How One Sweet Lost Dog Brought a Neighborhood Together
This is a picture on Nextdoor of him hanging out on another Porch in the neighborhood
It all started when…
I noticed a dog hanging around my neighbor's door. It wasn't their dog, and I tried to say hello, but he was hesitant and moved away. I posted a "spotted dog" post on multiple sites and later that day, he was back at the same neighbor's house. We were able to feed him, water him, and my neighbors named him "Butterscotch." They took Butterscotch in for the night; however, he was able to get out of their fence that night.
When we had found him and feed him, before he got out through the fence.
The next day…
other neighbors saw him around and posted "spotted" with the location. Butterscotch ended up in the garage at another neighbor's house. He said he could watch him, but only for a few days as we continued to search for his owner. He called around multiple rescue groups to see if anyone could take him, but was all dead ends. (These are all different neighbors on Nextdoor with their spotting pictures)
It turns out…
that the neighbors to the left were able to help him look after the dog during the day but could not keep him long term. The couple's daughter contacted me about now "Meatball" stating he is very sweet and loving. She kept me up to date about seeing if he was chipped, but he wasn't. We continued to post his picture on various lost and found sites.
I had the couple's neighbor to their left…
reach out to me, not realizing I was also their neighbor from one of the posts. We were able to talk about how sweet Meatball is and how we all just wanted to find him a loving home because we did not think the owner was really looking for him.
What started out…
as a simple effort to find a lost dog turned into something much more significant. The dog, whom we had now named "Meatball," had such a great personality and loving demeanor that we all wanted to help him. We didn't want to turn him into a shelter out of fear that they might put him down.
Neighbors who had never met…
in ten years connected over Meatball. He connected five houses, and we all worked together to take care of him. After Meatball was turned over to the SPCA, people continued to contact me to make sure he was safe and not being euthanized.
It turns out…
that Meatball, or "Pudge" as he's now called, was at Friends of Strays and as of today looks like he was adopted. I was able to visit him on Monday and took pictures to help in any way I could. He is was just looking for a loving home that he can sleep, be pet, feed, told he is handsome, and he looks like he found it!
This story is a…
testament to the power of community and how one dog was able to bring people together. It's not every day that a lost dog can create such a significant impact on a neighborhood, but Meatball did just that. Thank you, Meatball, for bringing us all together and reminding us of the importance of helping those in need.
My Decision to Have Gastric Sleeve Surgery
As you read this…
I am likely getting ready for surgery, in surgery, or recovering from surgery. I have decided to undergo gastric sleeve surgery to help me lose weight and manage my health better. Today, on World Storyteller Day, I want to share my story with you.
I have struggled with my…
weight for most of my life. As a child, I was always bigger than the other kids, even though it didn't seem that way in pictures. People often made negative comments about my weight, from teasing and name-calling to well-intentioned but hurtful remarks about my food choices, exercise habits, and appearance. These comments hurt me deeply and made me feel ashamed of my body. (Looking at the pictures below, it might seem that I was normal size, but my sister is three and a half years older than me, and I am bigger than her in all of the pictures. I also was competing in high school weightlifting in the 183+ pounds weight group as 170 pounds. I was going against all of the plus size woman, there were no other weight groups that were high)
Despite my efforts…
to lose weight through diet and exercise, I have struggled to maintain a healthy weight. I have experienced ups and downs, losing weight before college and my wedding, but gaining it back during stressful periods, pregnancy, and miscarriages. I have also faced health challenges that have made weight loss even more difficult, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (Pictured below are my highs and lows throughout the last several years of my life, in the red shirt, 1st picture, I was 6 weeks pregnant with my third miscarriage but looked much further along)
My ADHD makes it hard for me to…
stick to a diet and exercise plan, as I tend to have an all-or-nothing mentality and can become easily discouraged by setbacks. My PCOS has disrupted my hormones and metabolism, leading to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. I have tried many approaches to weight loss, but none have worked long-term.
That is why I have decided to have…
gastric sleeve surgery. This surgery removes a large portion of the stomach, reducing its capacity to hold food and limiting the amount of food I can eat. This forces me to make healthier food choices and eat smaller portions, without feeling deprived or hungry. It also helps me manage my cravings and emotional eating, as I have clear rules to follow and a supportive medical team to guide me.
I know that gastric sleeve surgery is not…
a magic solution or an easy way out. It is a serious medical procedure that carries risks and requires lifelong commitment to healthy habits and follow-up care. But I believe it is the right choice for me at this time, based on my health history, goals, and values. I want to prioritize my health and well-being, and not let my weight define or limit me anymore.
I also want to share my story to…
help reduce the stigma and shame around weight and weight loss. I know that many people face similar struggles and pressures to conform to unrealistic standards and social expectations. I am not a failure or a bad person because of my weight. I am a complex, dynamic, and worthy human being who deserves respect, compassion, and support.
So, if you are reading this…
please wish me luck on my surgery and recovery. And if you are struggling with your weight, know that you are not alone and there are many options and resources available to help you. You are not defined by your weight, and you have the power to make positive changes in your life. Keep telling your story, and let's create a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. If you are interested I am documenting my journey on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/binx_barisleeve_journey/ (Healthy support only please)
Barbara and Jay's 20th Wedding Renewal
Back in 1998…
Barbara wanted to have a small dinner party, but she did not realize at that time it would change the rest of her life. Her friends invited a man named Jay to dinner and, “our lives were forever bonded from that night forward”. She was attracted to his attentiveness, social side, wanting to help pour wine, conversation, and all around “such a nice guy”. Jay was attracted to her interest in what he was saying, listening, and paying him attention.
Their 1st date…
was not for another month (March 21st) because of their schedules kept getting in the way, but they had regular phone conversation throughout the month. Finally, they met again at McCormick and Schmidt’s Steakhouse in Washington DC.
