I don't know if it is because Josh is laid off this week, or maybe it's just life, but I can seem to get any fire under my butt. Oh well. This too shall pass.
So, not a lot of updating from the trail. Mom called last night and said this week seems to be harder for some reason. Not due to content though. I think more so because last week was so adrenaline fueled. They had waited 2 years for last week. Now that it has started they just have to keep plugging away. It looks as though the prosecution will go most of this week and my sister is still a big fat question mark on the witness list. So, she's still out of the room. Annoying!!!! Poor girl.
Video of the infamous bus stop was shown. I know I've been thinking this whole time, "stupid bus driver". But, as with everything, don't judge until you know the situation. She tried to stop Donnisha. She even threatened suspension from school. The last thing she thought was that she was letting a girl off to get murdered. And with a bus load of kids, what was she supposed to do? The only thing she could do. Report her to the school so she'd be reprimanded later. The thing that sucks is that this will probably be used against Donnisha. As if her wanting to see Dave means she deserved what she got.
It really just sucks how much these perpetrators brainwash our children. I mean, she really thought Dave had her best interest at heart. She thought she was being taken care of and that this was appropriate behavior. I'm sure she felt "loved". Heck, while she was being killed, she probably thought Burt was acting on his own accord. It probably never once entered her mind why this was really happening. Makes me wonder whether I ever want to bring children into this world full of yuck.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Friday, September 26, 2008
Aaaah, The Office
I needed that! I was pleased with The Office last night. Lots of good laughs, and P&J got engaged. Yessss!
So, now I have another non-reality TV show in which to immerse myself. Happiness.
So, now I have another non-reality TV show in which to immerse myself. Happiness.
The what if's will drive you crazy
Well, a Wloo cop testified yesterday. I am not going to put any blame on him because he did not kill Donnisha, but the following is so absolutely devastating.
I believe this was reported in the paper as well. He saw Burt at the Casey's on 63 on his way to get Donnisha. They knew each other, and he noticed Burt acting weird. He noticed he wasn't driving his usual car. He knew he did not have a license. He knew he usually did not venture out of his neighborhood.
He couldn't have arrested him, but he could have issued a citation. For a guy coming down off a crack high about to murder a little girl...well it seems to me some questioning from a police officer about what he was doing, and a ticket issued, might have been enough to make him panic and say hell no!
Apparently the cop was too busy tending to his missed call on his phone to do anything more than notice him.
What if's break my heart.
I believe this was reported in the paper as well. He saw Burt at the Casey's on 63 on his way to get Donnisha. They knew each other, and he noticed Burt acting weird. He noticed he wasn't driving his usual car. He knew he did not have a license. He knew he usually did not venture out of his neighborhood.
He couldn't have arrested him, but he could have issued a citation. For a guy coming down off a crack high about to murder a little girl...well it seems to me some questioning from a police officer about what he was doing, and a ticket issued, might have been enough to make him panic and say hell no!
Apparently the cop was too busy tending to his missed call on his phone to do anything more than notice him.
What if's break my heart.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
More about yesterday here.
Mom says when they called and end to the day yesterday, the defense was falling apart. Burt wasn't responding the way they had hoped and the cross examining attorney was fumbling over his words and questions. I'm curious to see if they regrouped today, and what happened when they got him back on the stand.
Mom says when they called and end to the day yesterday, the defense was falling apart. Burt wasn't responding the way they had hoped and the cross examining attorney was fumbling over his words and questions. I'm curious to see if they regrouped today, and what happened when they got him back on the stand.
More about my KWWL experience.
Can I just say it was WEIRD!!!
First off, it was hard because I had to sit on set while they talked about Donnisha's case. I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to pull it together for my interview.
Secondly, watching them "prep" for going on air is hilarious. I mean, I'm sure I would do this too, but they look at themselves in the monitor and do this and that and move this way and that way and make this face and that face to make sure they look okay. I had trouble not laughing out loud.
Then to see Jeff Kennedy do the weather in front of nothing. I mean, I knew it was a green screen, but to see it happen was so funny. Talking about and pointing to things that simply were not there. That would be hard to get used to I would think.
Everyone was really nice though, and made me feel at ease. The guy who had to mic me got all nervous because I was wearing a tank top. He wasn't sure where to put it, and didn't want to be "feeling me up" or anything. I finally said, "you want me to stick up under my shirt and through the top?" He liked that idea, so we went with it.
First off, it was hard because I had to sit on set while they talked about Donnisha's case. I was afraid I wasn't going to be able to pull it together for my interview.
