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Crossroads and Boiling Point

Crossroads and Boiling Point

There comes a time in every relationship when you are standing at a crossroad, teary-eyed, snot running down your face, wondering what to do next. Do you run like hell with the intent of never looking back? Do you sit down in the middle of that proverbial road and cry, only to get up, dust yourself off and head back down that old familiar road? Do you stand stock still, deer in the head light…

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Strong Enough To Bend

Strong Enough To Bend

There comes a time in every relationship when you are standing at a crossroad, teary-eyed, snot running down your face, wondering what to do next. Do you run like hell with the intent of never looking back? Do you sit down in the middle of that proverbial road and cry, only to get up, dust yourself off and head back down that old familiar road? Do you stand stock still, deer in the head light…

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Selling Makeup or Mending a Broken Heart

Selling Makeup or Mending a Broken Heart

Am I selling makeup or mending a broken heart?

If you know me or have been following my ramblings, it’s no secret that in 2016 I walked out of the classroom for the very last time as a full time teacher. I gave subbing a go. Unfortunately, I found this to be challenging as well. Whether it be the fluorescent lights, movement or the joyous noises within the confines of those hallowed walls, I will…

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It's Been Awhile

It’s Been Awhile

It has been awhile, has it not? My hope is that my ramblings find you well mentally and physically with so much uncertainty in the world right now.

My little corner of the world is healthy and happy.

The Covid Quarantine hasn’t changed my routine that much at all, if any. The only difference is that Stuart has been working from home for almost two months. We say it is his “retirement trial run.”…

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The Summer Without Bicycles

The Summer Without Bicycles

As Dolly and I took our morning walk, my senses were on high alert.  Above me and through the trees ahead, the sky reminded me of the color of the wild blueberries I picked earlier in the summer. I had wildly creative plans for those blueberries.  You know the old saying, “best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

The sun hadn’t made her debut yet. The morning air was stagnant as it often…

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A Laptop

I was supposed to be a laptop, or so the story goes.

Valentines Day, such an arbitrary “holiday.” Hoomans! We don’t need a special day, a reminder, to show how much we love. We just do it every day. All day. No questions asked. Even when our hoomans aren’t that lovable.

I have heard the story, my “gotcha day” story, over and over again for years.

Daddy and the kids wanted to reward Momma for…

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I wasn’t thinking about getting another dog anytime soon. In fact, Stuart and I both had vowed we wouldn’t cave. It would be the first time in almost 16 years that we wouldn’t  have to rush home to take care of a pup or  get up at the butt crack of dawn to take a pup out. It would be the first time in almost 16 years we wouldn’t forgo traveling because our ole girl didn’t do well when we were away from her. It would be the first time in almost 16 years that we could sit down to dinner without a very insistent Yorkie making her presence known. The list of things that we weren’t going to have to experience was appealing, I’ll admit. However, the list of things that we would be missing was much more persuasive.

  I was “granddog sitting” Casey’s dog the week after we had Nana put down. As the week drew to a close, I started to panic. Every since I was a little girl, I’d always had a dog, Nana being the most precious of them all, of course!

In a panicked state of mind, I started perusing Pinterest in search of a breed of dog conducive to my lifestyle. Heat tolerate, likes the water, enjoys being outside, likes going for walks, an excellent companion and so forth. For years I jokingly said that I have the legs of a Corgi and that if I were a dog, well … Corgi I’d be!

I’ve got short legs just like a Corgi.

I researched Papillons, Mini Pinschers and long haired Chihuahua’s. The breed that I kept going back to was the Corgi.

A couple of days before returning home from Colorado, Casey mentioned to me that I should get a Corgi. Unbenounced to Casey, my hairstylist Ashton and I had been talking about Auggies too. She had connections to a breeder and would get back to me that evening. There was no way to know that later that evening, I would’ve already found my new buddy.

After the conversation with Ashton and Casey reminding me that a Corgi was my ‘spirit animal,’ I started searching for Auggies on “The Facebook.” I came across two of the most precious Auggies for sale, the only problem was that they lived on a ranch in Oklahoma. I tagged Casey in the video of the sweetest sable colored Auggie.

