wnywoman blogs - The New 50= Age 30 with 20 Years Experience

PETA AND FUR!

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 12:12:09 -0500

By Klew

Some people would think that these two words are in direct opposition to each other.but in my world, that is not the case and I am a card carrying PETA member.
(A topic for a future blog!)
This morning, I was taking a final look at myself in my full length mirror and
gave the thumbs up on my fashion choicegray blouse, black skirt, black leotards and black suede boots!
When I arrived at work, I was met with my peers giving me the once over and handing me a lint brush! I had white fur all over my leotards and boots!!! I removed enough fur to be designated a "kitten"! While this would bother most people, I realized that I was
lucky enough to have cats that love me enough to want my undivided attention no matter what I am doing or what I am wearing!!! Purr-fect little bundles of love that love unconditionally and without reservation. They love me even when I take them to the vet for physicals. They love me even when I have to force feed them medications and have to stick my fingers down their throat. They love me even when I do not clean up their kitty litter box immediately. They love me even when I feed them dry cat food instead of their favorite artisan inspired meals. They love me even when I don't retrieve the catnip filled mouse that they swatted under the stove. They love me even when I allow my friend to bring over her puppy and her grandkids. They love me even when I try to dress them up for holidays. They love me even when.
And they know that I love them even when they cough up furballs (usually on the carpet instead of on the tile!). I love them even when they jump on the forbidden territory of the kitchen counters when I am preparing meals! I love them when their curiosity knocks over a keepsake and it becomes two keepsakes! I love them when they decided to use the kitty litter box immediately after I clean it. I love them even when they
stick their furry little paws into the fish bowl terrorizing my poor little fish. I love them even when out of the blue, they swat me causing me to have to pour peroxide on the wound in fear of contracting "cat scratch fever".
So it's mutual.unconditional love.. now if I could only find that kind of love with a man!!!

Havelock!

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 11:08:20 -0500

By Klew....warning...This story is sad and may be offensive to those who do not share my beliefs.

Havelock, my beloved furbaby of nine years died on Thursday, January 21st. The only solace I can take is that it was sudden and I was with him. For me, this was easier than to see him go through an illness and make the decision to euthanize. The hard part was going through this knowing the tragic outcome.
Needless to say I was hysterical grief stricken. In addition, my own private guilt is that he may have ingested a cleaning agent that I did not rinse.

My friends and family told me that Havelock would have been too smart to continue to drink the poison. I felt they were just telling me that because they love me. However, upon investigation, they may be right! A cat's sense of smell is greater than humans, and the "fumes" should have been repulsive enough to stop any ingestion. Also, some of the symptoms that appear with ingestion of poison did not take place.

To deal with the "what if" factor I turned to my belief that "when it is your time, it is your time".
Havelock would have died on that day....no matter what!! I truly believe it.

Now I am dealing with the grief of missing him! He was very special and very loving! He was beautiful. He was EVERYTHING a furbaby should be. I would post his picture but I would be worthless for the rest of the day. In the future, when the pain subsides, I will memorialize him.

A sense of humor is needed at this time and this is a story that will be remembered! For burial, Havelock was wrapped in a blanket and placed in a cardboard box. His food bowl, his toys, etc. were buried with him. The problem is that he is buried in a shallow grave that the rain pounded on the whole weekend. Because I did not like the thought of him in that rain soaked box, I made the decision to have his body exhumed and have him cremated. It took a long time for his ashes to be ready. When I inquired why it took so long, I was told "He was frozen"! While many may find this morbid, I look at it as closure. In addition, having his ashes with me will provide me with the comfort that I need!

When I first mention this to family and friends, they look at me with visions of Pet Cemetery or Practical Magic!!! The looks on their faces make me laugh!!
Even in death, he brings me laughter!!!!

A more meaningful tribute to follow............................

No Time Like The Present!