Secondly, watching them "prep" for going on air is hilarious. I mean, I'm sure I would do this too, but they look at themselves in the monitor and do this and that and move this way and that way and make this face and that face to make sure they look okay. I had trouble not laughing out loud.
Then to see Jeff Kennedy do the weather in front of nothing. I mean, I knew it was a green screen, but to see it happen was so funny. Talking about and pointing to things that simply were not there. That would be hard to get used to I would think.
Everyone was really nice though, and made me feel at ease. The guy who had to mic me got all nervous because I was wearing a tank top. He wasn't sure where to put it, and didn't want to be "feeling me up" or anything. I finally said, "you want me to stick up under my shirt and through the top?" He liked that idea, so we went with it.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Abso-frickn-lutely
My KWWL appearance
How many times can one women say absolutely. I may have set a record. Oh well. At least our message got out:)
How many times can one women say absolutely. I may have set a record. Oh well. At least our message got out:)
Her Last Moments
He helped her out of the car and cornered her with his body and the car door. He hit her in the head with basically a sledge hammer with a short handle.
She got wobbly and asked for Dave.
He hit her again and she fell to her knees. She told him she had 150 dollars he could have. (She was trying to buy her life!!!)
He asked her where it was. In her pocket, she said. He hit her again and she slumped to the ground and took her money.
He then hit her again and she lost consciousness.
Then, to make sure she was dead he "sawed" on her neck awhile with a knife.
My mom said he was the most cold hearted person. No feeling, no remorse. Just the facts. My sister still did not get in to the room. Amazing. She is so strong. I just hope she will lean on people when she needs to do so.
I'm still so amazed. I who thought that pure evil resided right here in Waterloo Iowa all this time. That is the only thing these two men can be. Pure evil. If you don't decide this is a bad idea when you buy the camera to document the death, or secure the car and the weapons to carry out the deed, or drive and entire two hours when all you had to do was turn around and say no, why did you not look in those little girls eyes after the first time you hit her, and heard her plead with you, and decide, no, not today. This is not right? I don't understand.
Those of you who live by God's plan (and I'm sorry because I love those of you who do.) I say eff God's plan. What plan is this? A plan to put Satan back on Earth to violate and murder little girls? Great plan. Great effing plan. Kudos.
She got wobbly and asked for Dave.
He hit her again and she fell to her knees. She told him she had 150 dollars he could have. (She was trying to buy her life!!!)
He asked her where it was. In her pocket, she said. He hit her again and she slumped to the ground and took her money.
He then hit her again and she lost consciousness.
Then, to make sure she was dead he "sawed" on her neck awhile with a knife.
My mom said he was the most cold hearted person. No feeling, no remorse. Just the facts. My sister still did not get in to the room. Amazing. She is so strong. I just hope she will lean on people when she needs to do so.
I'm still so amazed. I who thought that pure evil resided right here in Waterloo Iowa all this time. That is the only thing these two men can be. Pure evil. If you don't decide this is a bad idea when you buy the camera to document the death, or secure the car and the weapons to carry out the deed, or drive and entire two hours when all you had to do was turn around and say no, why did you not look in those little girls eyes after the first time you hit her, and heard her plead with you, and decide, no, not today. This is not right? I don't understand.
Those of you who live by God's plan (and I'm sorry because I love those of you who do.) I say eff God's plan. What plan is this? A plan to put Satan back on Earth to violate and murder little girls? Great plan. Great effing plan. Kudos.
FYI...She was a real live girl.
Yesterday I had to deal with people discussing this case as if it was just some random case. Someone made a crack alluding to the fact that as a police officer or whoever, it would be annoying to have to go all the way to Galena to testify. Yeah sucks for you. Maybe you'd rather trade places with Donnisha? Or how about I go testify and you can know her personally and listen to people talk about her like she was no one special...just another case.
I'm guilty, though. I see so many victims in my office and they do become just another story sometimes. When the personal connection is not there, you don't want to get connected. It would be too painful to connect to everyone. It is easier to forget that people are real and their pain is real.
Anyway, here are a few pics of her, Vonnisha, and Shakeem.
I'm guilty, though. I see so many victims in my office and they do become just another story sometimes. When the personal connection is not there, you don't want to get connected. It would be too painful to connect to everyone. It is easier to forget that people are real and their pain is real.
Anyway, here are a few pics of her, Vonnisha, and Shakeem.
Day Three
This morning's testimony...Burt.