Within minutes of viewing the video, Casey offered to take me to Oklahoma the following weekend to get the sable pup. I talked to Stuart, and although apprehensive he was on board.

While I was hammering out the details with the breeder, Casey called me back and asked where in Oklahoma the pup lived because she and Blake were in Amarillo. The  A3 Ranch was located in Ringling. Come to find out, Casey and Blake were “only” 45  minutes from the ranch. Plans changed quickly, Casey was now hammering out the details with Lauren and she and Blake would be going out of their way to pick up my pup.

They met the Lauren at 11:00 p.m. Friday night and arrived in my driveway at 4:30 a.m. Saturday morning. Little did “we” know at the time, they were bringing me the most precious birthday gift a momma could ask for.

Of course, I fell in love immediately and Dolly and I have been inseparable since she arrived a week ago today.

  She has stolen Stuart’s heart. I’ll admit I was a little worried. I wasn’t quite sure how he would react to her.

Since that day, I’ve communicated with Lauren daily. She misses her tiny sable pup but is convinced that Dolly and I were meant to be together. Think about the timing of events that had to fall into place. I would have to agree that Dolly was meant to be a part of our family. Lauren and I plan on keeping in touch. I needed that little puppy and she needed a friend as she was mourning the loss a close family member that Saturday. Pictures of Dolly lifted her spirits this past week. We’ve both gained a new friend and I look forward to sharing Dolly’s adventures with her.

Stuart and the kids truly made 46 one for the books! It’s truly crazy how things work out, is it not?

Dolly is THE. BEST. BIRTHDAY. PRESENT. EVER!

  Best Birthday Gift Ever! I wasn't thinking about getting another dog anytime soon. In fact, Stuart and I both had vowed we wouldn't cave.

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Good morning! I’ve had a couple of inquiries regarding my celery juice drinkin’ so I thought I would update you guys because I truly think it’s helpful in so many ways.

Since the 30 day mark I think I’ve only missed four days. For the past 11 days something awesome has been taking place in my body. Is it related to the celery juice? I truly don’t know but drinkin’ it is the only thing that’s a constant and a new practice that I can put my finger on.

What is this awesomeness that I speak of? I’ve been dizzy free for 11 days! Today starts day 12. I took a short drive to the store and had lunch with some friends yesterday. It might have been a little much as I started to feel a little wonky when I arrived back at my neighborhood. The day before I drove to Dr. Kim’s, our veterinarian, to pick up my ‘ole girls ashes.

I haven’t driven more than to the gas station two minutes from my driveway in almost a year. After a severe attack in the boat last summer that forced me to the deck, Stuart and I agreed it was time to hang up my keys. Since that day I’ve experienced numerous unpredictable dizzy spells throughout the day. Prior to those types of spells in previous years, I always had some warning. I started feeling “funny” and could prepare. There has been no warning this past year.

I’m not so naive as to believe the dizziness has dissipated. I generally experience an influx of craziness when the seasons change. I’m actually looking forward to the fall weather and drastic barometric changes for the first time in years. The sporadic barometric pressure will either make me or break me.

In years past, I dealt with vertigo attacks that lasted anywhere from 20 minutes to 3 days. I’ve dealt with the longer episodes off and on since my third brain surgery in 2016. Those spells are much more debilitating but at least I can feel this type of episode coming on. No crazy dizzy spells and no vertigo would be ideal, right? What’s that old sayin’? Beggars can’t be choosers. Heck, at this point I’ll take what I can get.

I’m completely antidepressant free. Honestly, I’m not sure this was the best decision. I’ll give it a month or two and make a decision accordingly. I feel empty inside, kinda cold. I have no energy. Completely different than when I was taking the antidepressant.

My yoga practice is still going strong! Just a little more animated these days!

I’m nursing a wrist tendon issue and having to do hands free yoga for the time being. Lots of lower body emphasis. HOLY CRAP – it’s kicking my butt.

I’ve not started the 28 day fruit and veggie cleanse yet. I plan on giving it a go in August. We’re still eating relatively clean with a few slip ups here and there. Only human, right?

I have a new furbuddy.