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:52:54 -0500

By Klew

It's really easy to forget about what is happening elsewhere in the world as we look forward to the weekend! Tonight I have plans which include a great play, fine wine and a wonderful man! ( I will discuss "Gamma" in a future blog) I know that once I begin my weekend activities, my mind will NOT be on Haiti or on any other third world issue. But.... at THIS moment in time, right NOW, I can't think of anything but the devastation and carnage.

I have the sincere desire to ask my publisher for a leave of absence in order to join the relief effort in Haiti. But because of my need for instant gratification and being unable to work out the logistics of my desire, a monetary donation is all I can do at this time.

My agency of choice is the American Red Cross. I was trained as a Disaster Relief Volunteer many years ago. I was involved with the ARC when their reputation was tarnished during 9/11. What few people realize is that the only mistake the ARC made at that time was failure to communicate. The disaster relief fund was not set up for just ONE disaster but for EVERY AND ALL disasters. I am very glad that the ARC was able to effectively inform people of their mission and regain their sterling reputation.

SO...at THIS moment, right NOW, I am asking YOU to make a donation to the disaster relief agency of choice to help the Earthquake Relief/Recovery Effort before your wonderful weekend begins.

http://www.redcross.org/

Alone Again, Naturally

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:54:40 -0500

By Klew

I am going to the SPCA today to get another cat. Isn't that what women do when
they resign themselves to being alone for the remainder of their natural life? (as opposed
to their unnatural life!)

Unfortunately things did not work out with CPT K and we both agreed that they never
will. We wished each other the best in future endeavors and went our separate ways.
I know, I know.if you scroll down, you will read something similar but this time, there
is no turning back just moving ahead for both of us!

Breaking up is an eye opening experience for me. During a break up most people see the
fault(s) of the other person and focus on those faults. For me, I focus on the incompatibility
issues and the focus is on ME. (Imagine that! LOL) I reflect on how I can turn a negative
part of my personality into a positive one. Do I need more patience?
Do I need to be more empathetic? Do I need to listen more? I don't analyze to make me a
better "girlfriend" or "partner". I analyze to make me a better person.

Some people break up with someone and think that they chose the wrong person and consider
the time spent with that person a waste or the decision to be with that person an error in their judgment. They deny the feelings that they had for a person and re-invent the past.

Every man who I dated and eventually broke up with was the right person for that time in my life.
I liked them; I loved them and I would never deny I had those feelings. They added to my life even though they are now subtracted from it.

What I experienced in each relationship made me the person that I am today.
(If any of my exes are reading thisthey will be thinking.I helped make her a Neurotic,
Obsessive, Compulsive, Flighty, Capricious woman?). I never regret any relationship I was in
because I had the opportunity to learn what they already knew and do what they already did.

With all the warm fuzzy memories I have from my past relationships, there is still one cold hard fact
I have come to realize that I am the Alpha Female of my home and there is no room for an Alpha Male. (There is room however for a Beta Male but I already have one in fish form).

THANKSGIVING DAY

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:40:38 -0500

By Klew

There is so much to be thankful for (unless you are a turkey) on this official day of observance.
This year I went in the opposite direction and made a list of things I was thankful did not happen to me.
I am thankful that my son is NOT harmed while serving in Iraq.
I am thankful that my daughter was NOT unemployed for more than a few weeks.
I am thankful that my cats are NOT ruining my furniture with their claws.
I am thankful that all my friends are NOT fair-weather friends and all-weather friends.
I am thankful that my car is NOT broken down and in need of repair.
I am thankful that I am NOT working on Black Friday.
I am thankful that I am NOT on any waiting list for anything I want to purchase for the holidays.
I am thankful that my beta fish is NOT dead from lack of attention.
I am thankful that I am NOT in "need" of anything even though I am in great desire of everything!
I am thankful that I am NOT on Glamour List of Don'ts.
I am thankful that my mechanic does NOT take advantage of my hair color.
I am thankful that my favorite ice cream sandwich is NOT more than 200 calories.
I am thankful that I am NOT cooking for Thanksgiving. (Others share this same thought!)
I am thankful that I am NOT far away from my Mom, Daughter and Granddaughter.
I am thankful that my favorite vintage clothing store is NOT closed all day on Thanksgiving Day.
I am thankful that my computer does NOT have any connectivity issues or viruses.
I am thankful that I am NOT spending the holidays alone.
I am thankful that my spa is NOT by appointment only.
I am thankful that my boss is NOT "bossy" or any other "b" word.
I am thankful that CPT K ("Indiana") has NOT dumped me yet!