My sister still was unable to be in the room. I can't wait to hear first hand from my mom what went down today. Certainly there is more to Burt's testimony than this. Did he not speak of her demeanor? Did he not speak to whether whe was scared or hurting or crying? It just makes it seem so non-eventful. I hit her with a hammer and she asked me where Dave was? I mean, wtf??? As awful as it sounds, I want to know what the frick happened.... emotionally, physically, everything. She should not have to be the only one who went through that. Other people besides those assholes should have to feel some of her pain and suffering. She was too sweet and wonderful to bear that on her own.
My sister still was unable to be in the room. I can't wait to hear first hand from my mom what went down today. Certainly there is more to Burt's testimony than this. Did he not speak of her demeanor? Did he not speak to whether whe was scared or hurting or crying? It just makes it seem so non-eventful. I hit her with a hammer and she asked me where Dave was? I mean, wtf??? As awful as it sounds, I want to know what the frick happened.... emotionally, physically, everything. She should not have to be the only one who went through that. Other people besides those assholes should have to feel some of her pain and suffering. She was too sweet and wonderful to bear that on her own.
WCF Courier Coverage
Courier Coverage
Here is the direct site the WCF Courier has set up for the trial. Every article they write is cataloged there. It would be a good one to bookmark if you are following the case. I'll continue to post my family's reports as well.
Thanks for everyone's support.
Stacy
Here is the direct site the WCF Courier has set up for the trial. Every article they write is cataloged there. It would be a good one to bookmark if you are following the case. I'll continue to post my family's reports as well.
Thanks for everyone's support.
Stacy
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Day Two
And the saga continues.
As of right now, Burt goes on tomorrow. My sister still can't be in the room and it is killing her. She needs this for closure as much as everyone else. Donnis is going to try to convince the prosecution that they need to call her first and allow her to be in the room for Burt's testimony.
Also, it is amazing how even police officers forget the facts. Although these facts were not important to the case, Officer Wessels of the WPD testified about his response, I think the night they reported the sexual abuse before Donnisha was murdered. Although my family and her family have all suffered trauma and could have skewed memories of the events, no one remembers that night the same way he does. It was a completely different recollection of events. Another reason why it was helpful for the defense to put this case off for 2 years. People forget the little details that are needed in a case like this even the people we would expect to remember these thing.
As of right now, Burt goes on tomorrow. My sister still can't be in the room and it is killing her. She needs this for closure as much as everyone else. Donnis is going to try to convince the prosecution that they need to call her first and allow her to be in the room for Burt's testimony.
Also, it is amazing how even police officers forget the facts. Although these facts were not important to the case, Officer Wessels of the WPD testified about his response, I think the night they reported the sexual abuse before Donnisha was murdered. Although my family and her family have all suffered trauma and could have skewed memories of the events, no one remembers that night the same way he does. It was a completely different recollection of events. Another reason why it was helpful for the defense to put this case off for 2 years. People forget the little details that are needed in a case like this even the people we would expect to remember these thing.
Another Courier article.
Here.
Paraphrase: Damm and Burt bought a polaroid camera to be used to prove the job was done.
I don't know why, but this sent me over the edge today. I still can't wrap my mind around the planning that took place for this to occur.
I have never had hate in my heart for anyone more so than I do for David Damm.
I talked to my sister today. She can't be in the courtroom yet because she will be testifying. She is upset. Today they were showing the photos of Donnisha at the crime scene as well as in the autopsy. She needed that for closure. She hopes to view these things at a later date. AS awful as it seems it would be, I can understand.
Paraphrase: Damm and Burt bought a polaroid camera to be used to prove the job was done.
I don't know why, but this sent me over the edge today. I still can't wrap my mind around the planning that took place for this to occur.
I have never had hate in my heart for anyone more so than I do for David Damm.
I talked to my sister today. She can't be in the courtroom yet because she will be testifying. She is upset. Today they were showing the photos of Donnisha at the crime scene as well as in the autopsy. She needed that for closure. She hopes to view these things at a later date. AS awful as it seems it would be, I can understand.
1st Day of Trial
Here is the Courier article.
What the article doesn't tell you are the really awful things they heard today. It appears as if they are going to make the argument that Dave Damm hired Bruce Burt to take Donnisha somewhere so he could meet up with them and talk to Donnisha...convince her not to talk to the police anymore about the sexual abuse. AFter all he is a used car salesman and it would make sense that he'd want to use those "skills" to get out of this situation. I hope he rots.
I'm sure during the autopsy testimony and Burt's testimony more will come out, but drawings were presented of Donnisha's body. She had several cuts from a knife on her neck and throat. None of which killed her. She was also hit with a hammer on the head 3 times. It was not until the third and final blow that she likely died. It is so awful to have to think about what her last minutes must have been like.
