Imagination Vacation

Someone I know (a fellow Kappa and someone I've networked with a bit to get technical) has started a great organization. Even being away from the "cancer world," I still feel very connected to the cause (and I should, I've know too many people affected by the disease). This seems like a great cause.

It's an Imagination Vacation partners with area hospitals to host special events for pediatric cancer patients and other seriously ill children. We believe that every child deserves the chance to enjoy family vacations and create memories that will last a lifetime. Unfortunately, many of these special patients spend much of their time in and out of the hospital, undergoing treatments and testing, not playing and vacationing like many of the other kids their age. During our special events, patients simply travel down the hall to arrive at a dreamland destination without leaving the hospital. The possible vacation destinations, ranging from Zoo Light Safaris to Hawaiian Holidays, and Winter Wonderlands to Spring Soirees, are as endless as a child's imagination.

Slanket... Everyone loves a slanket!

It's so funny that a conversation regarding a Slanket has come up twice in less than two weeks. I can't remember who I was talking to, but I was telling him (I seem to remember it being a him) that I really wanted a Slanket for the holidays... and low and behold Simple is hosting a give away. I can't afford one of these right now and my family thinks I'm nuts for wanting one, so maybe I'll win one!!! And then I'll read, read, read... and blog while comfy and warm! I wanna a chocolate one!

On a Paws and Praise Day

Dear Mr. Peters,

As I sit here, in my office at my fabulously cubbied desk, a small creature, whose name is Joonbug walks past the Toyota Matrix sitting in our hilly driveway. Sibleybear aka Bibbers is at my feet, under said desk, curled up sleeping, barely waking to get the treat I place in front of her nose before dosing off again.

You, my dearest husband, are probably talking in a funny voice to 45 teenaged, hormonal, sometimes wonderful, sometimes annoying kids, making our family the money to survive. You are thinking about a million things, including the basketball game tonight. #2 of many, hoping for that 1st win of the season.

Thus far today, I have not unloaded the dishwasher, but I did check on the chickens. They are rooting around on the ground and actually came nearer to me when I approached. Your dog was a good dog and did not cross the white line, but sat nicely in the shade with her paws crossed.

Thus far today, I have created labels for my folders for which I would like your professional feedback before continuing. I also made myself some coffee and put in lots of vanilla syrup, snickering too myself that the coffee is perfect for me, but you, Mr. Peters, would not like it.

Thus far today, I have re-made our bed for I found when I woke the sheets were completely crooked and that I have pulled those on my side of the bed out from underneath the mattress, while those on your side are neatly tucked.

Thus far today, I have counted my blessing 2 or 3 times for I am one lucky gal. Thank you for being such a wonderful husband, friend, coach, gardener, tea maker, chicken farmer, bibbers daddy, and cook. I look forward to your return late this evening, after said win #1 where a cup of tea will be waiting for you so that you can hunker down in your chair and we can flip between Biggest Loser and House while you pretend to watch TV.

Te Amo,
Cita aka Mamacita

My job rocks

I just want it down on "paper" that on Monday I thought to myself... I love my job!

This is what life is about people.

Above photo of Samson, my friend Amy's dog... and my "bomb-proof" dog for dog training.

Iowa roots

So often, I find myself connected to my Iowa roots. From the maid-rites we had for dinner tonight to the blogs I read. One I recently found is Elizabeth Williams. She's not an Iowan by birth, but teaches school and currently resides there. Her jewelry is lovely and I love her "look" on her website. I find myself often hanging out on the page just to listen to the music she has posted. I have to switch it back to Pandora when I realize I've gone over the playlist two or three times. She's got a great giveaway for her birthday going on now.... I love giveaways!

I'm a dog trainer!

Officially graduated from the SF SPCA Academy from Dog Trainers and I'm doing it!!!!!

I started my business, Paws and Praise Dog Training, (well, technically speaking- the license is done, FBN -done, zoning clearane- done) now I just need some clients! I'll be working on the website and marketing materials in the weeks/months to come. My goal is to work with new parents and new parents-to-be to prepare them for life with dog after baby.

It's really taken up all of my time, between school and starting the business and working part time at Citizen Canine, so my photo opportunities have lessened. I'm determined to get back out there, even if it means a lot of dog photos!!!!

2 years- 75 more to come

We've been married for 2 years and Matt said something that I thought was super sweet.

2 down, 75 to go. We joke about growing old together and dying peacefully in our sleep when we are in our 90's....

Maybe that's a pessimistic way to think about it or maybe it's just for fun.

Happy anniversary honey!