Three years later…
Barbara and Jay married on April 22, 2001 at St. Lafayette Square, Washington DC, were they were long time members.
Barbara and Jay…
“thrived on city life”, and spend time together going to museums, theater and concerts. They are also both avid travelers, (stateside and overseas) with Jay being a great destination planner of the two. They love to travel with friends or just the two of them. Their favorite travel destination was their European River Cruise in 2017, which visited several beautiful countries.
Barbara and Jay…
both retired in 2018 from their own company, House to Home Relocation, which they owned for nine-plus years. House to Home Relocation “helped the elder population transition between residences, locally and nationally”. Before they started their business, they “had a long time in the military and federal careers, earning retirement from that public service”.
Now that they have retired…
they love to entertain their friends at their house, deliver meals to the elderly, going to church, going to outdoor festivals, walking around St. Pete, as well as exploring “Old Florida”. Jay leads a Sunday morning usher team that Barbara is a part of at Episcopal Cathedral. This where they decided would be the perfect place to renew their vows, 20 years later. “We wanted to do something very special as the best gift to give to one another.” “We like to say, ‘Same Day, Same Time, Different City, 20 years later’”.
This is where…
I met Barbara and Jay for the first time after Barbara sent an email at 3:30 in the morning, looking for a photographer to capture “a last minute Sunkissed Moment”. After meeting their friends, they said, “Just like Barbara, always working”. On April 22, 2021 Barbara and Jay renewed their vows to each other “because we were committed to “We Do…. Again”.
Barbara and Jay…
were surrounded by family, friends, and friends so close they are like family. Everyone was sharing how they met them, from; Porch Parties, Panama, Neighbors, Cruise Friends, best friend for over 40 years, and so much more.
Everyone went around…
the room also sharing something that no one knew about them; wanting to move to Iran, Blackjack dealer, bartender in Georgia or Alabama, not knowing what their birth name was, playing tennis with Jimmy Buffett, served a beer by Jimmy Buffett, parting with Aerosmith, spending the weekend with Barry Manilow, and “sleeping together”.
They had amazing…
food from The Fresh Connection, a private bartender named Claire, pianist Don Korb Sr. and even their long-time mailman stopped by to help celebrate.
What makes your relationship work for so long?
They say, “Our love and commitment. To one another (2nd marriage for both), and our interest in each other’s wellbeing every day. We remember and celebrate our birthdays and other special anniversaries.”
Cheers to Barbara and Jay!!!
“To a Couple Who Knows the True Meaning of “I Do”
There was a time when being married for a lifetime
Was the rule, not the exception.
Today, too many couples believe “I do”
Means until times are tough,
They grow tired and impatient
With each other,
Or until they find somebody better.
Couples who reach the milestone
Of each anniversary know better.
They know “I Do” means honoring
Each other even when
They don’t understand each other.
It means respecting each other even when their opinions differ.
It means entrusting each other with their hearts, dreams and lives.
It means holding tight when grief,
Illness, or worry threatens to pull them apart.
It means fighting with fortitude
To stay together during life’s most difficult times.
Perhaps most important of all,
It means pledging to be
Dearest friends
All the days of their lives.
By Lisa Crofton.
Epicurious One's Christmas Short Story 2020
Christmas Family Tradition:
In honor of her mother who has passed, Stephanie sees a movie she has never seen before, or go to the movie theater to see one. Stephanie and her mother used to see movies together all the time. It was their favorite thing to do together, and this tradition keeps her mom close to Stephanie.
Team Real Tree or Team Fake Tree?
“Neither!!” Stephanie “cannot be trusted with the tree”. If she has one, it will be up till next Christmas. So, now she makes Christmas center pieces, and decorates them.
Favorite Christmas Movie?
A Christmas Story because it is so funny! “You’ll shoot your eye out”
What is a must at Christmas Dinner?
“Some kind of dessert. I don’t care what we eat for dinner, I gotta have some dessert and champagne.”
Is there a must, wine or champagne for Christmas?
It is always Champagne, but the type changes every year. She always tries one she has never had before. This year it is a Rose Champagne. Champagne is normally made of three different types of grapes. However, this one is made up of only Pinot Meunier grapes. It is a very rare Champagne.
Favorite Christmas Song?
Donny Hathaway “This Christmas”
What type of “Holiday Shopper” are you?
Black Friday shopper “I want deals”, and “really the day after Christmas, online.”
Anything special your business is doing for Christmas?
“Helping a few corporations host virtual ‘Christmas Parties’ because their staff can’t get together”.
National Adoption Month - Tori and Michael
“They may not have my eyes, they may not have my smile, but they have all of my heart”
During this holiday season many of us are asking for presents under the tree, Tori and Michael however, are asking for the present of a baby in their arms. November is National Adoption Month, and I was asked, a couple of months ago, to take pictures of this amazing family. The reason I was asked, was for their adoption page, in hopes of getting a baby of their own. Tori had emergent surgery, no longer allowing her to conceive or carry on her own, and Michael also dealing with his own struggles with infertility, they decided to adopt.
They moved down to St. Petersburg from North Carolina, they love the outdoors, taking hikes together, and being out on the water. Michael plays the guitar, soccer, but disc golf is his favorite. Tori is an avid animal lover and volunteers her time and home to injured wildlife. They also have a very strong Christian Faith that is also helping them through this. They are praying this holiday season, they will get their gift of their baby.
Because it is National Adoption Month, here are some facts about adoption. There are several different ways to adopt; Foster Care, Private Agency, International, relative/kinship, and Adult Adoption. Some adoptions can cost between $30,000 – and $50,000. In Foster Care there are 400,000 children. “They range in age from infant to 21 years old (In some states). The average age of a child in foster care is more than 8 years old, and there are slightly more boys than girls.” This information is from AdoptUsKids.org.
