Hiatus

Not that there are many readers of this blog, but I've decided to take a break from blogging on this page for a while. With Oliver back at Chez Glazener and vacation and other things pending I just don't have the time and it should never feel like a chore to blog. See you later perhaps!

Oliver pics by Jeni

My great friend Jeni of Jeni Dwyer Creative took these photos of my boy on Wednesday night. I don't think I could ever thank her enough - her work is amazing!

Oliver back at Chez Glazener

Yes, Oliver is back home with me as of last Friday. He's a much larger dog now, but still the same puppy I remember. He gives me the same look when I call his name, he has the same warm greenish-brown eyes and the same sweet as pie demeanor as always (hence why I always call him "sweet pie").

His last cardiology appointment was encouraging, too. His heart has changed very little since his initial diagnosis (severe pulmonic stenosis and a ventricular septal defect) and according to the discharge summary his "defects" are helping  his heart to harmoniously function efficiently.

Oliver also thankfully remains a relatively polite puppy - he only mildly harasses poor Zoe and did pretty well tonight with his old pal Cody (his beloved Aunt Jenni's cat). Thank you Cody and Jenni for allowing Oliver's intrusion!

Oliver and Lucas were fast bffs and pretty much play non-stop. I wish I had a yard for them to romp in, but for now the living room does just fine as long as I move the coffee table out of their way.

Cross your fingers that I find this sweet boy a loving home. If I could afford it and had the room I would keep him myself in a heartbeat. That said, he will stay here with us until we find him the perfect family. We love you Oliver!

Quote of the day

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."

~Dr. Seuss

Operation Oliver

I'm still unsure about when Oliver will be returning to Chez Glazener, but I've spoken with Michelle and preparations have begun! Thanks to awesome friend Kerry, I have TWO hard core wire, large and in charge crates (one for Oliver and one for Lucas). Both are set up close to each other.

Bedding is being washed, food and toys organized, and foster mama is determined to doggie-proof her house in time for the new addition.

Next on the list is having Oliver rechecked at the NCSU cardiology office, updating his meds and making sure I've got the supplies I need to keep him happy.

I've missed him so much and it will be wonderful to have him home again, but I'm still sad that things didn't work out for him with the Smith's. Again I say, not his fault - or anyone else's for that matter. Just bad timing. Stay tuned for updates!

Quote of the day

"Chance has never yet satisfied the hope of a suffering people. Action, self-reliance, the vision of self and the future have been the only means by which the oppressed have seen and realized the light of their own freedom."

~Marcus Garvey

Another iphone saver

I came across Griffin's Armored Survivor case the other day and looked it up online. This case is hard core! Check out the video linked above for an educational, thorough and pretty funny demonstration of how protective the Survivor case really is.

After trying one out I must say that I think I prefer Griffin to Otterbox. The silicone casing of the Griffin case is far less "sticky" than the Otterbox case  - it is easier to slip it in and out of a pocket or phone holder - and it also snaps into place more securely. The same goes for the port covers - Griffin's stay put while the charging port cover on my Otterbox case constantly pried itself opened.

Although I don't use the belt clip, Griffin's is far more practical than the bulky clip that comes with Otterbox's Defender case. The added size to one's iphone appears to be slightly greater with Griffin's case, but the aforementioned lack of "stickiness" of the silicone casing makes that a non-issue for me.

If you watch the video you'll see that Griffin's case will not make your iphone indestructible (you can't run it over with your SUV and expect it to be unmarred), but it will certainly protect it from drops, fits of anger, impromptu hockey matches and other everyday whoopsies.

While certainly worth the $49.99 price tag, Griffin's Armored Survivor cases can be found in many discount stores for at least $15 less. But seriously, even with insurance a replacement iphone is likely to cost you at least $150 so a fabulously protective $50 case pays for itself almost immediately!

Never without my OtterBox

On the recommendation of a friend, I bought an OtterBox defender case for my new iphone back in October of 2011.

I didn't use it long before I found it a little bulky and that it made it difficult to get my phone out of my phone holder or my back pocket.

