They were almost the shape the twin bed. One tiny sink and toilet with a small square table and seat. We had the opportunity to be closed inside of an isolation cell but we opted out. I have some issues with claustrophobia. We then headed over to Angel Island which was amazing. So beautiful! You can camp and hike there. Angel Island has an old Civil War-era base as well as the infamous Angel Island Immigration station. Some people have compared Angel Island to Ellis Island. They had very different purposes, however. In a shameful episode from our past, American resented the influx of Chinese immigrants who were "taking all the jobs" and causing a "burden" on society. So, many of the young immigrants were rounded up and held at Angel Island in deplorable conditions until they could be deported. The most upsetting thing is that when you hear and read about this place, it echoes many of the sentiments that we are hearing today about Mexican immigrants. It is really chilling to think about.
After we got back to land, I drove my mom down the infamous crooked Lombard street. It was fun!
Even though I live within easy driving distance of San Francisco, it is really fun to go exploring.
On Friday, we took a double-decker tour bus around San Francisco and saw some of the sights. The cemetary at Mission Dolores was beautiful. I love old cemetaries. There was one near my house in Denver and I used to love to explore it. We also stopped at the Japanese Tea Garden which was wonderful. I can't wait to go back and have tea there sometime. On Saturday, we boarded the ferry to Alcatraz. I didn't know what to expect and I was surprised at the history there. Much of the island is in sad shape and is in desperate need of repair. There are lots of Civil War-era buildings that need attention. I was shocked at how tiny the cells were. They were almost the shape the twin bed. One tiny sink and toilet with a small square table and seat. We had the opportunity to be closed inside of an isolation cell but we opted out. I have some issues with claustrophobia. We then headed over to Angel Island which was amazing. So beautiful! You can camp and hike there. Angel Island has an old Civil War-era base as well as the infamous Angel Island Immigration station. Some people have compared Angel Island to Ellis Island. They had very different purposes, however. In a shameful episode from our past, American resented the influx of Chinese immigrants who were "taking all the jobs" and causing a "burden" on society. So, many of the young immigrants were rounded up and held at Angel Island in deplorable conditions until they could be deported. The most upsetting thing is that when you hear and read about this place, it echoes many of the sentiments that we are hearing today about Mexican immigrants. It is really chilling to think about.
After we got back to land, I drove my mom down the infamous crooked Lombard street. It was fun!
Even though I live within easy driving distance of San Francisco, it is really fun to go exploring.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
I'm Back!
Well, I got back from my Texas sojourn and I was not carried off by Hurricane Dean!
It was nice to be back home. I got to spend time with my mom and eat lots of yummy Texas food. My friend B's wedding was wonderful. I guess that technically it was a commitment ceremony. B. exchanged vows with his partner O. and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. It was a beautiful ceremony and such a fun reception! The judge began the ceremony by saying that the ceremony was not a legal ceremony because the law did not recognize their love. However, it is significant that they would choose to make this kind of public statement and commitment in spite of that fact. I guess I will never understand why so many people are so passionately opposed to gay marriage. Shouldn't we support love and commitment wherever we find it? As a Christian, I am well aware of the argument that homosexuality is condemned in the Bible. You know what? So is eating bacon and shellfish. And what about people who choose not to circumcise their boys? That was a rule in the Bible too. I'm not saying that I don't believe the Bible is incorrect. But I believe those laws were in place for very specific temporal and cultural reasons. I believe that God is love. I will always support loving committed relationships. Especially when it involves someone I care about as much as B.
I would love to share photos of the beautiful ceremony and the handsome grooms with you but I feel I need to protect the privacy of my friends. Because so many people don't understand this type of ceremony. Maybe one day, we will celebrate and respect such diversity in committed relationships. I hope so. I really believe that things do get better. Change just seems a little slow sometimes.