Dealing with infertility, making the choice for your family to adopt, and how to adopt, is a very hard and personal decision. Support during a hard and long journey is a very important thing. If you know a family that is adopting, or trying to adopt, please ask how you can help support them.
Deanna - Physical Therapist Assistant
In the beginning…
Deanna had her application filled out for nursing school. However, Deanna hurt her knee in karate, and had to do physical therapy to recover. After three months of outpatient physical therapy, Deanna decided that physical therapy was what she wanted to do instead of nursing. Her mom agreed, telling her, “that [she] could never see her as a nurse”. Her dream was to do sports medicine.
Twelve years later…
Deanna is a Physical Therapist Assistant and working with the geriatric population and loving it. To this day she has never worked a day in sports medicine and is okay with it. Deanna has worked mostly in skilled nursing facilities.
One of Deanna’s favorite things to do is…
ask patients that have been married over 50 years, for marriage advice. The oldest married couple she had was married for 74 years. They told her, “not to be critical of each other and to enjoy each other.”
Deanna has had…
a couple of favorite patients over years that she will always remember. When Deanna was pregnant, one of her favorite patients wanted to live long enough to see Deanna’s baby be born. Unfortunately, that did not happen. Another patient, was in multiple times, but recently was in for having an external fixator on for many weeks, and being able to get her home was amazing.
One thing they seem to all have in common is…
they are all sarcastic and curse a lot. Working in a skilled nursing facility some of them live a there a long time and she forms a relationship with them. This is really tough because you end up having to say “bye” to them.
When asking Deanna…
if she ever wanted to switch settings, she said, “No. I really enjoy older people and their stories. Love learning things from them.” However, if she had to switch settings, it would be either acute care (hospital setting), vestibular, or pelvic floor therapy. Deanna would like to stay where she is for now because she likes “seeing that you are giving them a better quality of life.”
Do you ever think about changing careers?
“Nope, but if I did, it would be lactation consulting, if [physical] therapy was no longer able to feed my family, but only out of necessity.” Over the 14 years of knowing and going to school with Deanna, she has never lost her passion to be a Physical Therapist Assistant. Happy PT Month.
The Pearson Family - Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
Deanna is…
one of five siblings, and has always wanted a large family. In February 2010 Deanna and Caleb welcomed there first “Deployment Baby”, Nicole, after just starting to try.
When Nicole turned…
18 months, they started to “passive aggressively try” again. Deanna and Caleb became pregnant. Right before her first appointment at 10 weeks, Deanna started spotting. She went to the ER. Deanna had an ultrasound, the baby measuring correctly, and there was a heartbeat. The doctor told her, “The baby is alive, but don’t have sex!” However, they lost the baby the next day.
Deanna and Caleb tried…
for five month and became pregnant again. This time blood work was done and turned out Deanna had low progesterone. She was put on medication immediately and was on it till the 2nd trimester. After a good pregnancy, Rachel was born. Nicole and Rachel are two years and nine months apart.
When Rachel turned…
18 months they attempted to try again. Deanna was feeling great and lost 48 pounds after Rachel. She became pregnant in February of 2014, but they lost their baby at seven and a half weeks along. That was their second miscarriage.
Again, in August became pregnant. However again, they lost their baby. Their baby was 10.5 weeks along, and was their third miscarriage.
Due to it being their third miscarriage…
there was a more involved work up. That is the magical number of miscarriages when a doctor will start digging deeper for a cause. Genetics testing was done with Deanna, and her diagnosis of MFTHR came back. Deanna’s MFTHR is heterozygous which means only one gene was affected not two, and she was negative for the clotting factor sometimes associated with it. MFTHR is a genetic mutation standing for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Deanna is not able to metabolize folic acid, and has a special type of medication to help.
Immediately after…
the third miscarriage they became pregnant again by accident. Blood work was done early, and her adrenal, blood level, D3, progesterone and testosterone were all low. They tried to correct but unable and lost another baby, number four.
She went to the doctor…
and at one point was on 12 supplements to help with bring her labs into normal range. The doctor she saw was homeopathic because she did not want to be put on a whole bunch of prescription medications. She just wanted someone to dig deeper. It took her about a year to get all of her lab values back to normal.
In 2015…
they got the “Okay” to start trying, however for three years, nothing. They decided to stop trying. “We had given up on a mission of having another baby, and I had to let go of that. I had to be ‘okay’ with the possibility of that would never happen. As a result, I enjoyed my husband more and I enjoyed my kids more.”
Surprise…
“Getting pregnant with [Abigail] was such a surprise and joyful time”. They became pregnant again, and this time she was put on progesterone till 22 weeks. Deanna had also gained weight prior to getting pregnant with Abigail. One of Deanna’s coworkers said ,with nothing but love, “I know you tried so hard, and you look so good, but maybe you needed to gain weight because you did well pregnant when you were heavier.”
They became…
pregnant again a year or so after Abigail. However, did not find out till six weeks because Deanna was too scared to test. Deanna was put on progesterone as soon as they found out, but lost their baby at seven and half weeks in May 2020. They have now decided to stay on progesterone till they have decided to stop trying.
When talking about how miscarriages have affected her…
“emotionally… exhausting, physically it drains everything out of you.” “It takes the joy out of pregnancy… and everyone else gets excited, but I can’t get excited yet… you don’t see the pink lines and get excited, you see the pink lines and go ‘Alright, how long is this going to last?’”
What has helped her the most…
“Faith has been… only thing that pretty much has kept me from going crazy… leaning on the Lord, and not my own strength… My husband has been amazing, but it has been hard on him… The fourth one we lost, I caught, and he buried in the back yard. That was really bad for him, and this last one was really bad for him too.”
“The anniversary…
would come, or the due date would come, and you don’t understand why your cranky today, and then you realize ‘Oh I thought I was over that’, but you don’t get over that. Caleb said, ‘It is okay to never be over it, and no one can tell you that you need to be, no one can put a time table on your grief. Having him be supportive and encouraging me to grieve in any way I needed to, that was super helpful.”
