Updates and Know-it-all-isms
Sorry it has taken me awhile to get going on this whole "blog" thing. I really want to get into it (and probably would have had more success) if I hadn't gotten a job right after I started it. Not to mention the holidays, etc, etc. So here goes...
First and foremost, if you want to know anything about VOCABULARY, READING, RENTING, FLOORING, PETS, or THERAPY...I am your go-to, know-it-all on all of these subjects!!! (Just kidding)
Since I was a young girl, I have always had an awesome vocabulary and like to enunciate my words and be certain they are spelled properly! I always won the spelling bees, etc, etc, but don't that fool you because I am no brain!!!!
As anyone who knows me is aware, my favorite thing to do in the WHOLE WORLD is read! That is the inspiration for this blog to begin with, to use it as a forum for our book club "The Whine Club" (more on that later). In summary...I love to talk book, so bring it on!!!
My first "real" job after I got out of high school was working for Crosland Properties, which led to several leasing consultant positions and eventually an assistant property manager. After about 5 or 6 years, I burned, but have retained a basic knowledge of how it goes, so I still field (and are happy to answer) questions when renting. Because in recent years, we also rented out our house, I kind of got back into the whole renting thing and now also seem to be an advisor to home owners regarding their renters. Unfortunately, we had to evict one of our tenants and trust me, that is no fun (but i can tell you how to avoid it and do it if you have to).
Moving on, I broke into flooring by accident through a temp agency and ended up working for Coleman Floors and stayed in that field for about another 6 years. I know a lot about a lot and I can size a room and tell you how to calculate square feet versus square yards, but I am no expert here either. Plus, I know that they are always coming up with new and improved products that I cannot keep up with! But the basics are still the basics and I am happy to assist! And I have successfully sanded and refinished my hardwoods twice, ripped out carpet and vinyl, can work a knee-kicker and grouted my own ceramic tile!
More recently, I worked in the veterinary field for almost 7 years. That business is great but BURN OUT CITY! I have more admiration for people that work with animals than any other profession in the world! Most people probably do not realize the broad spectrum of knowledge that not only your veterinarians, but their support staff, need to know to treat your beloved pets. As a veterinary technician, I was blessed to be able to have a lot more hands on experience with all different kinds of animals and I soaked up that knowledge like a sponge! But those people who care for your fur babies are truly whisperer's to the animals. You have to know how to read everything from their body language to their blood work and you have to get it right. As a former breeder, I see it from a totally different aspect as well. But I have to say, knowing what I know now, I would have never, ever bred my dogs (but that is a topic all by itself for another day). Just know this, if you have a problem, I will do anything I can to help, but if I tell you to have your pet seen, listen. And if I tell you to respect your veterinary practice, do it and for Pete's sake, if you even think of complaining about cost, then DO NOT GET THE ANIMAL TO BEGIN WITH!!!
Now on to, therapy. Those who know me personally, know that I am very open about my problems, whether personal or otherwise. I have been diagnosed bi-polar (though I question that diagnoses now) and most recently have been in counseling. I am not ashamed to admit that I did it, do it or will continue to because-ask anyone-I am happier already!!! I have also been turned on to some VALUABLE resources that I am happy to share with those in need. Has anyone ever heard of Vocational Rehab? Didn't think so. I hadn't either until I lost my job back in August. Best thing I ever did was walk through that door. So if things are rough and tumble for you, always remember that you know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone who can help! Please do not ever feel like you have run out of options or that help isn't available. I say NOT TRUE! Ironically enough, the job I just landed is with a psychotherapist and substance abuse office, so now my personal and professional are in the same alley! Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not.
Anyway, I just felt the need to get my know-it-all-isms out there:)
As for updates...obviously I got the job...I also received my text books for my Pharmacy Tech class and are about to be in my sisters wedding, finally!!! And all that after spending WONDERFUL holiday time with both mine and the other half's families! I have been asked to co-chair the Outreach for Carolina Breast Friends, are planning another great book club meeting, ADOPTED A SOLDIER and bought my tickets to Casino Night!!! there is about to be a lot to talk about...
My beautiful younger sister, Jill, will be heading down the aisle in Nashville in just 11 more days!!! I cannot wait to welcome Jonah-officially-to the family and celebrate their union. Plus, going to Nashville for the first and getting to be with my AWESOME family is going to be the best!!! I cannot wait to relate this exciting tail in a blog in the next couple of weeks. My sister has put together a wedding and itinerary to envy and then the happy couple will be off to HAWAII! Nice.
I kinda mentioned my new job above, but if you have never heard of Soboxone, check it out. It's a drug used to help people with opioid (hydrocodone and heroin, etc, etc) addictions off of the drugs. Pretty cool, huh? I cannot believe that I have ever heard of it. I will bet that everyone probably knows someone who could benefit from this knowledge!