It was nice to be back home. I got to spend time with my mom and eat lots of yummy Texas food. My friend B's wedding was wonderful. I guess that technically it was a commitment ceremony. B. exchanged vows with his partner O. and there wasn't a dry eye in the place. It was a beautiful ceremony and such a fun reception! The judge began the ceremony by saying that the ceremony was not a legal ceremony because the law did not recognize their love. However, it is significant that they would choose to make this kind of public statement and commitment in spite of that fact. I guess I will never understand why so many people are so passionately opposed to gay marriage. Shouldn't we support love and commitment wherever we find it? As a Christian, I am well aware of the argument that homosexuality is condemned in the Bible. You know what? So is eating bacon and shellfish. And what about people who choose not to circumcise their boys? That was a rule in the Bible too. I'm not saying that I don't believe the Bible is incorrect. But I believe those laws were in place for very specific temporal and cultural reasons. I believe that God is love. I will always support loving committed relationships. Especially when it involves someone I care about as much as B.
I would love to share photos of the beautiful ceremony and the handsome grooms with you but I feel I need to protect the privacy of my friends. Because so many people don't understand this type of ceremony. Maybe one day, we will celebrate and respect such diversity in committed relationships. I hope so. I really believe that things do get better. Change just seems a little slow sometimes.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
You May All Go to Hell and I Will Go to Texas!
I'm not really cursing you. The title of this post is a famous saying by Mr. Davy Crockett!
Well, my friends, I am going home to Texas for the weekend. I'm really looking forward to it. There may even been a thunderstorm or two in my future. I really miss good Texas thunderstorms. I'm hoping I will also find some inspiration for my next post on the power of NICE. You may not know this but Texas is not only known as the Lone Star State but also as the Friendship State. I think people down there are mostly pretty friendly.
Anyway, I will post again when I return next week. Until then, I hope you all have a Texas-Sized Weeekend full of fun!!!!
Well, my friends, I am going home to Texas for the weekend. I'm really looking forward to it. There may even been a thunderstorm or two in my future. I really miss good Texas thunderstorms. I'm hoping I will also find some inspiration for my next post on the power of NICE. You may not know this but Texas is not only known as the Lone Star State but also as the Friendship State. I think people down there are mostly pretty friendly.
Anyway, I will post again when I return next week. Until then, I hope you all have a Texas-Sized Weeekend full of fun!!!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Monday, August 13, 2007
Does Nice Matter?
I was given the Nice Matters award over on my crafting blog today. It really made my day. It also got me thinking about the concept of "nice." I make a real effort to try and be nice to everyone. I don't always succeed. But I'm a firm believer that you get what you send out. Sometimes, I get a little frustrated, though.
Here are some of my top NOT NICE things that people do:
1) I always try to let other drivers in when they are trying to change lanes or make a difficult turn. It bugs me when people don't wave thanks. I know this seems silly but back in Texas, people always wave thanks. I think it's a nice way to acknowledge your fellow human beings. I have never seen someone wave thanks in California. Not once.
2) It really upsets me when I am walking out a door right behind someone and they drop it in my face. I always hold doors for people----men and women. I just think it's a respectful thing to do.
3) I really hate it when customers jabber on their cell phones when checking out in a store. I think it is really rude to the salesperson.
4) Maybe I'm just getting old but I don't like it when people are cursing loudly or sharing off-color jokes and stories in mixed company. Now, I have been known to cuss. And I have been known to tell a bawdy tale. But I try not to do those things around people I don't know. Because you never know when it might make someone uncomfortable.
5) When people are consistently late for things. I think it's important to try and be on time because it is a sign that you respect and value other people's time.
6) When people reveal the plot of stories and movies very early on. It just ruins it for everyone else.
Can you think of some things that are just NOT NICE? If so, leave a comment. I'd like to hear about them. I'll explore this issue more tomorrow.
Here are some of my top NOT NICE things that people do:
1) I always try to let other drivers in when they are trying to change lanes or make a difficult turn. It bugs me when people don't wave thanks. I know this seems silly but back in Texas, people always wave thanks. I think it's a nice way to acknowledge your fellow human beings. I have never seen someone wave thanks in California. Not once.
2) It really upsets me when I am walking out a door right behind someone and they drop it in my face. I always hold doors for people----men and women. I just think it's a respectful thing to do.
3) I really hate it when customers jabber on their cell phones when checking out in a store. I think it is really rude to the salesperson.