What do you do when you are announcing?…
“I have done every way. I have told people, I have not told people, I have waited, I have not waited. What I have figured out is, if you lose them, you are going to need the support, and if you don’t lose them then you still got [the baby].”
What are things people have said that has not helped?…
“Thought you were going to get healthy again before getting pregnant?” “Everything happens for a reason.” “At least it was early.” “You already have kids, at least you know you can get pregnant.” “Sorry about your miscarriage.” This last one Deanna said, “It is more than that, it is a BABY, and it was impersonal and almost dismissing it. You had a medical episode and that’s that.” “What happened?” Deanna does not mind talking to people that have gone through it, but when it is someone that have not gone through it, “‘It’s not okay!’ I don’t know why it bothers me and it is not fair of me to feel that way towards them, it’s so stupid, it’s weird”
Some of the best things that helped you?…
“People who took my kids for the afternoon or the evening, or brought meals. That was so helpful, and my coworkers in 2014 [after three miscarriages back to back] had my favorite Ben and Jerry’s ice cream in the freezer at work which probably helped me gain some of that weight back lol.” She also said, “chatting with other friends that had lost babies was tremendously helpful, to talk to people who get it. The Birthing Center Midwives were fantastic and willing to listen beyond my appointment [and lastly] the people would say ‘So sorry you lost your baby.’” At the end of the day “You think it gets better, but it just gets different.”
Did having Abigail heal your pain, and your outlook going forward?…“
“When a baby dies it is not just that one event.” It is everything that would have been of your baby. “Having Abigail eased some of the pain [after four miscarriages]. Knowing that I was able to carry another one.” She was thinking “I can’t go out like this [with three miscarriages back to back].” “Whatever the last pregnancy is, you want to have peace from it. [Abigail] came at a time where we were not stressed from trying, and she is very easy baby. It does not take away the wonder of what would have been, but you can’t get hung up on that.”
Darleen - Breast Cancer Awareness
“My story started in…
January 2012. My husband, Evelio and I married later in life, our wedding date is November 20, 2010. I was 41, he was 46. We wanted to try and have a baby together so we started visiting doctors and started making a plan to see if it would be possible. We kept trucking along with doctors and giving samples but in August 2012, as we were fixing dinner, I felt a lump on my right breast. Of course, I had him touch it, ‘Have you felt that there before?’ He replied, ‘No’ so the next morning I made an appointment to see my gynecologist. Went in for the appointment and the Nurse Practitioner examined me, and thought it was probably a swollen gland, ‘Nothing to worry about, probably because of your menstrual cycle’ but sent me for an ultrasound and my first mammogram. I should have had a mammogram a long time ago, my mom had breast cancer and my family history warranted one.”
“On August 7, 2012…
I had my mammogram and ultrasound at Susan Cheek Needler Breast Center on the Morton Plant Hospital campus. The radiologist read my images, and saw something suspicious. She asked me if I would have time that day for an ultrasound guided biopsy, there was a cancellation and I could have it done that day. So I did. Afterwards she asked to speak with my husband and me privately in a conference room. All I remember her saying was, ‘I do not want the rug to be pulled out from you tomorrow so I am telling you what I felt. During the biopsy it felt solid like a tumor and I believe it is going to come back as malignant. I believe you have breast cancer.’ My mind went blank. I heard, ‘chemotherapy is not cookie cutter anymore,’ ‘better outcomes,’ blah blah blah. I don’t think I cried, I think I was in shock.”
“The end of August…
I met with my breast Surgeon Dr Peter Blumencranz. He validated the imaging, and discussed my plan of care. Port placement, six rounds of chemotherapy, surgery to remove my right breast, and 36 rounds of radiation. Why chemo first? Because I have a very aggressive form of cancer (Invasive Ductal Carcinoma) IDC and my tumor was too large to remove. It was the size of a golf ball and trying to remove it first could lead to it spreading. Come to find out it had already spread to my lymph nodes, which made it stage III. The thoughts of having a baby disappeared and surviving cancer became our reality.”
“I finished my chemo…
in January 2013. I had to wait until my blood work stabilized prior to my mastectomy. On Valentine’s Day was my surgery, and I started radiation in May 2013. Chemotherapy continued until October 2013 and at my last treatment, I looked around the Infusion Center. All different types of people, different ages, nationalities. Cancer does not discriminate. It was at that time that I decided I wanted to go to nursing school, work in an oncology unit, and pay forward all the care that was given to me. I knew I wanted to work for BayCare, all my doctors were BayCare doctors.”
“In April 2014…
I enrolled at Galen College of Nursing. My clinicals were at St Anthony’s, I knew I wanted to work there. I graduated in October 2016. I had taken my boards before graduation and passed, so I really was a registered nurse when I walked across the stage for my diploma. I applied to BayCare, Largo Medical, and Palms of Pasadena. I had my Palms and St Anthony’s interviews on the same day. Palms was the first one to offer me a job in their bariatric unit, and my interview with St Anthony’s was for the oncology unit. I held out for the offer from St. Anthony’s and I accepted.”
“When I think back…
about everything that happened with me, I really can say that God put me in a path that I could not deny. Everything happened for a reason, cancer happened for a reason, and I am a nurse today because of cancer. I work at BayCare and St. Anthony’s because of cancer. But most importantly, I fulfilled a promise I made to myself and that was to pay forward what my BayCare doctors and nurses did for me when I had cancer.”
When I met Darleen…
We were both working on the Oncology floor at St Anthony’s Hospital. She was just starting her career as a nurse, and was doing an amazing job. She is caring, kind, smiling, sarcastic (in a good way), and a great nurse. It is an honor to know and work with her.
Please make sure you do your monthly exams, it could save your life!
