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Now walk it out

The Other and I decided to go for a walk today! It was an amazing day! 76* and sunny with blue skies!  We have had the most beautiful, mild autumn.  “People” are saying this means winter is going to be a shit storm but whatever, that is for future Jilly to worry about.  For now – sunshine!!!

I walked with MapMyRide!
Distance: 1.26mi
time: 41:49
pace: 33:09min/mi
speed: 1.81mi/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/1844020049

I also got out on the bike today, it just happened to be a different type of bike.  So much fun!!

Something a bit different!

I walked with MapMyRide!
Distance: 0.60mi
time: 30:44
pace: 51:19min/mi
speed: 1.17mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1682866703

Went on a walk with The Other today instead of a ride die to stome unexpected schedule changes.   It was nice! We walked up to the local park and like any adult I decided to play on the equipment.

I also found a Little Library at the park which made me so excited! In some neighborhoods there are a lot of controversy over these but I haven’t heard any complaints in my neighborhood.  I have a hard time letting go of my old books but I think I am going to find a few to donate to this worthy cause.

Vacation Adventures

I haven’t done one of these for a while, but here you go – obligatory vacation sandy toes picture!!  That right there is Flo Progressive Blue – are you jelly yet?

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The Other and I are in Florida for our nephew’s 1st birthday.  We got him some books which I am excited about.   At this age kids get so many toys that I really enjoy passing on things like books or activities that are more unique.  Plus his Mom is an avid reader so I am sure he will grow up with a love of books!  The most favorite out of the 3 we got him was called “Little Kitten” and it was a finger puppet board book.  I highly recommend to any tiny tots in your life.

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Our rental is right across from the beach which affords some nice views but also results in a lot of traffic – both foot and car.  The other night it was storming and I opened the door to get a lawnchair to put my feet upon and  one of the pedestrians called out to me. I was taken aback but apparently he was eating dinner with his wife then she left but couldn’t find her way back so he was stuck walking in the rain (there does seems to be some missing elements but oh well).  After talking to his wife on the phone and trying to give her directions to pick him up The Other and I decided to drive him home.  Afterwards we rewarded ourselves with “Good Samaritan Wendy’s” 🙂

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The rest of the trip has been nice weather. I have been reading a lot and walked up and down the beach.  I have also been playing a lot of Pokémon Alpha Sapphire and the rumors are true, I am a Pokémon Master!

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Easter Baskets from Arkansas

If you didn’t know, my parents have moved to Arkansas. No one is quite sure why, but they seem happy so we just tell our friends they “moved south” and are vague about the location rather than admit to having relatives in Arkansas. (Hi Aunt Cindy!)

This is their first year there so they sent us some Easter treats.  My sister, brother and I all got the same stash although mine was the only one covered in blood:

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Typical Dad – getting hurt but powering on through the pain to get the job done! Also typical that he would see nothing wrong with sending me a package covered in blood.  And before you ask how I knew it was his – it was on the inside of the package.

My brother’s response was “You must be the favorite”

My sister said “It is covered in the blood of the father”

They both think they are funny.

Besides blood, the package contained some Easter treats! But not real Easter treats, more Easter lessons in confusion.

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The first is a tiny egg shaped Jesus.  I don’t know if this is better or worse than cracking open an egg expecting candy.  Regardless, I cracked with glee and my tiny egg shaped Jesus turned into a tiny egg shaped penis.

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This penis/Jesus, unlike real penises/Jesuses, was filled with a candy necklace rosary.

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Also included in my care package was this gem:

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This is a grey egg (which let’s be honest, has to be special order. You just don’t normally have a use for a grey easter egg) in a foam backdrop that says “He has risen”.  Now I knew it was supposed to be the cave tomb where Jesus was buried but I didn’t understand the scene.  My brother then reminded my of the rock that was in front of the tomb which we think the egg is supposed to signify.  Just like in the story, Jesus wasn’t inside when we opened it up. Instead it was a sharp plastic cross with a necklace hole. I assume you can use this one on the left over string from the candy rosary once you finish eating all your sins.

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Finally, the centerpiece of the whole package was some room decoration stickers.

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This product expects you to decorate your room with the scene of the empty tomb, guard asleep on the job, and an angle dropping trees on him.  Also, that yellow splotch in the upper right hand corner is supposed to be a “ray of light” which is included as well.

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When I finish putting it up, I will let you guys know.

 

 

Cup of Life

I keep a glass for water in the bathroom and I usually keep it filled because the cats like to drink from it.  Normally I empty and refill it before I use it but sometimes I lazy or just need a small sip so I drink after the cats.

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The Other finds this disgusting.  I told him it gives me power, and if he truly wanted to be part of the family he would drink from it too. Drink from the cup of life and become one of us! one of us! one of us!

Raptors! Raptors! Raptors!