It was also difficult for everyone there because her personal affects had to be identified. I think it is probably easy to remove yourself from the "reality" of it all when it is just a memory. When you have to see real things that belonged to her, I would think it is like she is back in the room in a way...a very untouchable, and sorrowful way.
I'm so glad I'm am not here listening to this first hand. I don't know how everyone else is doing it. Please join me in sending energy and prayer that David Damm is found guilty.
Here is another that talks a little more indepth.
What the article doesn't tell you are the really awful things they heard today. It appears as if they are going to make the argument that Dave Damm hired Bruce Burt to take Donnisha somewhere so he could meet up with them and talk to Donnisha...convince her not to talk to the police anymore about the sexual abuse. AFter all he is a used car salesman and it would make sense that he'd want to use those "skills" to get out of this situation. I hope he rots.
I'm sure during the autopsy testimony and Burt's testimony more will come out, but drawings were presented of Donnisha's body. She had several cuts from a knife on her neck and throat. None of which killed her. She was also hit with a hammer on the head 3 times. It was not until the third and final blow that she likely died. It is so awful to have to think about what her last minutes must have been like.
It was also difficult for everyone there because her personal affects had to be identified. I think it is probably easy to remove yourself from the "reality" of it all when it is just a memory. When you have to see real things that belonged to her, I would think it is like she is back in the room in a way...a very untouchable, and sorrowful way.
I'm so glad I'm am not here listening to this first hand. I don't know how everyone else is doing it. Please join me in sending energy and prayer that David Damm is found guilty.
Here is another that talks a little more indepth.
Friday, September 19, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
So much for not being political....
But, abortion is one of those hot topics for me. I'm not about dragging Ms. Palin through the mud, but I definitely don't agree with her stance on abortion.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
VW Commerical? TC Jab? Maybe both?
Below are two video clips. Both 4+ minutes long. One is of the new VW Routan Boom extended ad campaign of which there are shorter versions aired regularly on TV. The second is the Matt Lauer's interview with Tom Cruise regarding Psychiatry and Brooke Shields.
When I saw the 30 second commercial spots for the VWRB, I didn't put it together at first. I just thought it was weird. But, the more I see them, the more I think there might be a slight unspoken jab at Tom Cruise. She in some ways, acts eerily like Tom during his interview when discussing the "problem" of having babies for german engineering. Maybe I'm way out in left field.
I'm amused. So I guess that is all that matters. Hardy, har, har.
When I saw the 30 second commercial spots for the VWRB, I didn't put it together at first. I just thought it was weird. But, the more I see them, the more I think there might be a slight unspoken jab at Tom Cruise. She in some ways, acts eerily like Tom during his interview when discussing the "problem" of having babies for german engineering. Maybe I'm way out in left field.
I'm amused. So I guess that is all that matters. Hardy, har, har.
Can the Media Just Lay Off?
For the record, I do not support the Republican VP nominee, Sarah Pallin. From what I can tell, she pretty much stands against a lot of the things that I support. I respect her in that she has followed her dream and seems to be quite successful in the things she loves doing. I do not enjoy what I interpret as her passive aggressive stabs at the Democrats and specifically Obama. I wish she would just focus on why she thinks she rocks it out!
And, I wish the media would do the same in regards to her. First of all, you are supposed to be unbiased. I want to hear it all. The OBJECTIVE good and bad about all the candidates. All I hear about is Sarah Pallin lately. (I almost forgot who the Dem VP nom was) It's usually not good, whether it is issue related or trying to tarnish the 'popular' girl's image. This is going to allienate people. Sarah Pallin will soon become the Boston Red Sox or the Cubbies of the election. Root root root for the underdog.
To some degree we saw the same negative attacks on Hillary. I think those attacks were more personal than issue related. I did not support those attacks either, and I think they had a different impact for Hillary. She was never seen as an underdog, number one because she was a Clinton. Number two (which I believe is more telling of our sad state of affairs), sympathy did not run deep for her in the media nor among the undecided because she was not seen as an attractive soccer mom who made sure her husband and children were taken care of first and foremost. Now, I'm not placing value on how either one of these women have traversed the tight rope of life. More than likely, they have both made similar choices in response to juggling career and family. I will just say that those who are undecided may lean more toward Pallin based on an emotional response. Voting based on emotion? Now where have I heard that before?
I would really like her to start her interviews! I want to hear from her, not what the media thinks they know about her. Let's hear her plans, lets her stance's, lets hear her truths! She tells me she is against the Bridge to Nowhere. The media tells me "not at first". I want to hear more than a speech aimed to rile up the masses. I want to hear her discuss, in depth, from where she is coming and why.