4) Maybe I'm just getting old but I don't like it when people are cursing loudly or sharing off-color jokes and stories in mixed company. Now, I have been known to cuss. And I have been known to tell a bawdy tale. But I try not to do those things around people I don't know. Because you never know when it might make someone uncomfortable.
5) When people are consistently late for things. I think it's important to try and be on time because it is a sign that you respect and value other people's time.
6) When people reveal the plot of stories and movies very early on. It just ruins it for everyone else.
Can you think of some things that are just NOT NICE? If so, leave a comment. I'd like to hear about them. I'll explore this issue more tomorrow.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
LBC Freebie of the Day
The first 2000 people to sign up on Wednesday, August 15 will receive a free FULL-SIZE tube of Neutrogena Anti-Oxidant Age Reverse lotion. Sponsored by SHAPE magazine.
These contests usually start at midnight EST. The site does not specify what time the promotion starts. Good luck!!!
LINK
These contests usually start at midnight EST. The site does not specify what time the promotion starts. Good luck!!!
LINK
Thursday, August 09, 2007
LBC Freebie of the Day Part 2
Get a free NIVEA Goodbye Cellulite Patch!!! (wonder if it's big enough to cover my whole bum!!!)
LINK
LINK
LBC Freebie of the Day
Get a free sample of chocolate CHEX. If you get a log-in screen, don't fill anything out. Simple click the "Log On" button and it will take you to the sample form.
LINK
LINK
High-End Designers Go "Slumming"
Isaac Mizrahi was the first. Now, everyone wants to get in on the act.
I have to admit I'm a bit of a fashion junkie. And ever since Target started showcasing high-end designers at bargain prices, I have been hooked! Currently, they have a line by Libertine. I happened to be in a Target the day they put out the new merchandise and I snapped up a few key pieces. The next designer to hit Target stores will be Temperley whose line debuts in stores in September. After that, be on the lookout for Alice Fetherston's design in December/January.
Not to be outdone, Payless Shoe Source is partnering with Abaete and Lela Rose for two fall lines. I can't wait to see the Lela Rose designs. I think they all run in the $25 range. Whoopee!!!
And, believe it or not, Vera Wang is coming out with a "Simply Vera" line for Kohl's in September. It will be interesting to see how her design vision translates to "bargain."
Finally, in naughtier news, the glamorous Dita Von Teese is lending her image and influence to a pinup-inspired line for Frederick's of Hollywood. This I can't wait to see!
I have to admit I'm a bit of a fashion junkie. And ever since Target started showcasing high-end designers at bargain prices, I have been hooked! Currently, they have a line by Libertine. I happened to be in a Target the day they put out the new merchandise and I snapped up a few key pieces. The next designer to hit Target stores will be Temperley whose line debuts in stores in September. After that, be on the lookout for Alice Fetherston's design in December/January.
Not to be outdone, Payless Shoe Source is partnering with Abaete and Lela Rose for two fall lines. I can't wait to see the Lela Rose designs. I think they all run in the $25 range. Whoopee!!!
And, believe it or not, Vera Wang is coming out with a "Simply Vera" line for Kohl's in September. It will be interesting to see how her design vision translates to "bargain."
Finally, in naughtier news, the glamorous Dita Von Teese is lending her image and influence to a pinup-inspired line for Frederick's of Hollywood. This I can't wait to see!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
This Day in (My) History
On August 7, 1975, my parents arrived at Dallas/Love Field airport to meet a social worker from El Paso. She had a special delivery.
Some people can say that the stork brought them. The plane brought me.
Every year on this date my mother calls me and relates the story of the day my parents got me. Until August 7, I had been living with a foster family. The social worker was afraid I would get cold on the plane so she put me in an undershirt AND a winter sleeper. (this is August in Texas, people) My mom says I was screaming bloody murder, the milk in my bottle had soured and I had really bad diaper rash. (see...even then I didn't like being hot!) The social worker asked for my clothing back since it belonged to the agency. So, my parents stripped me down in the airport and put on my new clothes.
