:)

I am so grateful to have Michael as my husband, best friend, and confidant. He spoils me, treats me SO well...sometimes I wonder what I did to get treated so well. For example: He opens my car door for me, randomly surprises me with flowers, or other cute things that he's seen me take interest in. Teaches me new things in the kitchen...I really don't know how to cook that well..He actually cares about my feelings, and what I think and say. He whispers "I love you." in my ear when I'm asleep, so that I'll know he does even in my sleep. He calls me beautiful multiple times a day, and gives me kisses randomly, and sweetly. He NEVER yells at me, and we talk, not fight...He never makes me feel less than equal, or puts me down. He takes me on  a date at least once a week, somewhere nice, not some fast food, unless I want that for dinner or lunch. If we do that for a date, we take it to a park, and eat it there, then play in the grass. He taught me how to play Diablo III, and I LOVE that game now. (Xbox) He's just amazing, and so so sweet. 


Diode is still having trouble going to the restroom, but is not lethargic anymore, and is actually quite active. She's on antibiotics, and as active as her normal self.  She's behaving as her normal, happy self as well. :) I am hoping all of this clears up over time, if not, I'll take her back to the vet, and see what's going on. But for now, she's under close watch for the symptoms that scared me so much. Apparently, its Purina who makes Special Kitty, as well as several other off brands. I've read a few reports on a lot of their cheap brands, and expensive ones, having the same issue my cat did...It even showed up in some dogs. So, again, be careful and mindful of what you're feeding your pet, and what they normally act like, so that you can recognize abnormalities in their behavior. Your pets depend on you for everything!

Recently, there have been a lot of helicopters flying around, I assumed they were looking for pot farms. Well, turns out I was right. I don't think pot is a bad thing, at all. But it IS illegal in Utah, and 2,000 plants plus is a bit excessive. If you're going to grow and sell pot, do it in a state where its legal. Its not worth the criminal record....trust me...I went to prison for distribution. I was on felony probation, but did not follow the rules, and continued to drink, and in the beginning, smoke pot. I had been arrested several times, thinking I was invincible.  I wasn't, and I really should have respected my Probation officer more than I did. No drug, no matter how 'good' it makes you feel, is worth a felony on your record. I've watched people almost die from heroin, some be super paranoid on meth, it all doesn't look fun at all. Respect yourself, and don't use hard drugs...which EXCLUDE pot, but DO INCLUDE cigarettes and alcohol. 

That being said, I am so glad that my Mom and I are getting along great again, as well as my Dad. I was so awful to them during the drinking days of my 'career', that its a miracle they still want to even talk to me, let alone allow me to play Amtgard*, a free fantasy foam sword fighting role play game. I'll explain that later. Anyway, they actually want me to visit, and be around them. I really enjoy their company.


* Amtgard rules can be found here: Dragon Spyre Amtgard Clan

Lately...

Our cat, Diode, recently had been eating Special Kitty Gourmet...NOT recalled in our state...though it should be. Its the dry that we were feeding her, and almost immediately, she started having problems. She didn't want to be around people, touched, ran away when we spoke to her or called her name...then I noticed as I was cleaning, that she was having major problems peeing, that's when I KNEW something was wrong. I was wondering what the Hell it could have been that's causing this...thinking maybe she got bit by something when she escaped, and contracted rabies...like the hypochondriac that I am. That day, I called the vet, and set up and appointment. She only got worse...more tired, hiding almost all the time, and had an increased thirst..was in the litter every five minutes or less, peeing just a teeny tiny bit. I began posting my worries on Facebook, where my friend asked me "What kind of food are you feeding her?" I told her, and she warned me to change it IMMEDIATELY. I looked it up, sure enough, Special Kitty has evidence of rodenticides(rat poison, basically), and pesticides in it! The rat poison had began to shut her kidneys down, causing her to become very ill. I instantly threw the food in the garbage, all of it, made sure the lid was tight on the outdoor rubbish bin, and bought new, American made food, in which the ingredients actually start out with meat products, rather than corn meal, or rice gluten or whatever. The next day, she was feeling a WHOLE lot better. Active again, chasing the laser pointer, still had issues peeing, but I could tell she was feeling better. We took her to the vet yesterday, and got her an anti-biotic, and she seems to be improving a bunch! Had I not noticed her in the litter box while I was sweeping the bathroom, she would surely have been dead by now. 

Pay close attention to your cats, and dogs, do NOT feed them Special Kitty, or Ol' Roy. They are crap foods...anything by Menu Foods is terrible for your pet. If your cat or dog starts to get tired, act strange, or anything, take them to the vet as soon as possible, and check what you're feeding them. They could just have a fever, they could be dying.

Dogs will let you know when they're in pain, they're not as likely to be "eaten", so can show their injuries...while as cats will suffer in silence, acting normally. Dilated pupils, constant purring, hiding, and lethargy can all mean your cat is hurting. Dilated pupils in a cat can mean MANY things though. So just pay attention to your fur-babies, and they'll surely be healthy for a long lived life. 


------Rhi Cummens-----