Simple decision!!!

Tonight I am going with a few friends from the old folks home to cheer on my derby friends at their game. I am reminded again how complicated my life can become. I have to make a conscious decision to do anything. It must be how many parents feel when making plans with their kids. First I must decide if the massive headache that is sure to follow is worth it (roller derby heck yeah). Do I have anything going on the next day as I will probably end up in the er getting morphine. Ok, now I have decided to go. How am I going to get there? I own an insured car yet I am unable to drive until they are able to put the hand pedals in. I find a ride yay! Now, make sure I cath before I go which adds an extra cath for the day which screws things up and extra cranberry juice. Get dressed, it takes a good ten minutes and a lot of energy. Less time and energy for pjs :). Hair, teeth and shoes and out I go to enjoy my time.
I know that this is a pretty whiny post and I apologize for that. I simply sometimes would like to go back to the times when "wanna go to hockey tonight?" was a question that was answered quickly, and getting to the Ralph was just as quick.
Although I get frustrated at times I truly am grateful I have the ability to choose. I know many people (too many in fact) who are not afforded that same opportunity. I am grateful for all who have supported me. I am grateful for all who pray for me. I am grateful for all who laugh with me and to be honest, at me. I am grateful for a God who by His grace has saved me. So even though I have my whiny moments I am still thankful for the hand I have been dealt!!! Now off to watch some derby:)

it's me Ralphie

    Hi everyone it is me Ralphie.  I figure that since Lucy got to write on the blog, I wanted to too!  Ummm I am 3 years old, and I live with my momma Tam, Ethan, and Gracie.  I used to live with my mommy Jules, Lucy and Charlie, but when she moved to the old folks home I couldn't go with them.  Something bout a city ordinance or something.  At first it was weird, but now I love it because Gracie likes to play and Lucy doesn't.  Plus I still get to visit every week.  I love my life and really can't complain about anything.  Dale says "you don't have a care in the world Ralphie".  I don't really know what that means but I like Dale so I wag my tail for him.  I wag my tail a lot, sometimes just thinking about playing makes me wag it.  Oh I sure do love to play.  Today I went to the doctor and wagged my tail the whole time I was there.  Even when my auntie Kim peeked in cause I gained a little weight.  They are so picky geez. But I know that my auntie Kim loves me and just wants what is best for me.  I try to loose weight but it is hard ya know.  When auntie Kim said I could get diabeties I wasn't scared but then Lucy told me I would die.  So I will just keep working at it.  On the way out though they gave me a bone, so I must not be too fat right.
   Some people think that I am dumb, but they just don't remember all the smart things that I do.  like look at this picture I must have super powers because as you see I am walking right through the door!!!

   And can a dumb dog stick his head out the window and balance it like this? I don't think so.

    My friend Willi thinks I am a sally because I let my mom dress me up like this, but c'mon when you look this cute you are sure to pick up the chicks...

    And I don't know if you watch so you think you can dance, but those guys on there can dance and they are strong picking those girls up left and right.  I love that show but I wish there were more dogs on it. oh, Lucy just said there are no dog dancers on there.  I said ok, but really I know there are, she always has to be right!  Anyways I think I look like a cool dancing dog, and miss Sophia says blue is a boy color, and I am a boy.

   I mean look at me all rough and tumble.  Who would you rather date??? Sly Fox should be my nickname.
   I am a pretty active guy.  There are lots of things that I like to do outside...

I like to swim, even if there isn't water in the pool

I can skateboard but I let Dom do most of the riding.  He is my friend, I like him...

     Before my mom got her walker and now her wheelchair we used to run 3 miles a day.  Ugg to be honest I hated it.  It was cold and lucy would run so far ahead I couldn't even see her.  My mom makes me stay on this stupid leash.  I don't know why she doesn't trust me.  I mean one time in doggy jail and I am on probation for life.  Even that Casey Anthony only got a year.  Anyway, I sat down when we ran, so we would have to stop.  One time when I was running I saw a half slim jim and I carried that slim jim at least 20 miles home, and my mommy didn't let me eat it.  I might have, I don't remember.

But look at me run, I am really fast!!!

   Just like my mommy of course I love fighting Sioux hockey.  Sometimes though I get scared of all of the whistle blowing and go hide in the bathroom.  I liked that mommy was hurt last year so she didn't go to the games.  Hopefully I will get to watch games with them this year.  GO SIOUX.  hey maybe I can talk my mommy into a Sioux hockey Christmas picture this year.  Lucy be quiet it might happen, and quit looking at my stuff.