I guess I screamed so loud that a woman in the airport asked my mother, "What's wrong with your baby?!" My mother replied, "I don't know. I just got her!"
It is hard to believe that my mother was 30 when she got me and my dad was my age. Amazing!
My parents made no special requests on the application form. They said they would take the first baby available. The funny thing is, people often tell me I look just like my parents. (except several inches taller) Guess God picked the right baby, huh?
Funny how life works sometimes.
Some people can say that the stork brought them. The plane brought me.
Every year on this date my mother calls me and relates the story of the day my parents got me. Until August 7, I had been living with a foster family. The social worker was afraid I would get cold on the plane so she put me in an undershirt AND a winter sleeper. (this is August in Texas, people) My mom says I was screaming bloody murder, the milk in my bottle had soured and I had really bad diaper rash. (see...even then I didn't like being hot!) The social worker asked for my clothing back since it belonged to the agency. So, my parents stripped me down in the airport and put on my new clothes.
I guess I screamed so loud that a woman in the airport asked my mother, "What's wrong with your baby?!" My mother replied, "I don't know. I just got her!"
It is hard to believe that my mother was 30 when she got me and my dad was my age. Amazing!
My parents made no special requests on the application form. They said they would take the first baby available. The funny thing is, people often tell me I look just like my parents. (except several inches taller) Guess God picked the right baby, huh?
Funny how life works sometimes.
Even the cat...
Now, after reading this post you will probably say to yourself, "Malady has finally lost her mind." And you'd probably be right.
I love blogging. I love to blog and I love to read other people's blogs. And now....
...if you can believe it...
My cat has his own web page. It's like a MySpace page for cats.
LINK
Once he heard that his buddy Adam (the sweet little burned kitty) had HIS own web page, Toulouse would not be denied. Now, they are cyber-buddies. Toulouse has more online "friends" than I do!!!
And now, you must excuse me while I go find my marbles.
I love blogging. I love to blog and I love to read other people's blogs. And now....
...if you can believe it...
My cat has his own web page. It's like a MySpace page for cats.
LINK
Once he heard that his buddy Adam (the sweet little burned kitty) had HIS own web page, Toulouse would not be denied. Now, they are cyber-buddies. Toulouse has more online "friends" than I do!!!
And now, you must excuse me while I go find my marbles.
Monday, August 06, 2007
I'll Take a Potholder!
So, last month was the much-ballyhooed BLOGHER conference. For those of you who aren't familiar with BlogHer, it is a community for women who blog. The conference sounded like a lot of fun but the cost of the conference plus airfare plus hotel stay was out of my league. I thought I would enjoy reading about it on other blogs. Instead, I'm just mad.
Evidently, a great deal of swag was given away at the conference. I'm always up for a good freebie! But a lot of these women are complaining because they were given such free things as POTHOLDERS! (shocking) and APRONS! (how dare they!) The common consensus is that it is offensive to give things like that to technologically-minded women because it makes it seem as if they are encouraged to get back in the kitchen. I wonder if they would complain about free high-end cosmetics. Would that say something about the world's emphasis on appearance? What about free stuff for your baby (since many of these are mommy bloggers)? Does that say something negative about women being baby machines? I think these people are way too focused on stereotypes. Maybe the issue is less that the items say something offensive about women and more that the items weren't considered good swag. I have even heard that many conference attendees were throwing the potholders in the garbage! How wasteful! If I ever get a freebie I cannot use, I always give it away or donate it. And who honestly doesn't use a potholder? Do people take food out of the oven with their bare hands? It's all much ado about nothing if you ask me. And it makes me think that people were much more focused on getting free stuff than on anything there was to be learned at the conference.