And, I wish the media would do the same in regards to her. First of all, you are supposed to be unbiased. I want to hear it all. The OBJECTIVE good and bad about all the candidates. All I hear about is Sarah Pallin lately. (I almost forgot who the Dem VP nom was) It's usually not good, whether it is issue related or trying to tarnish the 'popular' girl's image. This is going to allienate people. Sarah Pallin will soon become the Boston Red Sox or the Cubbies of the election. Root root root for the underdog.
To some degree we saw the same negative attacks on Hillary. I think those attacks were more personal than issue related. I did not support those attacks either, and I think they had a different impact for Hillary. She was never seen as an underdog, number one because she was a Clinton. Number two (which I believe is more telling of our sad state of affairs), sympathy did not run deep for her in the media nor among the undecided because she was not seen as an attractive soccer mom who made sure her husband and children were taken care of first and foremost. Now, I'm not placing value on how either one of these women have traversed the tight rope of life. More than likely, they have both made similar choices in response to juggling career and family. I will just say that those who are undecided may lean more toward Pallin based on an emotional response. Voting based on emotion? Now where have I heard that before?
I would really like her to start her interviews! I want to hear from her, not what the media thinks they know about her. Let's hear her plans, lets her stance's, lets hear her truths! She tells me she is against the Bridge to Nowhere. The media tells me "not at first". I want to hear more than a speech aimed to rile up the masses. I want to hear her discuss, in depth, from where she is coming and why.
Poor Karma
She just can't win. But, maybe the following explains why she has been such a grumpy gus lately.
Karma is a sick dog:( Josh came home to a house reeking of poo, and poor Karma was trapped in her kennel with explosive diarrhea. Poor girl was outside the minute we let her out of her kennel trying poo more, but couldn't. I took her to the vet and she had to stay the night. Her temp was down, she was dehydrated, and her packed cell volume was very high. All indicative of at least pancreatitis, if not something more serious.
This morning, I am happy to hear that it is "just" pancreatitis and nothing more. Apparently an illness to which Boxers can be prone. She'll need a special diet of course! What animal have I ever owned that has not needed some type of ongoing special diet or meds. Seriously, I think I suffer from munchausen by proxy, but with pets instead of kids. I know my Seeds girls will get a kick out of that one!
Karma is a sick dog:( Josh came home to a house reeking of poo, and poor Karma was trapped in her kennel with explosive diarrhea. Poor girl was outside the minute we let her out of her kennel trying poo more, but couldn't. I took her to the vet and she had to stay the night. Her temp was down, she was dehydrated, and her packed cell volume was very high. All indicative of at least pancreatitis, if not something more serious.
This morning, I am happy to hear that it is "just" pancreatitis and nothing more. Apparently an illness to which Boxers can be prone. She'll need a special diet of course! What animal have I ever owned that has not needed some type of ongoing special diet or meds. Seriously, I think I suffer from munchausen by proxy, but with pets instead of kids. I know my Seeds girls will get a kick out of that one!
Monday, September 15, 2008
A Break from Reality
Well my friends and family will be thrilled to know I'm back on the fictional television bandwagon. Well, fictional in that it is marketed as fiction as opposed to reality which is, in fact, also fiction. Ya follow? I have been addicted to Bravo, A&E, MTV, VH1, E!, and all things horribly, hideously dubbed realtiy tv. But as of last night, although one week late, I'm back on the HBO train! Woot woot!
Now, don't you go worrying your pretty little heads. I've still got Project Runway to wrap up, Tabitha's Salon Take Over, and I'll always anxiously await the return of my favorite OCD, Jeff Lewis from Flipping Out. NO ONIONS!!!!!
First off, we have the tried and true...Entourage. A half an hour with Adrian Grenier is really all any girl could ask for on a Sunday night.
Secondly, we have a new show, True Blood, that I'm hooked on already after seeing the second episode. I'll have to back track and catch the opener. Kaari, you may want to look into this given your newly acquired taste for hot blood sucking romance.
Now, don't you go worrying your pretty little heads. I've still got Project Runway to wrap up, Tabitha's Salon Take Over, and I'll always anxiously await the return of my favorite OCD, Jeff Lewis from Flipping Out. NO ONIONS!!!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Happy Anniversary to Us!