She’s keeping me plenty busy and makes me smile. Good golly Miss Dolly! If you are on instagram, follow her @good_golly_miss_dolly. She has gained over 500 followers in less than a week! Craziness. She’s so smart. I’ve had her almost a week and the amount of things she can do is truly amazing. I’m using the training techniques of Zak George. If you have a puppy, give him a look on YouTube.

Let me know if you tried or are drinking celery juice. I’d love to hear how or if it is working for you.

Dizzy-free for now!

JP

      Celery Juice Update Good morning! I've had a couple of inquiries regarding my celery juice drinkin' so I thought I would update you guys because I truly think it's helpful in so many ways.

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I’m never going to have another dog. My mantra a little over a week ago.

Nana was my best friend for over 15 years. The day we had her put to sleep my heart shattered into a million pieces. I can’t believe how much I miss her. As Nana got worse and putting her down was inevitable, I told Stuart that I would never have another dog. He felt the same way. If you are struggling with knowing when it’s the right time to have an family pet put to sleep Euthanasia – When is it time? might give you some comfort and guidance. I can’t believe how much I miss her. Gonna Miss You – Ole Girl is a tribute to my ‘ole girl.

In our eyes there would never be another Nana. The main reason I didn’t want another dog.

  If you are a dog parent I don’t have to tell you how big of a commitment they are. A big deciding factor for us to remain a two cat family.

  Cats are so much easier. They are pretty much self sufficient. We would just love them when they let us and go about our lives.

  The entire first week without Nana I was preoccupied by my granddog, Lily. I spoiled her rotten.

  As Casey and Blake’s return from Colorado drew nearer, I started wondering how I would get through my days at home alone once Lily left.

  Meet Dolly!

My little girl is an Auggie. A Corgi and Australian mix. She was meant to be my furever friend. As her story unfolds you will see what I mean.

Follow Dolly on Instagram! good_golly_miss_dolly

        Good Golly Miss Dolly I'm never going to have another dog. My mantra a little over a week ago. Nana was my best friend for over 15 years.

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Euthanasia - When is it time?

Euthanasia – When is it time?

If you have an aging furbaby, reading this blog post might be worth your time. Sadly, I’m probably writing for selfish reasons rather than trying to help anyone. Consider it therapy for me, possible guidance for you.

Euthanasia is not an easy decision. We look to our veterinarians for guidance. We ask friends and family for their opinion. We fill out every quality of life survey available, hoping…

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When is it time? I’ve asked myself this question a million times for the past six months.

In February 2004, The Peters Family gained a chewbacca looking little creature that would forever change our lives. I didn’t realize until today, just how much of an impact this ole girl has had on my life. How much joy she brought our family.

Stuart was 35, I was 30, Corey was 10 and Casey was 7 when Nana became a part our family. Lots of life between then and now.

Nana,

‘Ole girl, my heart aches tonight to the point of a crippling feeling that I’ve never experienced. It’s hard to breathe. As much as we love you, I know that you loved us that much more. Every breath until your very last one was used to show us how much you appreciated us.

You’ve only been gone for a few hours but the emptiness is heavy in the house. Like every other day at 4:15, Trinket was ready to eat her tuna. There was no insistent little bark reminding me to scoop some in your bowl. I lost it.

Daddy has gone to bed. He’s exhausted. Real tears he shed for you girl. His heart is broken. Tonight, you weren’t lying beside him while he watched TV, for the first time in years. His heart will ache for many days to come.

I can’t remember the last time I didn’t get up numerous times throughout the night to take you out or to make sure that you were still breathing. It’s going to take some getting used to.

The kids came by to see you last night, one last time. There isn’t much of their lives that they remember that you weren’t there. Such a good companion you were to them.

I’m sorry that you didn’t feel like eating your eggs this morning. I could tell by your eyes that you wanted to, for me, but you just couldn’t. It’s ok.

I’ll never forget the way you laid next to me for days on end after each surgery. I swear your little body had healing properties. Thank you.

