Keeping Healthy Pets

Yesterday afternoon, I spent 2 hours and $250 at the vet in order to ensure that our healthy pets stay that way. I really love my dogs, Earl (shown to the left) and Garrett (below) - as well as our new kitten, K.C. (short for Kitty Cat). Garrett and Earl are two great dogs! But there are definitely times when I wonder whether it would make sense to purchase health insurance for my pets to save me a little out-of-pocket expense when we go to the vet. I understand that some policies are as low as $20/month!

For the most part, we are lucky to have healthy pets. They are young (ranging in age from 5 months to 4 years). We keep up on their vaccinations. All three animals are micro-chipped so that if they get lost we can find them. And, we're also lucky to live in a relatively dry part of the country that allows us to get out and walk the dogs regularly. All good fortune aside, however, Earl suffers from epilepsy which requires expensive blood tests and regular medication. Yesterday, the vet also told me that he needs to have his teeth professionally cleaned, which will run us close to $500 since they have to put him completely under.

When we adopted our pets, we took it seriously. I am sick at the number of pets that are adopted and then surrendered because they are not "allowed at the apartment," or because of "allergies," etc. So many owners do not consider the true cost of keeping healthy pets. We would never give up our pets because of the cost of their health care!

For now, we'll just have to bite the bullet and cough up the money for yesterday's vet appointment and the follow-up later in November when our kitten gets more booster shots. Earl will need blood work done at the same time. Gosh, its expensive to keep healthy pets. Speaking of which, I have a bit more convincing to do with my husband regarding the cost of Earl's dental cleaning...

All complaining aside, the animals in this cute video know what it means to stay healthy:



I believe that our pets keep us healthy at the same time we return the favor! So here's to our furry friends and keeping healthy pets!

8 Tips For When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

I am a mom. I have a job. I have four young children. This week is Halloween. Its also my oldest son's birthday. I have visions of myself in a bathtub, screaming, "Calgon... take me away!"


Yes, I am feeling overwhelmed.

How did I get to this point, you may ask? Well, for some reason, the word "no" is not often a response I make when asked to take on volunteer work. I am a cub scout leader and a Sunday School teacher, as well as a full-time attorney. I serve on the Board of Directors for a local community organization and I am the Treasurer for the local bar association. No wonder I am often feeling overwhelmed.

My children are involved in a number of extracurricular activities: soccer (fall), basketball (winter), baseball (spring), swimming, gymnastics and ballet. WHEW! Oh, and I also mentioned scouts, didn't I?

So how does this busy mom keep everything in line without losing my mind? Here are my simple steps:

1. Caffeine - lots of it! Actually, I usually only have 2-3 cups of coffee a day, but it sure jump-starts my morning. I started drinking some of the energy drinks in the afternoon, but they are expensive and also wreak havoc on my sleeping.

2. Keep a master calendar and carry it with you everywhere. I also have a backup computerized calendar that pings me with reminders 15 minutes beforehand (which is often way too late for me!)

3. Hire support if you can. We have a nanny pick up the kids twice a week and start them on their homework. She also gets my middle son to his scout meeting, which starts at 4:00 on Thursdays (too early for me to leave work).

4. Go with the flow - leave perfection behind and you may be able to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Just realize that each 24 hour period is its own special day, and that no matter what, you'll get through it!


5. Try to get good, quality sleep. This means limiting alcohol intake and, sadly, some late cups of coffee for me! I am much better prepared for what the day will bring when I get to bed at a reasonable hour and sleep through the night.

6. Ask for help! Don't forget your neighbors, kids' teachers, significant other, or extended family members. They can pitch in sometimes when you are feeling overwhelmed. Even if they are not there to physically assist with housework and carpooling, a listening ear can make all the difference in a stressed out afternoon.

7. Learn to say no. Yes, I need to practice what I preach here. But truly, you will find that volunteer positions will be filled, even if you do not step up. There will always be another year to serve on the PTA. Besides, you can save yourself a lot of stress if you don't have to worry about the politics of social organizations, as well as manage your marriage and discipline your kids.

8. Exercise and/or stretch at least 3 times a week. But I don't have time, I hear you saying. Even if it means setting the alarm 15 minutes earlier so you can take the dog for a quick walk in the morning, make a habit of it. You'll be more energized and less likely to be feeling overwhelmed when the day gets going.

Any or all of these tips can help you when the world seems to be crashing down and you feel like you don't have enough time to even go to the bathroom (believe me, I've been there). And if all else fails, maybe you really just need to take a bubble bath. "Calgon.... take me away!!"

Homemade Caramel Apples

This afternoon, my kids and a few of their friends got together (with my help) to create and enjoy one of fall's tastiest traditions - homemade caramel apples! These days, it is even easier than ever to candy apples. Just gather the ingredients listed below and set out some plates lined with wax paper and coated with baking spray. (Today, I was in a pinch and used foil instead of wax paper).

Next, gather your cooks together. I've found that ages 6 and up can create especially delicious homemade caramel apples without too much adult assistance! You can help younger children, ages 3-6, with spooning the melted caramel over the apples. Always supervise kids near a stovetop!

• 4-5 firm apples (red delicious, golden delicious or fuji)
• popsicle sticks
• 14 oz. (1 bag) of caramel candies
• decorative candies or nuts (smaller work best.... we like using Halloween cookie sprinkles)

To make your homemade caramel apples, first wash and then dry the apples. Remove any stickers too! Firmly press a single popsicle stick into the top of each apple.