Well, we made it a year! I still look back at that day and love every moment of it. I still look back at the 3+ years we've been together and wouldn't change a thing. What a great life we've made together. Here's to many more years!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
9/11 Remembered
This is some footage my friend Matt posted on his blog. I have to say I never saw the footage from before we knew what had happened. It is from the Today Show, and to hear them speculate on whether there might be air traffic control problems at one point is just crazy knowing what we do now. I really almost started crying just watching this. You know at that point no one was moving. Everyone was probably waiting for further instructions when they could have been running out of the building. No one knew what was about to happen. And the people above the crash. Ugh. It makes my heart ache. I can't even imagine being someone who had a loved one die in this tragedy. I'd never be able to watch the footage again. Knowing I was watching my loved one about to die. So sad.
I just can't get enough!
Aww. How can you not take a picture of that. 
And then of course, I had to take a pic of the other two:)
And then of course, I had to take a pic of the other two:)
But, lets be honest, we are Boxer people for life. I love Luce and Jack, but we will eventually be an all boxer family someday, I suspect. We are in no hurry though. We were just talking the other day about whether a vet might come out to the house to put a dog down instead of us taking them there, so they are not as scared during their last moments. Then Josh said, "I'll have to make dad take Lucy." I said, "No, I'll be there with her. I'll want her to know we love her." And we both almost started crying. Like for 5 minutes we had to keep each other's mind off it because we were so saddened by the thought. :'(And here is a pic of Caesar!
Clint and Tanya Fuller just moved into one of the houses we looked at buying in the neighborhood. I haven't seen them forever, and Josh ran into him at the Disc Golf Park. So Caesar came to play. He wanted to make babies with Karma and she wasn't having that at all! He is so big! I can't believe the size difference in male and female boxers. It has been a long time since I was around a male. I'm pumped for Zeke to get that big! Caesar stood head and shoulders above Karma and he had a huge block head. Zeke's head is already too big for his body! Yay! I'm so excited.
They wouldn't all stand pretty for me. Oh well!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Pet Peeves
One of my biggest pet peeves is bad grammar, poor spelling, etc. As I re-read some of my entries, I noticed that I sometimes leave off an 's' or forget a comma or something else. My readers deserve better than this. So, I will try my best to proofread from here on out!
Another pet peeve. Gossip. Well, no. I love to gossip. But, I hate it when gossip breads completely false information. Apparently there is a pack of pitbulls running around my neighborhood and they killed a puppy. Except that they are not pitbulls, they are not running around the neighborhood, and they did not kill anything. So annoying!
Another pet peeve. Gossip. Well, no. I love to gossip. But, I hate it when gossip breads completely false information. Apparently there is a pack of pitbulls running around my neighborhood and they killed a puppy. Except that they are not pitbulls, they are not running around the neighborhood, and they did not kill anything. So annoying!
Cause I'm the tax man, oh oh I'm the tax man.
Once again, I don't plan on having an overly political blog here, but I'm annoyed by a recent McCain ad that shows middle class Americans while stating something like "he (Obama) plans to raise taxes...blah blah blah." Okay, from my understanding which is very little, he is planning on raising taxes but only a minority of the population. Those making 250,000 a year or more. I really don't think it is fair to scare people into thinking their taxes will be raised. Again, the reason I HATE politics. The ads tell part of the story and most people don't do the research...myself included. It happens on both sides, but this is one of the few I've seen so far because I rarely pay any attention. Honestly, I vote for the social issues I agree with, so the tax thing really doesn't make a difference for me one way or the other. Even if I were getting taxed, I'd rather have that than someone who is the polar opposite of me in the White House when it comes to the social issues. But, geesh people, can we just get the facts.
Monday, September 8, 2008
One Proud Mama!
Karma gets a gold star today!! Oh I'm just so thrilled! We've been taking treats with us on walks since Thursday's meeting at k9 Playhouse with Connie Apling! <------Amazing woman. The treats help redirect her focus and associate other dogs with yummy snacks. We also found a great trail for walking. Not sure why I haven't taken advantage of it up til now. Anyway, we deviated from the trail and ventured back into our neighborhood where we'd have a better chance of a dog encounter. Although it had been a short time, I was ready to test the waters of our new training techniques.
And dogs we did encounter. Some people were sitting on their porch with 2 dogs and they came charging after Karma. Karma of pre-Thursday would have charged back. Karma post Thursday enjoyed some yummy ham! She raised her mohawk just a bit, but was much more interested in the tasty snack than the stupid dogs who were sniffing her butt. The owners came down so apologietic of their dogs and impressed by her. What a GOOD dog they said! They got their dogs and we were on our way without incident! And a compliment to boot! Good thing the neighborhood is on RED ALERT to watch out for my pack of dogs on the loose. We are a frightful bunch.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Quote to live by
How others treat you is THEIR karma. How you respond is yours.~thanks josie!
