Who's A Happy-ass?

It must be the time of year, or perhaps not being employed, I have way too much time to reflect! :-) In the past week, I have had conversations with my sisters and dear friends, and the commonality of the conversations has been that I always seem to be happy. Given that, I am aware that my "perkiness" can wear on one's last nerve, but to no avail have been able to change this defect? of mine. However, this does not by any means put me above getting angry, depressed, sad, self-righteous, insecure, or any other normal human emotions. The way I look at it is that no matter how I feel or what I'm going through in life that may be tough, there is always someone who is worse off than me. So why mope around about my piddly problems? No one likes to be around a losery sad sack...especially me. I have had my share of feeling sorry for myself and feeling that life had dealt me a bad hand. Better a bad hand than no hand at all, right? I guess my point is that if I want to be happy in life, I need to do the right things and get busy living life. I've learned that if I don't take risks, nothing is ever gained or lost. How can I be grateful if I don't experience either?
This Thanksgiving season, I am most thankful for the life that God has given me as it is a good life. I am thankful for the family that still invites me in and lovingly tolerates me. For the friends who see every single defect of character I have, but love me anyway. And for my critters who remind me to spend my time with God.

American Cowgirl

I saw this video, loved it, and wanted to share! :-)

Persistence or Stalking?

Earlier today I spoke with my sister Kathy. I was telling her that I still had not heard back (yet a week later) from my latest job interview. She told me I should call back today to find out. I told her that I had already checked in last week. She said that it would show persistence and interest on my part to check back again today. In my role as a recruiter, we called these people stalkers. :-)
I was reminded of when I was 16 and had just moved to Topeka with my mom. Kathy was there for the summer as well and was giving me guidance (even then) on how to pursue a job. I had applied at a clothing store and she told me to just keep calling every week until they hired me. I continued to call with no response. She then told me to show up in person. So I did, every week until I wore that poor man down. He finally hired me for seasonal gift wrapping that November. So in short, I literally stalked this man for nearly four months until he hired me!
Today, I would probably be arrested and a restraining order issued. LOL!

Brrrrr!

After nearly a week of beautiful weather in the 70's, it looks like winter is on its way. Last night the temp dropped into the 30's. I put wood pellets in the wood burning stove and snuggled into bed for the night.
Apparently, some time in the wee hours of the morning, the pellets all burned up. The wind came up and blew the front door open while I slept. So I woke up this a.m. to 34 degrees in my house! No wonder I couldn't feel my nose! I plugged in every space heater I own and sat down at the kitchen table with a hot cup of coffee.
Today, I devise a plan on how to get through the winter. With the high cost of gas and propane, I elected not to fill my propane tank and try to manage heating the house with space heaters and my wood burner. Should make for an interesting winter! :-)
The job search continues. Times are tough and it is challenging to not get into a funk. I try to remember that I have been through way worse than this, and God has always brought me to the other side stronger and better. In the meantime, I keep busy and take pride in the things I can do for myself, like building a bench in my mud room. :-)
As I write this blog, I watch the horses play in the front pasture. They are frisky with the cold weather, and often take time out to stare at the house as I have not been out to feed them yet! Ki is not shy about whinnying at the house for me. Cowboy just stares perturbed, with one ear back.
I don't know what I'd do without my critters. They bring so many smiles and peace to me.
I do know that I could do without the mice. I clobbered yet another mouse yesterday with the broom. Hopefully, they will go away soon, as I really hate killing them. I feel so guilty, but don't want them in my house!
Zippy Pinhead (mama cat) is a great hunter and I often wonder if the mice were smart enough to figure that out, hence moving into my house, or if they just came in to get warm.
This week Zippy's prize was a rabbit nearly as big as she. She and her kittens have been lounging around fat and happy.
The dogs have been a handful as usual. Lucy has it in her brain (she is in heat) that Neuman is the source of her stress and continues to pummel him every chance she gets. I felt so bad for him yesterday. He was peacefully taking a nap on the floor by the couch. Lucy was doing the same, and all of the sudden looked up, directed her stare at Neuman, and proceeded to attack him while he was sleeping. Neuman immediately came slinking over to me for protection as Lucy looked at me with contempt for protecting him. Today, I also call the vet to see about getting her spade!!!
Well, that's all folks. :-) Tune in soon for more boring crap at the farmstead.