     This is my ball.  I love my ball and I love to play with my ball.  I also squeak my ball a lot.  Sometimes I squeak it over and over.  Lucy really likes it when I do that.  I think my mommy does too.  I have a special CROC that I put it in and squeak it.  Sometimes I get confused with my CROC and Mommy's CROCS.  I think Lucy switches them to get me in trouble.  I like to have my ball really close to me in case someone else wants to take it.  I also like to hide my bones in case someone likes to take it.  I get really freaked out sometimes when I get a bone.  I run around whining until I can find the perfect place.  Unfortunately I can't always find a good spot so I have to stay with the bone or ball under the bed.

   Well, I am starting to get tired so I am going to sign off soon.  I love a lot of people, I couldn't even begin to name them all, let alone have a picture of them.  The 2 things I love the most is my brother Charlie and my sister Lucy.  I feel so lucky when she gives me a kiss.  You do to Lucy!!!

     Wow writing has exhausted me.  Now I must go sleep!!!

love-

Ralphie

it's me Lucy...

     Hi everyone it is my Lucy.  I decided that I needed to write a little bit about my life since this is a blog about randomness, and what is more random than a post from a dog.  Most of you know me, but for those who don't let me give you a little background.  I am nine years old, and live in an old folks home.  My mommy has lived in lots of apartments, but this is my favorite.   I have 2 brothers who I am not very fond of, but do put up with them.  Charlie is a cat but he is way bigger than me.  Ralphie is a dog and I think that he is pretty dumb.  I myself am very smart, like genius smart.  I am a lover and have many friends.  I am mostly friends with people because all the animals I know just aren't up to my intellectual level.  Some people call me a drama queen or a princess, but I think Dale has it right when he says "I am the boss around here".  My favorite place in the world is my mommy's couch.  I like snuggle on the couch with my mommy and watch tv.  My favorite shows are underdog, watching Sioux hockey, and of course I was obsessed with the Casey Anthony trial.  My other most favorite thing to do is sit outside with my friends at the old folks home.  They all pet me, love me, and bring me lots of people food.  I go from friend to friend and just lay at their feet. Some of the even take me for a walk.  It really is the best.  I protect my friends so if someone comes up I don't know I scare them by barking.  Unlike my brothers I am very aware of "stranger danger".

     Now that you know about me,  I feel I can "vent".  I told you that I love to cuddle with my mom on the couch, well I didn't tell you that she practically kills me at night.  She takes her meds then just rolls over me.  Sometimes she kicks me so hard i almost fall on the floor.  She also has no respect my naps.  I can be sound asleep and she picks me up (waking me of course) just to tell me something unimportant.  She is constantly picking at my fur if it is dirty.  She puts out this nasty diet dog food for me.  Good thing my friends feed me outside.  She makes me do tricks for people.  I mean c'mon I am 9 years old.  When I do something wrong she puts me in time out, even outside in front of my friends.  When Ralphie goes to time out he just falls asleep, he is so dumb.  If I am sitting in her lap and music is playing she moves my legs around to make me dance.  Ugg!!!  The worst thing of all is that she dresses the boys and me up for every holiday.  I of course sit perfect for the picture, but of course the boys don't.  Charlie is the worst, he always tries to run away, and of course Ralphie just falls asleep.

here we are at the 4th of July

     All in all though the life of a dog is great.  Humans could learn a lot from me.  First of all no matter how much my mom bugs me, I still love her no matter what.  When my mommy leaves me, even just to run to the store, when she gets back I show her how excited I am to see her.  Once I love you I am as loyal as can be, I will never give up on you.  I will always keep your secrets and listen without interrupting.  Some people say I won't go to heaven, but I still love God.  Not because of the promise of heaven, but just because I love Him.  I just love, and want to be loved back.

    So there you have it...my life's gripes and loves.  I also am going to include pictures for you of some of my favorite people.  If your pic is not up here it is because My mommy doesn't have one of you :(

my auntie jo

miss sophia

the Easter Bunny

my bff Dale, he looks grumpy but he loves me

my grandma Nadine

miss Nicky

my Andy


     Like I said there are many more out there who I love, like my Grammy.  I couldn't find pictures :(.  Thank you all for reading my dog blog, I hope you liked it!!!