Linnette - Breast Cancer Awareness Month
But The LORD Stood With Me & Gave Me Strength
2 Timothy 4:17
I was able to…
meet this amazing woman, Linnette, at the beach the other day. She is in the middle of her fight with breast cancer. I now know she loves her big hoop earrings, has a great relationship with god, and has a fantastic support system at work and at home. This is her story.
Linnette is normally…
on top of her health, but due to COVID, she put off her yearly mammogram, that is supposed to be in March. She wanted to wait for things to calm down and she rescheduled it.
However…
recently she was taking a shower, and felt a lump on her breast. It was in a spot where she would have normally had to push down hard to feel, but she feels “it was like GOD saying ok she didn’t get her mammogram done yet and she has this situation let me put the lump around the surface for a minute so that she can feel it and know that this needs to be taken care of.”
She went to the…
doctor, but he could not find it laying down. She stood up and he “might” had felt something, so the order was giving for a diagnostic mammogram and breast ultrasound. As soon as the test came back they suggested a breast biopsy.
“I went into work the following business day…
and my doctor called me into his office, and gave me the devastating news, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I remember just standing there in shock and in my mind I kept saying ‘oh my GOD oh my GOD oh my GOD’, My doctor held me in his arms for a bit to try to give me comfort then I walked away still in shock by the time I got to the back of the office I totally lost it I couldn’t hold it back, the news, the word itself, the 1 million thoughts going through your head at that moment, the fear I felt like I couldn’t breathe, as my coworkers were there for me.”
I immediately contacted my family…
and immediately went home. My family came over, as they were also devastated by the news. We all cried but then they reminded me, you are not alone in this GOD’S got you. We prayed and prayed. And I started feeling more at ease and at peace with the situation. Before I knew it I had an entire Army Praying for me…I’m so Blessed to have the relationship I have with HIM. I was able to let go and let GOD for I know this battle is not mine it’s HIS. After surrendering this battle to GOD I feel more at peace”.
She recently had…
surgery, and everything went well. She is going through 16 rounds of radiation right now, which was reduced from 40 rounds because it was caught early. She is also not needing chemotherapy. “For those of you who, like I, have been diagnosed, I know it’s a mental battle just as much as a physical battle, I encourage you don’t try to fight alone. Surrender to GOD and remember, You Can Do All Things Through CHRIST Who Strengthens” She also knows that she has many different “angels” that were put in her life to help her through this.
Please check yourself, and get your yearly mammogram done. It Could Save Your Life! Here are two different links to show how to perform a Self Breast Exam.
Citizenship Day September 17, 2020
Marcey and Brad…
are originally from Windsor, Ontario, “The Butthole of Canada”. (I did google that term and in fact Windsor showed up and Stephen Colbert actually called it “earth’s rectum”) Also, another fun fact of Windsor, Ontario is it is actually south of Detroit. (I also googled this and was amazed to learn Windsor’s location. I learn something new every day).
Marcey had her…
mind made up, at an early age, that she wanted to come state side. Her dad remarried when she was 18, and he moved to the Largo/St. Pete area. Every break she had, visited him in Florida because it was a mix of family and the beach. After graduating high school, Marcey went for further edition in Canada to become a Physical Therapist (PT). The program was also accredited in the US, so her license was easily transferable.
In 2009…
visas were run a bit different. Since she was a PT, it was a “fast track” for a work visa because of the shortage of PTs in United States. She also had to be sponsored by a company in the United States where she was tied to working at while on the visa. Once she had her work visa, Brad was able to come to the US on a spousal visa/dependent visa.
Marcey and Brad decided…
to go to the next step of becoming citizens and started to work towards their Green Card. One big difference between a work visa and a green card is, with a green care you are not allowed to be tied to an employer. Also, working with a lawyer is best to makes sure everything is done correctly. They had their green card for nine years, but after five years of having it, you can apply for Citizenship.
They thought that…
when applying for Citizenship it would take a long time. They have heard it taking up to a year if not more. They applied in November 2019, and had a phone call a month later for Biometrics. Biometrics is finger prints, photos, signature, verifying ID, questionnaire of 150 questions to make sure you are not part of a terrorist group, thorough background check, character references, and much more, all done at the immigration office.
The next step…
is being called for the interview. In the interview they ask about, US history, geography, politics, and how system is set up. All possible 100 questions are given to you prior to the test. Marcey and Brad studied every night for a two to three months, till they were called for the interview which was February 5, 2020.
There were supposed to have…
their Oath Ceremony March 19th, 2020 however COVID hit and everything was shut down. One interesting thing Marcey pointed out was, when they opened back up in June to do the Oath Ceremony, not once where they asked to remove their mask, to prove who they were. All the security they went through to get to this point, and now there was not really any security to make sure it was them.
Learning afterwards…
the wait from citizenship is all dependent on what city you are applying in, and what country you are coming from. There could be more of a backlog in other areas like Huston or California compared to Tampa. Also, the cost of Citizenship ($800) increased by 60% in January of 2020, which may be okay for some families, but for a lot this is a great deal of money for immigrants from impoverished countries.
They chose to become citizens…
now because their green cards were expiring next year, and it is the same price to renew as becoming a citizen. They also wanted to participate in November’s Election. Marcey said they wanted to be a part of the process and what was happening in the country vs observing and being a bystander.
Over the last 10 years…
when someone talked about politics Marcey would say “I don’t know, I am Canadian” because she felt she really had no right to comment on anything. Now Brad is able to say what he wants because now he is American.
Another misconception people have…
is you have to give up the citizenship of the country you are from, however this was not true for them. They have dual citizenship, but this is dependent on the country you are from.
Congratulations!
I am glad you guys are a part of our country and welcome to America!
National Stepfamily Day + Engagement
In the beginning…
Cat and Cody were in the same group of friends in high school, but not friends themselves. After graduation and many years later, it started with them becoming friends on Facebook. They ended up commenting on the same photo over and over again, till they started talking just the two of them separately. They have been together ever since.