This was oh so important to remember this weekend. Most of my close friends are aware of my on going neighbor problem and it escalated to an all new high this weekend.
Long story short for those who don't know. Neighbors dog got into our yard, and our dogs hurt him pretty badly. After them calling animal control on us with them finding nothing against us, me trying to talk to them in a very respectful, sympathetic manner and them saying they'd call me back to resolve the matter, and them continually alledging our dogs got into their yard and dragged their dog back to our yard, wegot a registered letter threatening legal action if we did not put up a different fence and pay vet bills AND they disseminated an ALERT flyer around the neighborhood telling neighbors to watch out for my pack of dogs roaming the neighborhood. Protect your kids and pets...oh and the elderly man with the seeing eye dog. DUH!!!!
So, after a lot of crying, yelling, and stress on my part, my mom helped me put a letter to the neighborhood together. It is not defensive at all, and says nothing about my neighbor's ridiculous behavior. It simply gives them our info, acknowledges the event, reassures them about our dogs being contained in a fence, and that if they have any questions about the incident or our dogs, that they can give us a call anytime or stop by the house. I was very happy with it. The neighbors who put out the ALERT were not. My guess is because we came off looking normal, and they are being crazy. All the neighbors we talked to we so nice and understanding. It made me feel so much better about the situation. I can handle dealing with these crazies, I just couldn't handle lies being told to the entire neighborhood. Anyway, they are now threatening to get the mayor and city council involved. I say go ahead. Animal control didn't cite us for anything. They gave us a warning for barking, but not even a warning for biting because it happened in OUR yard. I can't wait to see what else these people have up their sleeves. I just wish they'd stop being passive aggressive and just talk to us. Oh well. I tried. Now I can only continue to choose how to respond to their actions.
This was oh so important to remember this weekend. Most of my close friends are aware of my on going neighbor problem and it escalated to an all new high this weekend.
Long story short for those who don't know. Neighbors dog got into our yard, and our dogs hurt him pretty badly. After them calling animal control on us with them finding nothing against us, me trying to talk to them in a very respectful, sympathetic manner and them saying they'd call me back to resolve the matter, and them continually alledging our dogs got into their yard and dragged their dog back to our yard, wegot a registered letter threatening legal action if we did not put up a different fence and pay vet bills AND they disseminated an ALERT flyer around the neighborhood telling neighbors to watch out for my pack of dogs roaming the neighborhood. Protect your kids and pets...oh and the elderly man with the seeing eye dog. DUH!!!!
So, after a lot of crying, yelling, and stress on my part, my mom helped me put a letter to the neighborhood together. It is not defensive at all, and says nothing about my neighbor's ridiculous behavior. It simply gives them our info, acknowledges the event, reassures them about our dogs being contained in a fence, and that if they have any questions about the incident or our dogs, that they can give us a call anytime or stop by the house. I was very happy with it. The neighbors who put out the ALERT were not. My guess is because we came off looking normal, and they are being crazy. All the neighbors we talked to we so nice and understanding. It made me feel so much better about the situation. I can handle dealing with these crazies, I just couldn't handle lies being told to the entire neighborhood. Anyway, they are now threatening to get the mayor and city council involved. I say go ahead. Animal control didn't cite us for anything. They gave us a warning for barking, but not even a warning for biting because it happened in OUR yard. I can't wait to see what else these people have up their sleeves. I just wish they'd stop being passive aggressive and just talk to us. Oh well. I tried. Now I can only continue to choose how to respond to their actions.
1 Box of 9 down...
There was once a day where peeps were only available in the spring around the time of Easter. Well, we now know they come in all shapes and sizes, and they are out in full effect for Halloween. I bought a box of ghosts and a box of pumpkins tonight. I have eaten the entire box of ghosts so far. If you need corroboration on this fact, please talk to Mariah. She is familiar with my weakness, as she has a similar one. BTW, Mariah, the Cadbury Eggs are out, too:) Have fun!! Josh has eaten 2 so far. I'll keep a count going for you!
P.S. You can't have a peep blog without addressing the "how do you like your peeps" question. I can eat them just opened fresh (obviously since I ate a whole box), but I do prefer them to be open for a day or so and then eat them. My dad opts for the staler the better option. He likes to hear them snap. I prefer not to break my teeth on them!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Good Karma, Bad Karma.