                                                              love...lucy

"Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

"Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46)

   

     Really God, really???  You want me to be still and and just know that you are God.  What does that exactly mean? Be still? Know that I am God?  Well, I have a terrible time being still and I know that you are God is that all you are asking of me? What does being still and the knowledge of your being have to do with the situation I am in now.  How is being still going to help me.  I need to act, I need to do something.  I am sorry God but I don't have time to just sit here, action is required to fix this problem and asking me to just be still is ridiculous.  Plus since I already know you're God and acknowledge it what will that do to help my problem?  Why do people keep suggesting this verse for me when I am struggling, don't they know I want a fix, a verse that will show me what God wants me to do.  This is what goes through my mind, and this is how God answers...

   

My dearest Jules,

     Yes, I do want you to be still.  I know this is hard for you, but if you truly know that I am God you will trust that I can help you to be still.  Jules, I don't want you to just still your body, I want you to calm your mind, heart, spirit and sole. The reason I want you to do this my dear daughter is not to torture you.  I do this so that You can see me.  I do this so you can feel my presence.  I do this so that you know that my love for you is enough.  Once you are able to do this, you will remember all of the promises I have made to you.  You will know that the knowledge of my existence will guide you through whatever it is that you are dealing with at that moment.  Jules, because you know me you will be able to see my will.  It will all become clear to you what action it is that you must take.  Jules I must also remind you that sometimes the action you must take is simply an internal matter, or the action that needs to be taken is no action at all.  If you are able to still yourself Jules, I am able to love you wholly and wonderfully, but when your mind is racing and you're antsy you are unable to receive my love.  That is my desire Jules is for you to feel my love as much as is humanly possible.  I say this because there is no way you could ever possibly know how deep my love is, because, I am God and my loves abounds any you have seen.

     My sweet daughter, I desire for you to think of this verse not only in times of trouble.  I want you to think of it when you are outside and see a beautiful flower.  Stop Jules, take the time to really enjoy the flower knowing that I put that flower and everything beautiful on this earth for your pleasure.  Jules, this world is made with such amazing things from my hands.  I want you to know that if you were the only human on this earth I would still make the world just as beautiful for you.  I do this because I love you.  Not only do I love you, but I like you too.  

     Precious girl, also think of this verse when you are with others.  When you are listening, listen.  When you are playing, play.  When you are loving, love.  When you are praying, pray.  When you are worshiping, worship.  You will never get to play that moment over again.  You may never know when you will hear that voice again.  You can treasure the time you have with others knowing that I am taking care of the rest.  My desire is for you to live each moment to the fullest.  You have experienced some great losses this year and I would hope that what you learned most was to cherish the people in your life, and cherish everything that I have given.  You can lose it all in a moments notice and regret my dear is an awful feeling to deal with.

   So Jules...Be still and know that I am God is exactly what I want you do!!!

                                                                         With Love,

                                                                                  Your loving Father (God)

Shirley Larkin

     Many of you will look at this picture and see four strangers.  I look at this picture and see three women who were instrumental in shaping me from the time I was 8 years old until I was 14 years old.  Oh, and the other one I don't really know, just that she is a Larkin daughter.  To the people in Minnesota , and all over the country, they are a family pillar in the dance community.

     At the center of this family is Shirley Larkin.  On Wednesday morning the world of dance mourned as Shirley passed away surrounded by her loving family.  As I heard of her passing I couldn't help but to reflect as to what Shirley and her daughters Michelle and Molly meant to me and many other dancers.

     At Larkin giving your best at every class, rehearsal, and competition is just an unspoken rule.  It was a rule that we dancers followed diligently out of respect for our teachers and the Larkin name.  We were taught discipline, we were taught self-control, we were taught dedication, we were taught commitment, and most of all we were taught the love of dance.  Mrs. Larkin, who when I was dancing, was the center of all of this.  She was always there in the office, and would occasionally stop in to check on us in classes.  I know for me, and would guess for all the other dancers, that when Mrs. Larkin walked in; we all stood a little straighter, point our toes a little tighter, kick and jump a  little higher, twirl a little faster, smile a little bit bigger and most certainly didn't chew gum.

     My favorite memory of Mrs. Larkin was when my parents had gotten a divorce and my dad had to learn how to pull my hair back in a bun for ballet class.  We walked right in to Mrs. Larkin's office and she was more than happy to show my dad how to do it.  The best part was she actually spit on her finger and wet my hair with it.  Just like a mother would do.  Of course at the time I was appalled but, now I think of that day fondly.  

    My least favorite memory was during recital finale practice.  All the competition kids would preform the finale at all 6 or 7 shows.  When we rehearsed Mrs. Larkin, Geno, Michelle, and Molly would all be there watching and choreographing.  We had to pick a spot on the wall and stare at it during the rehearsal.  Any of you who know me, focusing my attention on one spot for 5-10 minutes is next to impossible.  If any of them caught you looking away you had to do 50 push-ups.  Needless to say I spent lots of time doing push ups.