Cody explained…
he had a three-year-old son, Maddox. At first Cat was concerned because she lost her mother unexpectedly at a young age, and thought that she would never want to have kids for fear of not being there for her child. However, she talked to her Step Mom. Her Step Mom’s response to the whole situation was “So?”
Cat went on a date…
with Cody and met Maddox for the first time. Cat and Maddox hit it off. They had a very special bond from day one, and all of the fear went away
Their families welcomed the couple with open arms, and nine months later they were living with each other because it just felt right. Maddox was also thrilled they were together.
Cat mentioned…
one of her favorite things about their relationship is how they always dream big, with unconditional support for each other, no matter how big or crazy the idea is. Some examples were holding off on getting married to buy a house instead, or starting a business to name a few.
I asked Cat…
if they wanted family photos taken because even though they were not “officially” a stepfamily, in their hearts they were. Little did Cat know that Cody contacted me several days before hand, letting me know he wanted to propose during the session. (Side note: this has always been a dream of mine as a photographer to do, okay back to them)
We talked…
over the next couple of days for plans and ideas, and to also include Maddox in it. What better day would it be for a proposal than Stepfamily Day, and to make it official! Rain or shine we did it. There was some sign switching and trickery, but I think the pictures speak for themselves.
Congratulations…
Cat, Cody, and Maddox on the engagement. You are all amazing people with so many people that love you!
BTW I did ask, and they would like to make it a family of four some day!
Happy Grandparents Day 2020
“Children are the rainbow of life, Grandchildren are the Pot of gold”
Some of our greatest blessings call us Mema and Pepa
“Grandparents, are so easy to operate, even a child can you do.” ~Unknown
“The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy.” ~Sam Levenson
“Being a grandparent is your reward for not killing your kids!” ~Unknown
“Love them, Spoil them, Give them back” ~Unknown
Happy 60th Birthday!!
It all started…
September 11th, 60 years ago, when Rosa, was born in Italian Harlem, New York. She was the first one in her family born in the United States from Italy. Her dad was a mason worker building houses, and helping build the foundation to the Twin Towers. Her mom was a stay at home mom (because let’s face it, that was the role of a “right off the boat” Italian wife, and there is nothing wrong with being a stay at home mom).
She went to…
an ‘All Girl Catholic School’ (because boys were evil), and when she graduated going to college was not an option because “only bad girls go to college”. In order to leave the house marriage was the next step. Rosa explains when she started to date her first husband, Carmelo, there was a sit down between the two families, and her father asked Carmelo, “What is your intention with my daughter?” (Could you imagine that happening now a day?!?!?!)
Rosa became…
married, living in New Jersey, and soon had her first daughter, Danielle. A couple of years later, she had her favorite daughter (I mean second daughter), Amanda (the one writing the story, this is my Mom’s story). lol. Couple of years later, the whole family moved down south to Florida, right next to your sister’s house. The two families started a restaurant which ended up failing and so did the marriage.
This, is when…
I feel Rosa (my mom) grew the most as a person. She was now a single mother, and having to work for the first time in her life at Eckerd’s making just over $3.00 an hour. Her mother was there to help some; take for instant during Thanksgiving, Rosa had to work, and he mother made a whole chicken (I mean an American Holiday not an Italian holiday, still new to it all) and added “stuffing”. Not knowing what American stuffing was she made her own stuffing, the family tradition “Italian Stuffing” was born.
Over the years…
it was hard because Rosa’s oldest would always have the last word, and her youngest needed teacher parent conferences twice a year because “Words are hard” and would not stop talking. Also, to better herself, and much better hours, she became a teller at a local bank.
During the years…
her choice in men, was not great (sorry, not sorry). Her mother would try to run them off by putting water in their shoes or many different crazy things. Rosa did eventually meet a nice guy named Jim. She met him in the drive thru at the bank she worked at, and gave him a lollipop because she thought he was cute. Jim introduced the family to Florida State Football, burping, farting, goofiness, and frozen pizza. Their first date someone was running late and the babysitter was unable to stay, so Jim brought over a frozen pizza and Rosa (never cooking one in her life) cooked it with the cardboard still on.
Three years later…
(the day OJ Simpson was in the bronco) they were married. Since then, there has been many dogs; Bandit, Renegade, Rocky, and the newest ones Gibson and Fender (Oh and grand-puppies). Also, many trips to Tallahassee for football games, nights jamming out to music while Jim plays guitar, laying tile in the whole house, building so many things of furniture, road trips to the mountains, the keys, and all over Florida. There were, family gatherings at the house during Thanksgiving and Christmas, concerts, volleyball games, weightlifting meets, softball games, Disney & Universal trips, and both girls graduating high school, and college from Florida State.
She taught…
the girls, not going to college was not an option, make sure never to leaned on anyone else to take care of you, and you can build anything.
After, both of the girls…
graduated everyone moved to the west central Florida. Then, both of her daughters get married in the same year. Rosa becomes a grandmother to two amazing step grandchildren, and three young grandbabies.
Happy Birthday!!!
It has been an amazing journey to 60, and can’t wait to see what the next years have in store. Love you Mom!
Epicurious One (National Black Business Month)
Stephanie’s love for wine started with a sip…
during the holidays with the family at a ‘fresh and crisp’ age of six. However, it was not till Stephanie learned in her European History Class teenagers in Europe are able to drink wine. She decided to take a chance and asked her Grandma if she could have some wine with dinner. To Stephanie’s disbelief her grandmother said “Yes”.
That night…
Stephanie had Chianti with her Grandma’s, pot roast with carrots and potatoes “it was so good you could cut with a fork”. It gave her such a euphoric feeling, and she asked, “Grandma do you think we will have food and wine in heaven?”