This past weekend my sister and I attended the Raptor Workshop hosted by Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation.  They are a fantastic organization dedicated to helping injured and orphaned wildlife.  They treat all species of wild birds, reptiles and amphibians and treats all wild mammals excluding skunks, bats and raccoons. (although they can refer you to a wildlife organization who helps raccoons if you happen to find one).  We have called them a couple times over the years for advice on various wildlife we have found and have even brought them a few injured creatures.

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The raptor workshop is designed as an introduction to birds of prey and their care targeted for Nature Center and wildlife staff and volunteers, along with those just serious about birds of prey. Jackie and I learned about this class from the Flint Creek website and were immediately interested in taking it.

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The workshop covers an amazing about of information for 1.5 days of work.  Granted this is a high level view of raptors and their care and handling, but it was very detailed and interesting.  It is meant to prepare students for the 10 week raptor internship (also through Flint Creek) where you go into further detail on raptor care and work more with the raptors.

The first day was spent on the legal bits of caring for raptors – there are a ton of laws and regulations at both the state and federal level that govern what and how Flint Creek must care for not only rescued wildlife but also its education birds.  Flint Creek’s goal is to release every animal it rescues back to the wild so they have few education birds (compared to other centers).  Flint Creek uses a variety of methods to make sure birds (and other animals) released get the best chance possible to survive and their numbers show that they are succeeding at their mission.

 

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On Day 2 of the workshop, we got to handle 2 of the smaller raptors – an American Kestrel and a Screech Own.  Now a kestrel is probably my favorite raptor so I was really excited and Jackie loves owls so she was equally as excited.  The workshop size is kept small and the volunteers allot enough time they we were both able to handle both raptors.

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Although we would both like to continue on to the raptor internship, we aren’t sure at this point if we have the time in our schedules.  The internship is held once a year and only has spots for 8 people but you get hands-on training in all aspects of caring for captive birds of prey.   Its a 10 week course but if you pass you can go for your raptor handler certification and even volunteer at Flint Creek to work in their raptor program.  For Jackie and I, it would be a way to help any injured/orphaned raptors while also supporting a great organization in our area.

For more information on Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, please check out their website at http://www.flintcreekwildlife.org/

The one thing they agree on

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After about a month, Luna (almost 100% sure this is her final name) is fitting in nicely and has become a snuggly member of the household.  She and Brutus are still working on their relationship but they are getting along much better. Especially around feeding time.  I have never had a cat in my life who enjoy cat food as much as these two babies.

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Surprisingly, Luna may actually be more of a food baby than Brutus.  For being such a tiny cat (about 6 lbs) she is constantly hungry, eats super fast, and then proceeds to eat any food in the vicinity.

 

Luna also loves cat treats – to the point that she tried to run off with my pinky finger the other day.  Right now her favorite is “anything” but she seems especially partial to “everything” as well.

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Its not all bliss though. Luna is still a bit nervous in her new house and Brutus doesn’t understand playing nice which leads to much screaming and fighting.  During structured playtimes (such as with “da bird”) its pretty good and everyone gets along.  Luna even tries to snuggle Brutus by rubbing her head on his face to which he responds by biting her neck.  We are working to better social Brutus but right now he has two modes – sleeping and BRUTUS!  We are also teaching Luna to be more confident in her environment so she feels more comfortable playing.

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The Burmese breed also seems to be a possessive breed so if one has a toy or bed, the other MUST have it. This also extends to people which has lead to some of the fights.  Luna is not a total slouch in this area and I have seen her run up to and chase Brutus away from me. She has also completely taken over his bed, which lead to us having to buy more beds.

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At least everyone is happy now:

 

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Well as happy as cats can be anyway…

 

Birthday Week 2014

Last week I turned 35 – whoo-hoo! It was an awesome week. I ate junk food, I got presents, I did what I wanted!  I have been celebrating Birthday Week for as long as I can remember but this by far was the best one yet.

On my birthday-birthday, The Other got me a Starbucks chai for breakfast. We then went out to Bulldog’s (A local burger joint) for lunch. It was good – my new second favorite local burger joint :).  We then went to Cacao Sweets and Treats for a smores bar – which is literally what I think heaven tastes like! (check them out!: www.cacaosweetsandtreats.com)  The Other and I made our way down to the local game shop where he bought me a Unicorn figure.  This was an ultimate gesture of love since The Other is team pegasus.  Love knows no bounds…

unicorn-smores

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My family and birthday-buddy were all variously out of town on my actual birthday so we celebrated on Saturday by going to Medieval Times.  I dressed up like the princess I am and had a wonderful time! Our knight didn’t win, but I was asked to pose with a little girl for a picture  – so yay ego boost!

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We were generally rowdy and misbehaved but we had fun and that’s all that counts.  Can’t wait for next year!

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