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Thanksgiving

Friday, November 26th, 2010

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent the weekend before Thanksgiving with our family in Ohio, yesterday with Mom and Dad, and the rest of the weekend will be spent catching up with the rest of the family.  I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

My imaginary friend, Dr. Amanda Brown, invited me to participate in Grand Rounds, a forum that is typically made up entirely of human medical doctors (not that we veterinarians are not both human and medical doctors, but you know what I mean…I never know what to call those guys.)

Anyways, this week, Dr. Brown was in charge of Grand Rounds, and I was out of town, but just look at the awesome group of veterinarians and…other guys…she gathered!  Anyways, she gathered a great group of doctors, and they came up with a great group of articles and blog postings about gratitude.

GRAND ROUNDS

first time on facebook, first time to include veterinarians, first time hosted by an imaginary person!

Last year at this time, I posted something for which I was grateful for every day of November on facebook and twitter.  This year, the month got by me…it was full of all of those things I should have been listing!  So here is my “catch up” list.  It’s going to be sweeping and general, random and overlapping so as not to leave anyone or anything out.  What an awesome thing to have to consider…

Thank you that as Creator and Sustainer of the universe you would not only bother with me, which in itself is impossible to wrap my head around, but also love me and save me and walk through this life with me down to the detail and minute and very smallest whisker – I know what breaks my heart breaks Yours – May what breaks Your heart break mine.

Thank you too for…

friends

family

pets

books

the opportunity to write what I’m thinking

people to share it with

the Awesomes of Blogathon 2010

my job

my career

my kids

Mom

Dad

Russ

our house

our neighborhood

the girls’ school

Westwood Church

my baby niece and baby nephew

my big kid nieces and big kid nephews

my brothers

my Family-I-Love (Jodi and I came up with that gem-is that better than sister-in-law Sara Jean?? :))

my extended family…I love that my coworkers say “You are related to everyone!”

our garden

Omaha

America

my kids’ awesome heritage from the Grandparents I miss dearly back to the ancestors I do not even know

Here comes the part of grace where my friend Beth’s little brother would start thanking God for the ketchup and the salt and the napkins…

our bread machine

hardwood floors

the clicking of dog toenails and the creaking of kid feet

Max the Cat’s habit of getting between me and my book or me and the keyboard

my art table

my camera phone

stickers

Sharpies

notebooks and sketchbooks

Petie the Cruiser

walking bridges

and so on…

Happy Thanksgiving All

♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Switch

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Switch:  How to Change Things When Change is Hard

by

Chip Heath and Dan Heath

I loved it!  Five Stars!

✩✩✩✩✩

I have had friends AND coworkers make fun of me for reading every single word of every book I read, starting with the table of contents.  I need context people!  I started this book with a search for the relationship between the authors.  In case you are not as neurotic as I am (or in case you are), the last sentence of the “about the authors” synopsis on the back cover reveals that they are brothers.  Now I was ready to begin.

I often say I do not like change.  In the middle of change, I moan about it.  After change, I gripe about it.  A year later, I look around and realize that change was the best thing for me.  As a new change comes up, I complain about it…

The authors challenged that attitude almost right from the beginning (p.4).  I liked getting married…that was change.  I liked having both kids enter our life…that was change.  I liked moving home to Omaha…that was change.  In response to their challenge to rethink our attitudes towards change, I have decided never to say “I just don’t like change” again.  There.  That will not change.  Ha!

They explained how to motivate others or even ourselves by breaking down the components of change into our rationality (rider), our emotions (elephant) and the path to change.  While I was reading, I kept coming back to some of my own “What if” big change dreams…

What if kids in Haiti were not hungry?

What if puppy mills were gone?

I already obsess about this and other stuff, of course.  We all have our “What if” dreams, I guess.  This book made me think “What if…I could have something to do with the changes?”  And that is huge.

Also, this book made me cry, which of course, even given my overly sappy nature, leadership books are not supposed to do.  The story that got me was the story about the transformation of an underachieving high school to a very successful high school brought about by the incoming principal (p. 173-175). She changed the entire school’s outlook on learning by changing the school’s grading system from A, B, C, D, F to A, B, C and NY (not yet).

(Side note:  Comments in parenthesis – Five Stars!  ✩✩✩✩✩  If the authors write a book containing everything they say in parenthesis in this book, and add some equally smart alec material, I will pay anything for it.  I found myself flipping ahead to read their usually related, always hilarious, smarty-pants side comments.)

One more “This Book is Awesome” point, then I will just let you read the book for yourself.  Anyone who mentions FlyLady and Dave Ramsey, two of my favorite leaders and authors, in the same sentence (p. 134), gets five stars just for that.