Stephanie in her…
30’s, started to learn more about the wine industry and business side of things. At the age of 45, she moved to Atlanta, and worked for Vino Venue. She started taking classes to become certified as a Wine Professional. When she put a wine stopper in Atlanta, Stephanie move to the Tampa area. She realized there was not a place that matched her style and personality, and Stephanie decided to start her own business.
Epicurious One was born (Pop the Champagne)…
with Epicurious meaning a taste and passion for different food, wine and culture, Stephanie is your personal guide through food and wine pairings. She would like people to feel the euphoric feeling she felt when she had her Grandma’s Pot Roast and Chianti.
She wants people to realize…
it does not have to be just for special occasions. Stephanie has put together wine pairings with several different foods; donuts, cakes, BBQ, wings, and chocolate just to name a few. She wants to take food and wine off the beaten path. She wants to “stomp” the traditions.
All of the events hosted are…
a judge free zone, no wine shaming, and no discrimination. She lives by the mantra “Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured” and “do things that bring joy to other people”. It is a fun learning event for everyone!
Stephanie has worked hard…
to get where she is right now with Epicurious One. She had created different “legs” with every step of her education. She has a certification in Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 2, completed and graduated from Entrepreneur Academy, Certification in WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council), and earning a scholarship to WeThrive through WBENC.
She is now…
working towards Court of Masters Level 1 Sommeliers Exam (which will take at least a year if not longer to achieve), and starting the process for Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council Certification.
Stephanie is…
and amazing small business owner, and will be make any event special, and fun.
Book your next event by contacting Stephanie by email stephanie@epicuriousone.com or by phone (904) 742-4606. You can also follow her on Instagram @epicurious_one.
Paddy (Humane Society of Pinellas - "Clear the Shelter")
When Irish Eyes are Smiling, …
Sure they steal your heart away…
(Or they are up to something! Hehe)
I mean can we just stop real quick and look at those eyes?!?!?!
Paddy was found…
as a kitten abandoned, and has lived with an elderly woman for the last seven years. Paddy’s owner unfortunately had to move, and was unable to take him with her.
Paddy is…
a very sweet, loving, and affectionate cat. Paddy can get overstimulated in new or louder situations. He would do best in a quiet setting, by himself, and his loving owner/s.
Paddy will…
come up to you for pets on his ears and head, and is friendly, but he is cautious as well. He might need more time to get adjusted to a new home. So, please have some patience and a whole lot of love.
“Good things come to those who wait”…
and Paddy has been waiting awhile for his forever home.
He is an amazing and handsome 7 year old cat, that just wants love and pets on his head.
He needs a quiet home with love and time to just be himself.
“A good [cat] is like a four-leaf clover…
Hard to find and lucky to have” ~Irish Proverb
“Rescuing one cat won’t change the world…
but it will change the world for one cat”
If you are interested in Paddy, please click the website below, and scroll down to Paddy
Mowgli (ARK of Tampa - "Clear the Shelter"
Hi Guys, I’m Mowgli
(you know, like the Jungle Book!) I am four and a half years young, and have a lot of love to give.
You may have noticed…
that my eyes are a little different, that is because they are special like me. I have limited sight out of my right eye and my left eye is totally fine.
That does not stop me…
from doing things dogs love to do. I love to go on car rides, give kisses, meet new people, get exercise and sniff stuff.
I can also see…
hand signals my foster parents give me, and follow them the majority of the time. I can sit, laydown, come, and go, to name a few.
The only thing is…
you have to make sure I am looking at you when giving them because I am also deaf. I am okay with it because it is something I have grown up with, but I might need things done differently.
Do things different…
will be fun, and to help with the change from average to awesome, I am very smart, attentive, and well behaved.
I would love my fur-ever family to be…
patient with me. I sometimes get anxious with change, and do best with a schedule. I need to be in a crate when you have to go out of the home.
I really want a home…
where I can relax, be myself, be loved for all of my special needs and to love on my human. I just need time, love, and patience, and I will be the best dog for you.
What do you say…
Will you be my human/family?
If you are interested in Mowgli please visit:
https://www.petfinder.com/dog/mowgli-48765333/fl/brandon/ark-of-tampa-fl1607/
National Sisters' Day (My Sister and I)
“I SMILE because you’re my sister. I LAUGH because you can’t do anything about it!”
You and I…
can not be more opposite, but you are the Ying to my Yang.
You… I…
like the color grey like bright colors
plan ahead of time (many months) go with the flow planning
blonde hair brown hair
work in business work in healthcare
are made for running am made for lifting
tells it how it is have many emotions
hate shopping. love shopping
remember nothing remember everything
enjoy functional presents enjoy meaningful presents
are thin am thick
… and so on and so on. You get it
You have…
always been my big sister and sometimes a second mom. You have been there to look after me from our flights to New Jersey, helped me learn how to read (words are hard), applying for college, and adulting.
I remember (but you probably don’t)…
water fights in the house, playing football the with neighbors, making music videos, running from your room and flipping on the couch, you cheating on games, and laughing uncontrollably.
We have had many inside jokes…
“Barracuda”, “Drunk by Nine”, “Go ‘W’”, “La Regina”, and “The world does not revolve around you”, just to name a few
I have always…
looked up to you, and in great awe of what you have accomplished. I still remember a photo you gave me in high school that said one day you would look down on me from the crowd and say proudly “That’s My Sister”. I never thought that would ever happen, but here is a picture from the 3 Day 60 Mile walk where it came true. This, along with other victories in my life, you have been there to support me.
I know that…
We have had great times and rough times, but there is no one else I would rather have as my sister. I love you and appreciate you. Happy National Sisters’ Day
“Our paths
may change as life goes along, but our bond as Sisters will remain ever strong.”
~Unknown
National Sisters' Day (A and V)
“Sisters are different flowers from the same garden”
Favorite thing to do with your sister?