There...that's my two cents. (actually, I probably gave a nickel's worth)
Evidently, a great deal of swag was given away at the conference. I'm always up for a good freebie! But a lot of these women are complaining because they were given such free things as POTHOLDERS! (shocking) and APRONS! (how dare they!) The common consensus is that it is offensive to give things like that to technologically-minded women because it makes it seem as if they are encouraged to get back in the kitchen. I wonder if they would complain about free high-end cosmetics. Would that say something about the world's emphasis on appearance? What about free stuff for your baby (since many of these are mommy bloggers)? Does that say something negative about women being baby machines? I think these people are way too focused on stereotypes. Maybe the issue is less that the items say something offensive about women and more that the items weren't considered good swag. I have even heard that many conference attendees were throwing the potholders in the garbage! How wasteful! If I ever get a freebie I cannot use, I always give it away or donate it. And who honestly doesn't use a potholder? Do people take food out of the oven with their bare hands? It's all much ado about nothing if you ask me. And it makes me think that people were much more focused on getting free stuff than on anything there was to be learned at the conference.
There...that's my two cents. (actually, I probably gave a nickel's worth)
LBC Freebie of the Day Part 2
Get a free sample of Alagio haircare products. This is a one-time use freebie and you must use this code:
CURLCBE
LINK
You can pick which sample that you would like!!!
CURLCBE
LINK
You can pick which sample that you would like!!!
DNA Destiny?
I was just walking across campus and it's 59 and cloudy outside. It felt absolutely delightful. Makes me want to hibernate. Even though I grew up in Texas, I have always been very intolerant of heat. VERY intolerant. I have to have it very cold in my house in order to sleep. When I lived in Denver, I would often walk around in the snow without a coat on. That isn't to say that I don't get cold. I do. But I really like cooler weather.
As I was reveling in the cool air, I wondered whether my partiality to this weather might not have something to do with genetics. Maybe my ancestors came from cooler climes and I am genetically predisposed to those temperatures. Eh....probably not. But it's fun to think about.
My birth father was 6'2" tall, Mexican, dark-skinned with dark hair. My birth mother was 5'4" tall, Irish, blonde and fair-skinned. I ended up 5'7" tall, dark brown hair, fair skinned and freckled with blue-grey eyes. Funny, huh? Did my physical ancestors labor in the heat of Tenochtitlan? Or were they crossing the cool green fields of Ireland? Or both? Do we carry physical memories or environmental predispositions in our DNA? I don't believe in reincarnation but when I was in Mexico a long time ago visiting some of the Aztec ruins, I had a strong sense of homesickness. It was so strange. The place felt familiar to me and yet I had never seen it before. I wonder if I would feel the same thing in Ireland.
I think this weather is making me wishy-washy. Pardon my eccentricity...
As I was reveling in the cool air, I wondered whether my partiality to this weather might not have something to do with genetics. Maybe my ancestors came from cooler climes and I am genetically predisposed to those temperatures. Eh....probably not. But it's fun to think about.
My birth father was 6'2" tall, Mexican, dark-skinned with dark hair. My birth mother was 5'4" tall, Irish, blonde and fair-skinned. I ended up 5'7" tall, dark brown hair, fair skinned and freckled with blue-grey eyes. Funny, huh? Did my physical ancestors labor in the heat of Tenochtitlan? Or were they crossing the cool green fields of Ireland? Or both? Do we carry physical memories or environmental predispositions in our DNA? I don't believe in reincarnation but when I was in Mexico a long time ago visiting some of the Aztec ruins, I had a strong sense of homesickness. It was so strange. The place felt familiar to me and yet I had never seen it before. I wonder if I would feel the same thing in Ireland.
I think this weather is making me wishy-washy. Pardon my eccentricity...
Saturday, August 04, 2007
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
LBC Freebie of the Day
Get your free 3-pack sample of Sunsilk shampoo, conditioner and creme. Choose one of five types.
LINK
LINK
Grumpy Kitty
Well, Toulouse has managed to sprain his elbow. Gary just took him to the doctor which Toulouse loathes. He never really minded the vet until he had to go and get several teeth pulled. Ever since then, he throws a hissy fit when he has to go there. The vet said he has lost almost a pound which is good. (he was a little plump) Gary said there were two cages of kittens in the office and Toulouse hissed at the kittens. And then, for good measure, he hissed at a PHOTO of a cat on the wall of the examination room.
Poor grumpy kitty!
Poor grumpy kitty!
Fun with Image Chef
What happens at Life by Candlelight STAYS at Life by Candlelight!
Check out Image Chef for your own fun with images!
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