So.I am NOT going to wish anyone a Happy Thanksgiving Day because we should be THANKFUL everyday for what IS in our lives and what is NOT!

There is ALWAYS Justification!

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:17:47 -0500

By Klew

While shopping at a local sporting goods store, I found a beautiful NILS Jacket!
The jacket was red, belted with a rhinestone buckle and buttons, fitted, with a faux
fur hood! It was a jacket you would see on a model in a high end magazine.
It was on sale for $365.
It was stunning!
It made me look stunning!

This jacket is high quality and would be considered a classic fashion and not a fad;
well worth the price. However, I decided that I would try to get the identical jacket
for a less expensive pricetag to make it more of a bargain.

At another store, I found a North Face Jacket that was similarly styled and ½ the price.
I purchased the North Face Jacket. Once I arrived home, I hung the jacket next to my
14 winter coats that I own. I justified this purchase as this being my first and only outdoor
recreational jacket vs a fashion statement.

As I looked at the North Face jacket in my closet, I realized that I had settled on second
best. I really wanted the NILS jacket. And if truth be known, the only outdoor activity
I participate in during winter is going to and from my car; hardly a justification to keep
"outdoor gear".

However, I have many, many justifications to purchase the NILS jacket
One..it's on sale!
Two it's stunning!
Threeit makes me look stunning!
Four to infinityre-read justifications one through three!

Allow Me To Introduce

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:07:30 -0500

By Klew

When you are 50, how do you introduce the person you are dating exclusively?
When I was between the ages of 13 and 24, he was my boyfriend.
When I was between the ages of 25 and 40, he was my husband.

Now at my age, I am in a quandary as to what to call "Indiana"
"Friend" isn't specific enough; "Date" is too temporary; "Boyfriend" is too "young"; "Partner" sounds like a business relationship; "Significant Other" sounds too "80's"; "fiancé" doesn't work unless I am wearing left handed jewelry; "Main Squeeze" sounds like an ad for orange juice; "My Man" sounds too possessive; "beau" is too old-fashioned; and "Lover" is, wellTMI!

I toyed with "cutesy" titles based on my feelings for him.
Indiana is my entry into the world of fun, excitement, adventure and romance; making him my "catalyst.:
He was written into existence; making him my "journal entry"
He couldn't be more perfect for me; making him my "blue-print".
He holds on to my heart (as well as my keys, my glasses and , sometimes, my cellphone); he is my "keeper".

So, until there is a time when I can come up with something clever that covers all bases,
I will just have to make the following introduction:
"I would like you to meet "Indiana", my.(then look at him to fill in the blank!).

OORAH and SEMPER FI!

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:35:54 -0500

By Klew

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARINES!!!

The official birthday of the United States Marine Corps, on November 10, (1775) was when the Second Continental Congress decreed:

That two battalions of Marines be raised consisting of one Colonel, two lieutenant-colonels, two majors and other officers, as usual in other regiments; that they consist of an equal number of privates as with other battalions, that particular care be taken that no persons be appointed to offices, or enlisted into said battalions, but such as are good seamen, or so acquainted with maritime affairs as to be able to serve for and during the present war with Great Britain and the Colonies; unless dismissed by Congress; that they be distinguished by the names of the First and Second Battalions of Marines." (Wikipedia)

I am proud to be a "family member" of an organization with such a rich and proud heritage. My son is currently serving his second tour of duty in Iraq and is scheduled to be home in April! Please keep him and his "band of brothers/sisters" in your thoughts...no matter what your views are on the war(s)!!!