Well, we took Karma to the K9 Playstation (i think that is what it is called). We got the stamp of approval that she is not an aggressive dog, but she does have a lower tolerance for high excitability situations. Thus, it is up to us as owners to control the situations she is in and work with her to change her behaviors in certain circumstances. I'm excited to get started with her! I was a little let down because not and hour after we got back she did one of her freak outs on Jack! Grr! Makes it feel like it'll never get better, but we just have to commit to doing it and be patient. We were told that because we do have a "pack" living in our house, that we will see pack behavior. If Karma feels she needs to correct Jack she will. It is up to us to try to keep them out of situations where Karma feels that way. So, we shall see what happens.
Additionally, we got confirmation from her that Emporium Pets does get their puppies from puppy mills! SADNESS!!! So, again, lets remember what this means. Yes, all Zeke's lil bros and sisters are probably in happy little homes, BUT where is Zeke's mama? She is probably laying in a kennel somewhere in poor health and pregnant again. I'm sure she looks like Karma, so it breaks my heart to think of little Karma-marma stuck in a situation like this. Puppy mills = Evil! Stores that sell puppies = evil! What we learned yhesterday was that true breeders aren't in it for the money and they don't generally make money. The breed out of love for the breed. The make sure both parents are good dogs for breeding healthwise and tempermentwise. They do all kinds of health tests, shots, check ups, etc for both the parents and the pups. The goal is not reproduction for the sake of selling puppies, but rather reproduction for the sake of providing people with quality dogs who are healthy and happy! Thus, any reputable breeder would never sell their dogs in the paper or at a store. Breeders who take the time to breed the "right" way, are known by people who educated about this stuff and have no problem finding a home for these babies. Unfortunately, there are way too many people like me out there who think a pup is a pup is a pup unless I want a "show dog". This just isn't true. So, even back yard breeders are looked down upon. Which for me, it is better than the mills because at least mom isn't usually trapped in some dark kennel somewhere. She is a loved family dog. But, as for the other stuff, BYBs don't neccesarily know the facts when it comes to health and temperment. Pretty interesting stuff which again, I've never thought about.
Anyway, she has got a great set up out there and I'm thinking of enrolling Jack, our rat terrier, in a class so he can move on to an agility class. She's got a whole building set up like those courses you see on animal planet. I think he'd love it, and he would expend all the nervous energy he has! I'll let you know if we go through with it!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Teaching
I just realized I have not posted about teaching. Can I just say it is awesome. I know I've only got a week under my belt and perhaps it is still the honeymoon. But, honestly, I'm a natural if I do say so myself. I haven't been nervous or had trouble filling the time or anything. And, from what I can tell, the students are very receptive to the content and myself!
I met with the Dept. Head on Friday, and he was very happy to hear I was enjoying it. He encouraged me to look into getting my PhD in Family Studies in Ames. If the semester goes as well as it is now, I may look into it! Could my dream of being a professor come true? Seems like it might be a possibility. How awesome would that be????
I met with the Dept. Head on Friday, and he was very happy to hear I was enjoying it. He encouraged me to look into getting my PhD in Family Studies in Ames. If the semester goes as well as it is now, I may look into it! Could my dream of being a professor come true? Seems like it might be a possibility. How awesome would that be????
Wedding Bliss!
Well, this was a long, but great weekend. Friday night we had the rehearsal, the dinner, and the party. Mental note: when one has to be up at 8:00 AM and ready to go all day long and into the night, one should not be up partying until 2:30 AM the night before. UGH. And actually, I was supposed to take my dad and step mom to the airport at 5:55 AM. I set my alarm for 5 to tell them they needed to drive themselves because I was, in fact, still drunk. Sorry:( So, I drug myself out of bed a bit later than intended, but made it there with bells on! It was a great day, and from my observations most things went off without a hitch.
Sara, the beautiful bride.
Crystal, Kala, and me
Me n Seth
My hair...I refused wedding hair and felt this was an excellent compromise!
Sara, the beautiful bride.
Crystal, Kala, and me
Me n Seth
My hair...I refused wedding hair and felt this was an excellent compromise!
And then, for the rest of the weekend, we went boating! Josh wanted to go to the Mississippi on Sunday, but I was way too tired to do that after the crazy wedding extravaganza! So, we went to East Lake here at home. Yes, the river would have been more fun, but we made the most of it! It is fun being boat people! Although somewhere along the line, I screwed my neck up completely. I was in some pretty intense pain on Monday morning. Oh well, some Tylenol 3s and I was good to go! We went out again on Monday and I did some tubing behind the boat. That is always a good time. And now I am sore in even more parts of my body!
So, now it's a short week, and I'm already hoping it goes by fast!
So, now it's a short week, and I'm already hoping it goes by fast!
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