I am really looking forward to completing the Pharmacy Tech program. I think it will help me further myself in my new profession and open a lot of new doors (plus then I will be a know-it-all about this too!!!)
Again, I remind you all-especially locals-to check out the CBF web-site and show your support. They fund-raise monthly (not just October) and the events are always super fun! I am really looking forward to helping these wonderful women and getting more involved. Shouting out to one of my besties, Shelby, on thinking of me for this and mostly for being a STRONG 5 YEAR SURVIVOR!!!
Patrick and I decided, in this recent season of giving, that we wanted to do something for our troops. So in my googling, I came across a site where you can apply to adopt a US soldier. Well, I applied and we got accepted and got our assigned soldier. His name is Andrew, he is stationed in Afghanistan, he is a medic, married, and from Colorado!!! We already connected with he and his wife on Skype and email, she sent us a beautiful slide show of them and have received and sent email to him as well. We sent out our first letter this week and plan to do a care package with his sister, Jennifer, at the end of the month. If you have the time to spare, or you enjoy the old-fashioned method of writing actual letters, check this out. This guy is so appreciative and thanked us for "adopting" him. Really melts your heart!!!
Last year, we attended a fundraiser called Casino Night at the Extravaganza Depot. The proceeds benefit the Care Ring Young Professionals organization and is well worth the $45 per ticket. For your money, you get play money to gamble with or enter into raffles, gourmet-food, all you can drink beer and wine and a heck of a good time. If you can swing it, I highly recommend buying a ticket and getting dressed up for this event. I will go back and add links to all of these sites in a separate blog. But I can tell you this, the prizes are GENEROUS and if you win one, you won't be disappointed!!! Plus, who can argue with a good cause?!
Last, but not least, The WHINE CLUB is on and popping! We got three new members last month (thank you Jennifer, Kelly and Stephanie) and have a great list of books lined up to read this year. We are expecting another one or two newbies in January, but no matter what, this group of ladies is GREAT!!! If you are ever curious, let me know and just attend a meeting. I promise you, if you like to read AT ALL, you will want to join! Our last meeting lasted almost 5 1/2 hours. We had so much fun, no one wanted to leave!!!! We covered "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen (HIGHLY recommended by all I know that have read it) and this month we will discuss "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein (another good read). I am looking forward to how our mutual love of animals will impact the discussions in January.
Well, that is all for now. I will try to blog again this week, because I want to review some of my favorite spots to eat and some new places I have graced recently (and it's not all gonna be good!) I think it is safe to say that I have made up for some of my lost time on here?
Until next blog...peace...Dara
First and foremost, if you want to know anything about VOCABULARY, READING, RENTING, FLOORING, PETS, or THERAPY...I am your go-to, know-it-all on all of these subjects!!! (Just kidding)
Since I was a young girl, I have always had an awesome vocabulary and like to enunciate my words and be certain they are spelled properly! I always won the spelling bees, etc, etc, but don't that fool you because I am no brain!!!!
As anyone who knows me is aware, my favorite thing to do in the WHOLE WORLD is read! That is the inspiration for this blog to begin with, to use it as a forum for our book club "The Whine Club" (more on that later). In summary...I love to talk book, so bring it on!!!
My first "real" job after I got out of high school was working for Crosland Properties, which led to several leasing consultant positions and eventually an assistant property manager. After about 5 or 6 years, I burned, but have retained a basic knowledge of how it goes, so I still field (and are happy to answer) questions when renting. Because in recent years, we also rented out our house, I kind of got back into the whole renting thing and now also seem to be an advisor to home owners regarding their renters. Unfortunately, we had to evict one of our tenants and trust me, that is no fun (but i can tell you how to avoid it and do it if you have to).
Moving on, I broke into flooring by accident through a temp agency and ended up working for Coleman Floors and stayed in that field for about another 6 years. I know a lot about a lot and I can size a room and tell you how to calculate square feet versus square yards, but I am no expert here either. Plus, I know that they are always coming up with new and improved products that I cannot keep up with! But the basics are still the basics and I am happy to assist! And I have successfully sanded and refinished my hardwoods twice, ripped out carpet and vinyl, can work a knee-kicker and grouted my own ceramic tile!
More recently, I worked in the veterinary field for almost 7 years. That business is great but BURN OUT CITY! I have more admiration for people that work with animals than any other profession in the world! Most people probably do not realize the broad spectrum of knowledge that not only your veterinarians, but their support staff, need to know to treat your beloved pets. As a veterinary technician, I was blessed to be able to have a lot more hands on experience with all different kinds of animals and I soaked up that knowledge like a sponge! But those people who care for your fur babies are truly whisperer's to the animals. You have to know how to read everything from their body language to their blood work and you have to get it right. As a former breeder, I see it from a totally different aspect as well. But I have to say, knowing what I know now, I would have never, ever bred my dogs (but that is a topic all by itself for another day). Just know this, if you have a problem, I will do anything I can to help, but if I tell you to have your pet seen, listen. And if I tell you to respect your veterinary practice, do it and for Pete's sake, if you even think of complaining about cost, then DO NOT GET THE ANIMAL TO BEGIN WITH!!!