I can’t even begin to list the events and milestones that you were privy to. An almost divorce, my college graduation, kids birthdays and high school graduations. Casey leaving for college. Corey moving out. Casey getting married. But you know what? It was the ordinary day to day where you made your impact. Greeting us at the door until you physically couldn’t do it anymore. Begging for food at every meal. Dinnertime just won’t be the same. The way that you curled up next to us on the couch, just like you did this morning for the very last time. Being a warm little presence beside me for the past 15 years. Oh girl, I’m going to miss you so. Thank you for the mundane day to day, Nana.

You gotta know that today’s decision wasn’t made overnight, ole girl. It in fact took months. Months to get the courage. Months to stop being selfish. Months to realize that it was time. Months to realize that you weren’t going to just pass peacefully in your sleep. I hoped, I prayed. It didn’t happen.

I’m thankful Dr. Kim makes house calls. You, taking your last breath in our home means the world to me. Holding you in my arms with daddy by my side while you took your last breath was the hardest thing I’ve done to date. I wouldn’t have let you take that last breath any other way though, girl. I’m sure that I squeezed you a little too tight and I’m so sorry. I’m sorry for the tears but my heart was breaking, ole girl. Handing your little body over to Dr. Kim and Stephanie hurt more than I could have ever imagined. All I can think of tonight is you wrapped up in your blanket all alone. I’m sorry.

Life without you will go on but it will be so lonely. Taking care of you these past few months has not only been my purpose it’s been my privilege. Thanks for loving me, Nana.

Love you ‘ole girl,

Momma

          Gonna Miss You – Ole Girl When is it time? I've asked myself this question a million times for the past six months.

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30 Days of Celery Juice

30 Days of Celery Juice

Absolutely worth it!

  Pros: appetite control, sleep aid, glowing skin, less bloating and lots of energy

Cons: challenge keeping enough celery on hand, cleaning the juicer (UGH!)

Daily Protocol: As soon as I get up I juice 16 ounces of celery juice. I use all but the very bottom of the bunch. I take that back, if a stalk is very yellow, I won’t use it because it tends to be bitter.

Cost:$2.00…

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Day 23 & 24 - Celery Juice - TMI... nah

Day 23 & 24 – Celery Juice – TMI… nah

Well folks, I’ve been without my glorious bowel cleansing, skin refreshing, energy giving, appetite controlling, more sleep giving juice for the past two days.

My current predicament has reminded me of one of my all time favorite 80’s rock ballads, You Don’t Know What You’ve Got ‘Til It’s Gone by Cinderella.

Let me just tell you, I can tell the difference and can’t wait to get more celery! My…

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Core Yoga

Well, day 6 of Dedicate with Adriene was challenging. It is only 28 minutes long but the yoga poses and moves all focus on core. I have a very weak lower back and was able to get through it without pain. Adriene gives you tips. She doesn’t do crunches but teaches smoother, gentler exercises. Normally, a core workout leaves my neck hurting for days. If, after Yoga with Adriene my neck hurts it’s…

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Day 22 - Celery Juice Update

Day 22 – Celery Juice Update

I went to bed at 10:00 and woke up at the time on the clock! ‘Nuff said!

Got insomnia? Drink a 16 ounce glass of organic celery juice in the morning on an empty stomach. It’s better than any prescription for insomnia, I assure you and I don’t wake up feeling like a zombie.

Eight more days until my raw fruit and veggie cleanse!! Who’s in? The cleanse per the Medical Medium is 28 days. I might set…

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Emotional Eater

Today, I blew it.

What I have come to realize over the past few weeks is that readers like authentic, raw emotion and truths. I don’t know why that’s a realization as of late, as those are the characteristics I look for when searching for a quick read.

Tuesday or Wednesday of last week,  after swinging my legs over the edge of the bed and  placing my feet on the floor, my legs crumpled and that…

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Days 20 & 21 - Celery Juice

Days 20 & 21 – Celery Juice

Well, here we are with less than ten days left of this journey. Looking back, I don’t think that posting everyday was a good thing. The findings have been somewhat redundant in nature and don’t provide fodder for the most interesting of blog posts and for that I apologize.

One big thing I haven’t touched on is the “regularity” effect this juice has on those that try it. If you struggle with IBS,…