Therefore, I started using a Body Glove case that was slimmer and appeared to offer good protection. For example, I drove off with my iphone on the hood of my car and after crashing to the asphalt it came away without a single scratch or defect. After that I was convinced that my defender case was not necessary to keep my iphone in pristine condition.

Unfortunately last week my phone fell out of my holder (hip height) and the whole screen cracked from the upper right corner to the lower left corner. There was also a horrible spider-web type cluster of cracks in the upper right corner. On the bright side, my phone still worked and I had insurance on it so I wasn't ever without a phone and I was able to get a replacement quickly (ordered Friday afternoon and received today).

Needless to say, I learned my lesson. I know the screen would've been fine had I been using my OtterBox case so I'll never complain about the bulkiness or lack of sophistication of my OtterBox ever again. 

Another plus about the defender case is that all the buttons and ports are protected by the silicone outer shell. (Charging port, mute button and earphone ports are covered by flaps that can be opened and resealed).  Having unwittingly silenced my phone on numerous occasions when it proved to be quite inconvenient, I find the flaps very handy!

OtterBox defenders are a bit pricey unless you find them on Amazon or in your local Wal-mart (still a little pricey even at Wal-mart) but the expense is well worth it. If you care about your iphone, get an OtterBox!

Have you ever felt the need to make a case for someone - no matter how hopeless it might seem to the layman? If not, I'll introduce you to it now, as I proclaim again what a wonderful dog Oliver is.

He has a heart condition, yes. But he's still a vibrant, lovely dog at this point and has a good chance of surviving through to adulthood.

In my mind (which I know is biased) I keep thinking about how wonderful he is.

As his intermediate caregiver, I plan to give Oliver my undivided attention - all my love that he could ever want or deserve - and everything else coming his way as the cutest, most loving puppy ever.

Been a while!

I've been very preoccupied lately with Zoe's health, Oliver's care, and travel. I know I have very few readers so I don't feel that bad about my hiatus - haha!
The good news: Zoe is doing well - very well. She's seizure-free, keeping food down and acting like her normal bitchy self.

The bad news: Oliver's future is up in the air. I'm trying to be optimistic, but it is a hard thing to do.

Oliver is a WONDERFUL dog and deserves nothing less than the most loving home. I wish I could give it to him myself but I've already got my hands full and I would never regret adopting Lucas.

I'm trying to keep a positive outlook in favor of my sweet Oliver. I want nothing more than for him to find a loving caregiver. Should he find one said person(s) will be the luckiest pet owner(s) in Durham!

My girl is sick

Holding on to hope here, but Miss Zoe is not on the up and up. Poor girl had a seizure Monday morning and hasn't been anywhere near herself since. I'm wishing (hard) for some kind of recovery. I can't let her go just yet.

All Zoe fans please point your thoughts our way!

Favorite pen

This is my new favorite pen! It's a 7 year pen made by Seltzer Goods. Provided I hold on to it that long, it will write 1.7 meters a day for 7 years. I love the way it writes (very smooth) and I really love the "Need Coffee" message since I always need coffee! Lots of other designs are available.

Like they say on the web site, this pen is "Eco-Friendly, Swiss-Made, 7-Year Ink Supply, Lots of Fun." I concur!

If you live in the Raleigh/Chapel Hill/Durham area, you can find these pens at Parker and Otis in downtown Durham.

Quote of the day

"Bringing out your own unique brand of creativity into your life and the world can be the most significant thing you'll ever do."

~Lorna Catford

This one is a given, but I've found it to be very relevant lately.

"If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again."

~T.H. Palmer

Auto update

As of Friday April 13th I am the proud owner of a 2010 Kia Soul and I LOVE it! The photo attached here is a stock photo - mine actually has "privacy glass" (mild tinting) and came loaded with some fine features (bluetooth, upgraded safety, etc).

I do miss my CR-V but I'm a happy girl. It's surely nice to not have to pull up my "power" windows by hand; to not have to double-click the locking mechanism on the glove box every time I want it to close; to actually have power locks and an alarm; and an integrated ipod connection is pretty darn sweet!



Gas mileage thus far is on target despite the trips being almost completely limited to "city" driving - I don't do a great deal of "highway" driving anymore. Lucas and Zoe also completely approve of the new ride (this is an important fact).