     I quit dance in 9th grade because I just didn't have the time to go, but because of the Larkins I never lost my love of dance.  So much can be expressed through it, and the physicality that it takes is just amazing.  I watch "SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE" religiously and to my surprise last year one of my favorite dances was dedicated to michelle Larkin and her fight against breast cancer.  Please take the time to watch it as it will truly make you feel the emotional mess that is cancer...

     

Let them praise his name with dancing *psalm 149:3

May you be dancing with the angels Mrs. Larkin!

A Visit With Lona!!!

For those of you who don't know, I was in the Rehab (physical rehabilitation) at Altru, about 10 months ago for almost a month. While I was there I met a woman who became very near and dear to my heart. She was my best friend, and person (except the fabulous nurses and blue people) who I spent almost all of my free time with. Her name was Lona...she is 95 years old :)

We laughed, we got in trouble, we visited for hours on end, and we both cried when she was transferred to a nursing home. When she left she gave me one of her precious bunnies and the house keepers would fashion it every morning.

Well...LONA IS BACK AT THE REHAB WITH A "SPRAINED ANKLE". It is ironic that she is in the rehab with a sprained ankle because she is in a wheelchair and doesn't walk. We think she just likes to be in the rehab. As they were transporting her back she looked at her stuffed bunny and said, "we are home"

I have visited Lona 3 times, once by myself, and 2 times I brought the dogs up to see her. I wondered if she would be the same. I was fearful that after a year her health had deteriorated. I was pleasantly surprised to see she was the same old Lona. One of the first things she said to me was, "when are you going to bring the babies up to see me?" I knew then for sure that nothing had changed with my dear friend.

Lona is the kind of old lady that you can listen to for hours and just smile and laugh as she is truly one of the funniest people I know. I will share some of our conversations with you, and you will see what a gift from God she is. A true treasure.

*Lona telling me about her cat that kills mice and hides them under her bed "She really is a lovely cat, except       when she is off killing things of course"

*Lona talking about the company she is keeping "I am sick of being around all of these old people, they are truly a bore"

*Lona asks Tammi what her shirt says...'HEY I DON'T DO DRUGS OR WORSHIP SATAN' Lona says "well I don't either, except for the ones they give me here"

*Lona on her lunch "the lunch lady presented me with a beautiful plate and when she unveiled and took the cover off there sat JUST ONE chicken strip, can you imagine?"

*Lona on dinner "I had a hamburger with no bun. I asked the lunch lady why no bun and she said 'you didn't order one' Well who has to order a bun with a hamburger"

*Lona on lunch again "Well I had soup with one cracker, not a package of crackers just one simple cracker"

*Lona about being psycho analyzed "after an hour and a half I finally passed"

*Lona's hair is a greasy disaster yet she looks at her daughter and says "you must do something with your hair it is simply awful. You must wash it"

*Lona takes 2 pain pills in the middle of the night. "I woke up and I was dreadfully drunk. One eye this way and the other that way. I went down to pt and my feet kept falling off the pedals. It was a great embaressment." At 5pm she tells Sasha "I am finally coming down."

*Lona decides she wants Sasha (both of our favorite blue person) to come and visit us. She calls to the nurses station. She tells them she is ready to get ready for bed. They say they will send someone in. She giggles like a little school girl and says "I will just tell them that Ichanged my mind"

*Lona's response to Sasha when she tells her that she is only as old as she feels. "Well I feel d*$m 110 years old."

*Lona showing us an article with pictures and an article off the internet on a breed of dogs she adores. " I got it from Mary, (the recreational therapist). Julie you know her, she is in charge of entertainment around here"

*Lona now has hearing aids, which is nice because you don't have to scream at her. "I really dislike wearing them out because I can hear everything. Did you know that people have phones going off in their purses?"

*Lona gets miralax "I was all washed up and ready for bed and WOOSH...good thing that I was

wearing extra large diapers so it all fit."

I could go on and on, but it still doesn't even come close to capturing the essence that is Lona. For all the crochity statements she has a heart of gold. She loves animals and loves to give ralphie treats. She makes everyone laugh and I feel blessed and honored to be in her life. She just called me and told me she will be here at least another week. Yay me!!! So if you ever are sitting around with time on you hands and nothing to do, run up to the rehab and visit this amazing woman!!!