A - take pictures with her
V - play frog
Favorite Princess?
A - All of them!!
V - Rapunzel!!
Favorite Color?
A - Pink and Purple
V - Purple and Pink
Favorite Stuffy?
A - Taco Dog
V - Teddy
Favorite thing about each other?
Both - I love her!
Do you like matching each other?
Both - YES!
Do you get mad if you are not matching?
Both - YES!!!
Do you guys fight?
Mom - Haha, do they fight?!?!
“A sister is…
a little bit of childhood that can never be lost.”
~ Marion Garretty
Happy 5th Birthday
Well, it has been a rough 2020…
I think we can all say. We all had so many plans for so many things, but unable to do them. For us, we finally bit the bullet and purchased Disney Annual Passes, and the plan was to take my daughter to the Magic Kingdom for a Princess Makeover for her birthday. Well, she turned five and we were unable to make it do Disney because you know, the virus that shall not be named.
Instead, (we had no choice) we decided to make the best of it at home, a day to forget about the virus, and just have some fun.
It all started off with…
an attempt to watch the sunrise (an hour late). She has always been an early riser, we packed up the blanket and the jackets (it was Florida cold, with a whole lot of wind) and set out for downtown.
There were many people out…
in the morning running, walking, biking, and meditation. For us, we watched the sunrise-ish, and Fiona wanted to look at the playground (even though she knew she could not go). This broke my heart, but understanding it is for the best right now. We went running around, playing in the “triangles”, and attempting to feed the squirrels.
Next…
she wanted to make pancakes, “click, click, bloody, click, click, pancakes” – Stewie. She did the majority of it, with some help.
After the pancakes…
she helped Daddy with her birthday cake, and used the mixer for the first time. (We were going to purchase a cake, but thought she would have way more fun making it)
Present Time!!!!
(We opened presents throughout the day to keep things interesting). Since, we were unable to go to Disney, Aunty D brought the Disney Princess Dress Up to her with Moana, and a little photo session!
While the cake was cooling…
another trip was planned outside in the gorgeous weather, to the park to work on some super sick scooter skills (say that 10 times fast). She was able to master the hill again working on breaking, and increasing her speed! Super-Fast Ninja Speed.
After returning home…
she decorated the cake with me, her Mama, and guess what?!?!?!
Present Time!!! Again…
She was excited for her very own “Fiona Room Teepee Fort Tent”
Iphone photo
Let it go, Let it go…
Seriously she wanted me to let it go, by taking it off. She was able to dress up like another fun Disney Princess, ELSA!!! (However, this went over like a lead balloon because it was itchy, oh well, my bad. You win some, you lose some) It came off as fast as it went on, anyway, moving on.
BTW Iphone photo because she said “only one photo and then take this OFF”
Next on the plate…
(get it plate, dinner time, never mind) Social Distancing dinner and cake with one of her grandmothers. There was amazing weather, and Mac and Cheese (Fiona’s choice).
Iphone photo
“Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you”
(Side note, when she sang “Happy Birthday” while washing her hands, she was able to sing Happy Birthday to me”, it made both of us giggle)
Iphone photo
To round out the night…
the final present was opened, a family tent for the living room, for all of use to camp in it and spend the night. She was over the moon!!! Sleep Over! She was so excited, it took forever for her to finally fall asleep.
Iphone photo
Due to sleeping on the floor…
(yeah as an adult, not super comfortable) we were able to wake up early, the next day, and actually made it to see the sun rise. We stopped by to see the “unable to play on” playground, again.
Then…
ran up and down the colorful bridge/pier thing. (The pier is so cool! Check it out if you have not yet) Followed by a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts! Yum! (Not pictured)
I call it a success…
Someone was tuckered out because she fell asleep in her brother’s room later in the day.
I have to say, it might not have been what anyone wanted, but it was a nice “get away” from life, in our own home. I hope the rest of the year is looking better, and maybe we will eventually make it to Disney for Princess Dress Up Day.
Happy Birthday!!!
Tanner-Bananer
I have been MIA…
the last week or two because I thought I was losing my dog. After many days of freak-out moments, trips to the vets, and antibiotics he is doing better. He had a skin infection, ear infection, and eye infection. They think it is all linked to Cushing’s Disease, (maybe). At the same time of dealing with Tanner, my daughter was sick. There were many sleepless nights, but everyone is doing much better now.
When Tanner was sick…
it made me think about his time with us. I rescued him a week after I put down my two-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback, Khoin. He had bone cancer that spread through out his entire abdomen. After Khoin, I knew I wanted to get a rescue dog.
I found Tanner…
through Petfinder online, in the middle of August. He was six-month-old from Georgia. The rescuers were going to take him two months earlier, but thought he would get adopted. He did not, so they brought him down here, and I was the lucky one. I feel in love with his ears. I am a sucker for hound ears. (I mean they are flying in the wind)
During our first…
winter together, he would get so excited about wearing outfits. He had to wear them because of lack of fur (from mange) and body fat (being underweight). He would dance around in his outfits, all spunky like. Then during bath time, Tanner would do this funny booty shake after baths. It was a normal whole body shake, but the body would stop and just his butt would keep going. It still makes me laugh to this day.
His nose…
is always to the ground. Tanner would make “perimeter checks” at the dog park, back yard, in the house, and smell all the door knobs. I could never take him off his lease because I would lose him to whatever sent was on the ground. If I would come home smelling of another dog, I had the “sniff-degree” when I came home. He will use his nose to smell all around your face, and then blow out. Every now and then you would get a kiss on your forehead, if you were a lucky chosen one.
He is now…
12 years old, and the brother to now four cats and three children. He loves all of them so much, but I am totally his favorite. Well, the little human (my daughter) might be one of his favorites because she drops food. He is just a great dog, that loves his food, digging in the dirt, and smelling things. We love you Tanner!