I remember way back when I first brought home my beloved Honda CR-V - how I noticed an increasing number of them on the roads - and I'm noticing the same thing now with the Soul. It's a great car and I can also highly recommend Fred Anderson Toyota in this pitch. I got a great deal and an even more amazing deal on an extended warranty. Check them out if you're in the market for a new car: Fred Anderson Toyota.

Car shopping

I had to bid farewell to my trusty 1997 CR-V in mid-March, so I've been auto shopping since. I've honed in on 4 specific vehicles based on reviews from edmunds.com; rated mpg; and overall reliability. If anyone knows anything good or bad about any of the listed vehicles (in order of preference) please let me know.

1. Scion xD: Great used models available locally; low mileage; GREAT mpg; highly rated compact car

2. Kia Soul: Great used models available locally; low mileage; good mpg; great options; great cargo room

3. Honda CR-V (well duh...I loved my '97!): Extremely reliable vehicle; low mileage available; highly rated crossover

4. Nissan Versa: Highly rated compact car; LOW mileage available; roomy interior, good mpg

I'll be sure to post once I acquire my new ride!

My athlete has left the building

Due to unfortunate circumstances I haven't done an "organized" workout in about 4 months, yet I weigh less than I have since I was 21. Anyone suspect serious muscle loss? Ding ding ding! Yet I seem to never lose my shapely triceps.

At approximately 5'6" and barely north of 110 pounds, I'm a bit thin.

Anyway, I've been biking a lot lately and it is seriously pathetic. We're talking non-deserved heart-pounding, mouth gaping open exhaustion under the most minor hilly circumstances. Who would ever believe I used to swim 4-7 miles a day, could outrun most males my age and bench press more than my physical weight?!

This gumby-girl is determined to make more of an iron-woman out of herself in the next several months.

Knowing myself all to well, the progress will be slow, but I'll take slow over nothing any day.

YAY HEELS!

Elite 8 - enough said. Thank you Henson for playing! Good luck on Sunday!

Quote of the day

"It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confidence of their help."

~Epicurus

Experiencing DATA

I started riding the bus about a week and a half ago - partly as an experiment, partly because it just makes sense as there is a bus stop in my back yard and gas costs a fortune these days.

I can get from my house to the doorway of my work building by a fairly direct route - although I must say connections can be quite tricky and annoying. I've not yet been completely stranded (thanks to great friends) but I'm still perfecting my schedule.

What has been the most pleasant surprise is the folks I've met on the bus. I biked to downtown Durham this evening and decided it would be safest to take the bus home from the Durham Station with my loaner bike in tow. A fellow passenger asked me if the bike was mine and that kicked off a conversation that I thought was pretty cool: He, like my dad, is in his late 60s yet still walks, runs and bikes a great deal. He's training for an upcoming race and told me he even qualified for the Olympic trials when he was in college. The kicker: he's great friends with James Worthy! This Tar Heel swooned at that revelation.

I've also shared a two-seater seat with a mom and her son; successfully advised several fellow passengers of their best travel options and managed to pare my normal 3-bag-a-day commute down to 1 backpack.

I'm feeling pretty savvy. It's the little things you know?

Donations for Doggies Please!

Looking for a few more donations:
Last Sunday I spent my morning as I do most Sundays - with an amazing group of compassionately dedicated volunteers who donate their time each week to giving chained dogs new, free lives. I've been volunteering with Coalition to Unchain Dogs for just over a year and it has been the most rewarding experience - I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I've made great friends and had tons of fun, but the pricelessness of the experience is witnessing previously confined animals realize what life can really be like. They romp. They strut. They jump, hop, skip and frolic. Please help us build more fences for these more than deserving animals. By following the link below you can watch a video of what the Coalition does and make a donation - even the smallest amount makes a difference! And of course you are always welcome to volunteer - we'd love to have you!

http://www.active.com/donate/ghr2012/tracey2012

Quote of the day

"To every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction."

~Sir Isaac Newton

I'm pretty sure I thought I understood that principle despite my lack of scientific knowledge, but I've recently come to the conclusion that the principle - applied to social situations - is very perplexing and quite wrong.