My son's father is a retired Marine (23 years in the Corps) and I knew the day that my son was born (1988) that he would follow in his dad's footsteps! However, I never thought that he would follow his footsteps to Iraq nineteen years later! (His dad left for Operation Desert Storm in 1990 right before our son's second birthday!)

SEMPER FI!!!

CAREER CRISIS

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 14:44:57 -0500

BY Klew

Although I love working in my current position, (and I am not saying this because my boss reads my blogs), I am currently going through a career crisis! This has been a chronic condition but I am having an acute attack. The etiology of this current relapse is CPT K's (aka Indiana) lifestyle.

As previously written, I am very envious of his career which affords him international travel, daily excitement and fodder for novels. This weekend I had an opportunity to meet and hear about other people who are in this adrenaline charged career. I want in!

Okmaybe not "in" as I don't see myself carrying AK-47s, Glocks (although, I did receive one as a birthday present once), blades, med-kits, compasses, strobes, etc.
I do see myself doing SOMETHING altruistic or constructive in Dubai or in Africa.
I want to support something, teach something or plan something that will benefit humankind.

I looked at every aspect of this career crisis! I have made lists of my short term and long terms goals. I made a list of my personal passions and my humanitarian passions. I have realistically looked at my capabilities and compared them to the needs of service organizations around the world. I also looked at the volunteer positions available at the organizations and wish that I was in a position to be a volunteer! Volunteerism would result in instant gratification and, unfortunately, instant bankruptcy!

In my fantasy and romance inspired world, I would take a leave of absence (after saving up enough money to be self supporting) and meet CPT K, while he is on a mission in a remote and exotic place, to offer my humanitarian services to an organization in need.
CPT K and I would get together during his R&R Leave to explore the sites and explore our romantic options! (deep sigh)

OK BACK TO REALITY!!!
This weekend, in the course of our many conversations and topics, I realized that CPT K could be the catalyst to my career change!

He knows the who and the what to my where and why!

MARS AND VENUS???

nospam@example.com (Karen Lewis) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:59:17 -0500

by Klew

Me with Mars:

In my relationships with men, I have discovered that I do not fall into the Men are from Mars/Women are from Venus category. I fall into the Men are from Mars and I am "somewhere in a more distant galaxy"!

When dealing with men, I rid myself of having any expectations and replaced expectation with hope.
In the beginning of this new strategy, my hope would spring eternal. Time passed, men passed and I had to seek something different than hope because my hopes were dashed too many times. I replaced hope with the attitude of "if it was meant to be, it will be".

For example...at one time, I had expected him to call me if he thought he would be late for a date. Then I hoped that he would call me if he would be late for a date. Now, if he's late for a date, it was meant to be.

Please don't confuse this mindset with taking whatever I get! I have high expectations that I set for myself and I expect that I will find at least one Martian man that will "promise me the moon" (actually, Mars has TWO moons Phobos and Deimos )

I don't fall in love...thanks to the gravity on Mars! I do, however, trip over lust!

Mars with Me:

Now the Venus woman is usually less capricious than I am so a Martian man better have a longer antennae to accurately receive the meaning of my communication and understand that I have a whimsical personality.

When asked a yes or no question, I will answer with whichever one suits me at the time but as time passes, even a minute, my answer may change. So yes does mean yes...and no does mean no...at that particular moment in time!!!

At a restaurant, I always want to order last because while others are placing their order, I have ordered, re-ordered, and ordered over again in my head and then have entree envy after I ordered.
When it comes time for dessert, I only share if I order TWO desserts! Yes, that does happen from time to time!

I have so many projects started at once that they may blend or morph into each other. Sometimes this is a good thing and sometimes it is not! Take for example when I was hosting a party and trying to comfort a friend in her time of need. I introduced her to every single man in the room hoping that they would keep her mind off her boyfriend trouble. They were more than happy to oblige!
What I didn't realize is that MY date for the evening was the most obliging of the bunch!!!

I understand that most men aren't inter-galactic travelers so it may take light years before someone truly understands me!