In a medium saucepan, place unwrapped caramel candies and stir in 2 tablespoons of water. Melt slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. If desired, you may want to add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir well. Test the caramel by allowing it to run off a spoon into the saucepan. You'll be able to determine your desired consistency. Fairly runny caramel will coat the apples better and will solidify when cool later.

One at a time, take an apple and hold it over the saucepan. With young children, you should turn the stove off. Drip caramel over the apple, repeating until its coated. Hold the apple above the saucepan until the caramel stops dripping. Place onto wax paper. Decorate with nuts or candy. We found that rolling the homemade caramel apples in the sprinkles worked best.

Allow the caramel apples to cool and set - about 1-2 hours. Then, enjoy!

If you love the taste of caramel apples, then you must eat them for breakfast! Seriously, caramel apple french toast is a delicious harvest treat. Save it for the lazy weekends - enjoy it all the way through November!

For another take on homemade caramel apples, check out this spooky video with Sandra Lee:


I'd better go - I think the apples are ready for eating now!

Take Time for You

I spoke to a good friend of mine this morning and gave her some advice, after which I suddenly realized - hey, I need to listen to myself! "Take time for you," I said. Stop working so hard and worrying so much, and just focus on your own personal needs.

Is that easier said than done, or what?

Now, while we'd all love a day at the spa, or a weekend away from the kids, you really can find a way to take time for you, without too much effort. My favorite "me moments" usually involve my camera and a quiet setting. On Wednesday this week, I took an extra 20 minutes before heading into the office and visited gorgeous Drake Park (pictured above). The fall colors were out and the weather was sunny and cool. I walked around, shot about 30 photographs, and then - with a big smile on my face - went to work.

Another easy way to minimize stress and take time for you (and only you) is to turn off your cell phone, mute the ringer on your landline and keep the television and radio off, as well. Don't turn on your computer or check your emails. The world can and will wait for you. Even if you only do this practice for an hour a day, you will find that you can re-enter the rat race just a bit more refreshed.

When you get back online, how about looking up some jokes or cute videos, instead of checking your bank account balance? Avoid watching the evening news for a night or two. Rest assured, most of it is bad news anyway.

I'm certainly not advocating that you ignore important tasks with a hedonistic, "I love me" approach! The honest truth is, however, that many people lack true happiness in their lives because they don't do enough self-care. Determine what is missing in your life. Take time for you to pursue your passions, whether they include reading, gardening or exercising (or all of the above)!

Did you take too much time in reading this post? Don't go away yet. Spend a few more minutes relaxing with the sounds and sights of nature:

Now, do this regularly and you'll find your happiness improve when you make it a habit to take time for you!

Funny Dogs

So, today was pretty much a bad day at the office. No need to explain, right? Everyone has one of "those days." Thank goodness I have reliable friends that know just how to spam me with emails that brighten my day. How about a funny dogs video?


Taking off on the LOL Catz trend, this clip shows hapless dogs in costume, silly situations, and being tortured by cats (or Catz?) Surely the creators of videos like this have better things to do than to put these poor funny dogs on display. No? Well, that's OK with me. I had a great laugh. Hope you did too.

Exercise Your Right to Vote

November is only 9 days away, and that means that the U.S. is less than 2 weeks from electing its next President. 2008 has been a crazy, amazing, frustrating political year. Who's ready for it to finally be over? I, for one, cannot wait for the negative advertisements to go off the air. Though I may miss the funny Sarah Palin skits on SNL.

But in all seriousness, if you want to have something to legitimately complain (or gloat) about for the next four years, then you'd better exercise your right to vote.

What are the basic requirements to be a legal voter? Very simple:

1. You must be 18 years of age,
2. You must register to vote,
3. You must be a resident of the county in which you'll be casting your vote, and
4. You must not be a convicted felon (prohibitions vary from state to state)

That's it! If you want to exercise your right to vote in this election and you are not yet registered, stop by your local post office, public library or Department of Motor Vehicles to see if you still have time to register. Many states do not allow same-day registration. Be sure to bring legal identification such as a driver's license and/or proof of residency (a utility bill).



America is at a critical point in its history - the economy, situation in the Middle East, and our future energy supplies all demand solid leadership in the White House. It has never been more imperative for you to exercise your right to vote. Don't leave your tomorrow in someone else's hands. Make your voice heard. Get out on November 4th and cast your ballot.

Pumpkin Soup

Looking for a tasty fall dinner that is fast and inexpensive? You've got to try this delicious pumpkin soup recipe! It only takes about 20 minutes to make, and you may even have the ingredients in your pantry right now. Even my picky kids love pumpkin soup - especially because they can help mix it up.

Ingredients:
1 28 oz. (large) can of canned pumpkin
26 oz. of chicken soup stock (3 14 oz. cans)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1-2 cloves fresh minced garlic
1/2 cup half and half
2 cups cooked and chopped boneless chicken or turkey
1 cup chopped celery
2 tablespoons cooking oil
1 14 oz. canned corn, drained





Instructions:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine canned pumpkin, chicken stock, and spices
Pour into medium saucepan and warm over medium high heat - approximately 7 minutes.
**Do NOT bring to a boil
In a separate saucepan, saute cooking oil, garlic and chopped celery
Add to soup base
Slowly stir in half and half and warm gently (again, do not bring to a boil!)
Finally, stir in corn and chicken or turkey - warm to taste
Garnish with sour cream and chopped parsley if desired

We enjoy pumpkin soup with homemade zucchini bread - another family favorite. Feel free to experiment with pumpkin soup.... add new ingredients or alter things to taste. The basic canned pumpkin, chicken stock and cream base provides a great place to start. Bon Appetit!