In recent personal dealings, I've been taught that to every action there is always a weird and strange and unexplained reaction. Connections you once thought you had with others disappear into foggy memories - those which you begin to wonder if you manufactured all on your own. It's a frustrating endeavor - trying to make sense of what others won't explain to you.

I long for a world where people say what they mean, act the way they feel and remain true to their heart.

Farewell House

I'm quite behind on reading my subscription to Entertainment Weekly so I just learned that House MD's 8th season will be its last. I only became a fan via reruns in early 2011 so I'm pretty sad that it will all be over soon.

In fact, I became so obsessed with the show and diagnoses that I found myself trying to diagnose my brother when he fell ill last summer. He responded, "Thanks Dr. House. I'll look in to that." I got a pretty hearty chuckle out of that comment.

Happy notes from Ken Tucker's piece in the February 24th issue of EW:

1. He professed a favoritism for Olivia Wilde's character, Thirteen. I was happy to read that because I also very much like Thirteen and her complicated backstory, while many fans consistently expressed a strong hatred for Wilde and Thirteen. I've missed her in season 8!

2. He described the show at its best as a vivid portrait of a complex friendship. I love House and Wilson as best friends. Having had some complex friendships myself, it is always nice to realize that sometimes friends hurt each other - all the while loving each other - and that's just life. Your most faithful friends will always love you for who you truly are.

I'll miss you House! I'll deeply miss the presentation of crazy medical cases and your insanely awesome sense of humor for a long, long time! Hope there is a new role in the works for Hugh Laurie very soon.

Moot

Check out this poor little guy! Moot is soon to be taken in by the foster/rescue group I volunteer with: Best Friend Pet Adoption. I can't wait to meet him! He's only about 3 months old and was picked up as a stray.

According to those who have met him he's been just terrified since landing at the Nash County Animal Shelter. He cowers in the corner and completely tenses up if someone tries to touch him. I'm so proud to work with BFPA and I know we'll find him a forever home that will give him all the love he deserves! Welcome to BFPA Moot!

One Day - on film

I read One Day last September and was so absorbed in the story but just never got around to making the trip to the theater to see the film. Bad reviews didn't help to push me in that direction, and I almost never go to the movies anyway, but I'm happy to say that my dear friend Jenni invited me over to watch it tonight.

Perhaps the nay-sayers didn't read the book, didn't identify with Emma or Dexter, or maybe just couldn't get passed the bad fashion and odd frame of Jim Sturgess, but I really enjoyed the movie. Just like the book, it brought up memories from my past - both happy and tragically sad - but being reminded of those times are what makes me the person I am so bring it on.

Anne Hathaway's English accent was quite charming and I've never seen Patricia Clarkson in a role I didn't like so those are two definite pluses. On the negative side I didn't find Jim Sturgess remotely likable, but I suppose that is fitting since I didn't really feel a great deal of empathy for Dexter's character when I read the book. He's really a cad to tell you the truth.

My most favorite parts of the book (the ones that made me laugh my ass off) were not presented well on film, but the story for the most part was very true to the novel. I'm now looking forward to seeing Like Crazy which I know will require some kleenex (One Day did not - at least for me).

Oliver update

I got a message from Oliver's new family today and he is fantastic. He's up to 24 pounds and is almost completely housebroken! I always knew he would be a super smart boy. He just needed to find the right family to love him and I really think he has landed in the most perfect place.

He's scheduled to be neutered on March 14th and his cardiologist assured me that he should make it through the surgery just fine despite his heart defects. Fingers crossed!

After he's neutered he will be eligible to be adopted. I know his new family is anxious to finalize, so I assume it won't be long after his surgery that he becomes a permanent member of the Smith's pack. Provided that our schedules mesh I'm supposed to be in attendance for the event - fingers crossed again! I really hope it works out because I'd like nothing more than to be able to bid my sweet boy a farewell and officially usher him into his new wonderful life.

I stole the picture from his new mom's facebook page. She took it on their first day home together. Love you Oliver!

BFPA thanks you!

To the magnificently talented and generous photographers who have donated their time to photograph our pets up for adoption, I send you a HUGE thank you!!!