Now on to, therapy. Those who know me personally, know that I am very open about my problems, whether personal or otherwise. I have been diagnosed bi-polar (though I question that diagnoses now) and most recently have been in counseling. I am not ashamed to admit that I did it, do it or will continue to because-ask anyone-I am happier already!!! I have also been turned on to some VALUABLE resources that I am happy to share with those in need. Has anyone ever heard of Vocational Rehab? Didn't think so. I hadn't either until I lost my job back in August. Best thing I ever did was walk through that door. So if things are rough and tumble for you, always remember that you know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone who can help! Please do not ever feel like you have run out of options or that help isn't available. I say NOT TRUE! Ironically enough, the job I just landed is with a psychotherapist and substance abuse office, so now my personal and professional are in the same alley! Coincidence? Maybe. Maybe not.
Anyway, I just felt the need to get my know-it-all-isms out there:)
As for updates...obviously I got the job...I also received my text books for my Pharmacy Tech class and are about to be in my sisters wedding, finally!!! And all that after spending WONDERFUL holiday time with both mine and the other half's families! I have been asked to co-chair the Outreach for Carolina Breast Friends, are planning another great book club meeting, ADOPTED A SOLDIER and bought my tickets to Casino Night!!! there is about to be a lot to talk about...
My beautiful younger sister, Jill, will be heading down the aisle in Nashville in just 11 more days!!! I cannot wait to welcome Jonah-officially-to the family and celebrate their union. Plus, going to Nashville for the first and getting to be with my AWESOME family is going to be the best!!! I cannot wait to relate this exciting tail in a blog in the next couple of weeks. My sister has put together a wedding and itinerary to envy and then the happy couple will be off to HAWAII! Nice.
I kinda mentioned my new job above, but if you have never heard of Soboxone, check it out. It's a drug used to help people with opioid (hydrocodone and heroin, etc, etc) addictions off of the drugs. Pretty cool, huh? I cannot believe that I have ever heard of it. I will bet that everyone probably knows someone who could benefit from this knowledge!
I am really looking forward to completing the Pharmacy Tech program. I think it will help me further myself in my new profession and open a lot of new doors (plus then I will be a know-it-all about this too!!!)
Again, I remind you all-especially locals-to check out the CBF web-site and show your support. They fund-raise monthly (not just October) and the events are always super fun! I am really looking forward to helping these wonderful women and getting more involved. Shouting out to one of my besties, Shelby, on thinking of me for this and mostly for being a STRONG 5 YEAR SURVIVOR!!!
Patrick and I decided, in this recent season of giving, that we wanted to do something for our troops. So in my googling, I came across a site where you can apply to adopt a US soldier. Well, I applied and we got accepted and got our assigned soldier. His name is Andrew, he is stationed in Afghanistan, he is a medic, married, and from Colorado!!! We already connected with he and his wife on Skype and email, she sent us a beautiful slide show of them and have received and sent email to him as well. We sent out our first letter this week and plan to do a care package with his sister, Jennifer, at the end of the month. If you have the time to spare, or you enjoy the old-fashioned method of writing actual letters, check this out. This guy is so appreciative and thanked us for "adopting" him. Really melts your heart!!!
Last year, we attended a fundraiser called Casino Night at the Extravaganza Depot. The proceeds benefit the Care Ring Young Professionals organization and is well worth the $45 per ticket. For your money, you get play money to gamble with or enter into raffles, gourmet-food, all you can drink beer and wine and a heck of a good time. If you can swing it, I highly recommend buying a ticket and getting dressed up for this event. I will go back and add links to all of these sites in a separate blog. But I can tell you this, the prizes are GENEROUS and if you win one, you won't be disappointed!!! Plus, who can argue with a good cause?!
Last, but not least, The WHINE CLUB is on and popping! We got three new members last month (thank you Jennifer, Kelly and Stephanie) and have a great list of books lined up to read this year. We are expecting another one or two newbies in January, but no matter what, this group of ladies is GREAT!!! If you are ever curious, let me know and just attend a meeting. I promise you, if you like to read AT ALL, you will want to join! Our last meeting lasted almost 5 1/2 hours. We had so much fun, no one wanted to leave!!!! We covered "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen (HIGHLY recommended by all I know that have read it) and this month we will discuss "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein (another good read). I am looking forward to how our mutual love of animals will impact the discussions in January.
Well, that is all for now. I will try to blog again this week, because I want to review some of my favorite spots to eat and some new places I have graced recently (and it's not all gonna be good!) I think it is safe to say that I have made up for some of my lost time on here?
Until next blog...peace...Dara
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