We at Best Friend Pet Adoption are dedicated to finding forever homes for all misplaced dogs and cats, and we certainly know that fabulous photographs can make a huge difference when marketing an available pet. Just check out some of the photos below and you'll know what I mean.

Thank you SO much to Brenda Scott (Brenda Scott Photography); Cheryl Gottschall (Gott Dog Photography) and Jeni Dwyer (Jeni Dwyer Creative) for donating your talents to help these wonderful dogs. You've all got a special place in our hearts for helping to make these animals' dreams come true!

Quote of the day

Back to two

Oliver is doing well in his new foster/forever home so we're back to normal here at the house. While Zoe is generally indifferent to the comings and goings of dogs (as long as they are male), I think Lucas was happy to see the puppy go. It's not that Lucas didn't like Oliver, he just didn't like having to share my attention with two other dogs.

He is, however, more than happy to share the futon with Zoe.

Oliver has left the nest

I dropped Oliver off with his potential forever mama this afternoon and I must say I am heartbroken. I am so happy for him because I think this family will be perfect, but right now I feel like someone ripped my heart out and threw it across the room. He's only been gone for 6 hours and I already miss him so much!

I might be smiling in the pictures below, but my lips were quivering and I was crying my eyes out. Such a bittersweet day!

Thank you to Best Friend Pet Adoption for rescuing this beautiful boy, his litter mates and his mother.

Oliver leaves Saturday!

Oliver is going on an adoption trial this Saturday with a wonderful couple from Knightdale. I met the woman today at Bond Park in Cary and she is very excited to bring him home. I think this family is going to be absolutely perfect for Oliver. I know I'm going to blubber like a baby when I drop him off, but I'm so happy for my sweet boy!

The inevitable

It seems that Oliver may just have already landed in his forever home. This is not my choice, as I already have two dogs (one more than a handful) to care for, but most applicants have been scared off by Oliver's cardiology report. I love Oliver, and I am heartbroken that this wonderful puppy will likely be passed over just because he might not live to be over 10 years old. Perhaps I should target Irish Wolfhound lovers as those dogs rarely live beyond 7? That is a horrible thing to say, and I don't mean it, I'm just so sad that my beautiful Oliver is being shunned for his biological defects. He doesn't have any idea that he's sick and shows no symptoms as of yet. I love this damn dog.

Denial

Who doesn't have experience with denial? Yet it never makes dealing with it any easier.

I'm forcing a positive front, and honestly my little guy is showing me up big time, but I'm still on the fence.

Perhaps Oliver will happily confirm my belief that he's on the up and up - this pup is strong in every way!

The art of fostering

Open your heart to fostering and I swear you’ll never know what you’re gonna get. You might start with limitations, but as each homeless animal works their way into your heart you’ll find yourself completely taking back all the rules you carefully set in place.

Case in point is Oliver.

When I met Oliver at 3 days old I fell in love. I’d already sworn to all BFPA volunteers that I would never foster an un-housetrained dog, but one look at his face and cute birthmark (now obliterated) and I couldn’t resist. He became my boy from the first week of his life.

Oliver lives, happily, with me now – and where he’ll stay – until a willing and able person or family agrees to take him as their own.

He is an amazing puppy and I honestly think he will show us all that he has the strongest will to live!

Finders keepers

I found this cute reversible hat while walking Lucas in Duke Forest last weekend. It was a bit off-trail and no one was around. At first I walked right by it but then decided to check it out. I think I like it! It has now been washed and is ready for wearing.

Quote of the day

It's been a fantastically crummy week, but I found this quote and felt a little better. I've surely been pressing my emotional limits lately.

"In each of us are places where we have never gone. Only by pressing the limits do you ever find them."

~Dr. Joyce Brothers

Oliver pics

My great friend Jeni took some wonderful pics of my foster puppy Oliver on Sunday. Enjoy!

We miss you!

Today would've been Chris Reuther's 39th birthday. I still think of him almost daily and very much grieve the loss of him as I know so many others do.

As was written in memoriam on April 24, 2010, "The world lost a champion and we who knew you lost a wonderful young man."

Happy Birthday, Chris - we love you!



Christopher Glenn Reuther: January 3, 1973 - April 24, 2007