Bunny Trails: The images of an elephant and his rider as a person’s sometimes dueling emotions and mind are borrowed from The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt.  I have a feeling if these authors like a book, I will too.  So that’s on my “What’s Next” list.  Chip Heath and Dan Heath also wrote a book before Switch called Made to Stick which I assume is equally awesome.

Pile it on!  I’ve got plenty of bookmarks!  I’ve had bigger stacks on my nightstand!

This is number…something…of the twenty-five books I am reading in Veterinary Economics Leadership Series. As of this past weekend, I have all of the 25 books tracked down, and only seven more of them to get my hands on.  Thank you for all of your help with this fun project!

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Blogathon 2010 – We Made It! (So Far…)

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

Woo!  We made it!  It is 5:00 am Central time which is when my Dad (THE official morning person) gets up which means it is morning, which means we made it all night!  Yay.  Now we just have to make it all morning too.

Good Morning Dad!!  First time I’ve said that first!  Ever.

Thank you Mom and Dad for loaning us the second computer and for supporting us and for supporting Bradyn!!

I was always the good kid in school.  I stayed in my seat.  I minded my own business.  I never talked out of turn.  (I rarely talked at all!)  Now I am going to be the kid who gets out of her seat and wanders around to all the other blogs while the bloggers are trying to concentrate.

This is where I would put all the pictures of hamsters in costume if I had thought through the idea better and borrowed my nephews’ hamsters like I intended.  (Why stop at Ham-Rabbit?  How cute would Ham-Lion be??)  Even though it IS officially morning, I doubt their Mama wants me knocking on their door right now, Sharpie in hand, asking to photograph their pets.  So I will come see what you other bloggers are doing.

K see you in a minute…

Clicking here will bring you to the webpage with information about Bradyn and an opportunity to donate towards the training of his service dog from 4 Paws for Ability. ♥

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Blogathon 2010 – Random Things Over Which I Tend to Obsess

Sunday, November 14th, 2010

taking care not to dangle participles, to the point of creating awkward blog titles in order to avoid it

Movies…

While You Were Sleeping

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

August Rush

Juno

Shows…

Scrubs (Season 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and back to 1…)

Projects…

Articles – Not being able to obsess about each posting for a few weeks before I write it and at least a week afterwards has been VERY hard for me tonight!  But it is probably good for me.  Even so, I will probably monkey with all of my Blogathon posts this next week…

Lists

My vision board – a bulletin board above my art table where I keep goals on index cards (written in Sharpie-I love Sharpies!)

current obsessive kick – finishing the Veterinary Economics Recommended Reading List

Health

of my husband

and kids

and pets

and patients

Surgical Procedures – Every Step from Start to Finish

spays (I’ve done hundreds)

gastric dilatation-volvulus surgery (I’ve yet to do one)

“Other”

toe nail polish

Music

“God of This City” by Bluetree

“Sometimes by Step” by Rich Mullins

 

 

Clicking here will bring you to the webpage with information about Bradyn and an opportunity to donate towards the training of his service dog from 4 Paws for Ability. ♥

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I Can’t Believe I Read the WHOLE Thing!

Friday, November 5th, 2010

You know those super obnoxious restaurant contests where you get your dinner free and your picture on the wall if you finish a gigantic steak that ought to be cut into ten servings??  Well, I feel like someone owes me a giant free book.  Oh wait, never mind!  (Thank you Omaha Public Library!)

Truman

by

David McCullough

Five Stars!

✩✩✩✩✩

I loved this book!  I did not think I would.  I am not a history buff.  (I mean I was not a history buff, now I am.)  I thought I preferred lighter reading.  Ha!  I honestly strained my finger (LF digit #4 if I were a dog) picking this book up off my nightstand and putting it down over the past several weeks.  I learned quickly to pick it up with two hands!

From the first chapter, I was caught up in learning about the life of President Truman.  He was a great man and a great leader.  For all of the major world decisions he was called on to make, he was, at heart, a midwestern farmer with solid values, making every decision seemingly from that perspective.

The author spent ten years researching, interviewing and writing.  That alone is enough reason to investigate the book – what kind of person could keep a biographer’s attention for ten years??  I do not know how to explain what a great job David McCullough did at making this a fascinating read – it contains mainly facts and dates, which ought to be a recipe for a dry portrayal of American history, but it is quite the opposite.

This morning I finished the book at two o’clock am, glad to have accomplished another twenty-fifth of my reading project, but sad to come to the end of the life story of Harry S. Truman.  When a book keeps me up till all hours even to the very end, it is one I will highly recommend!

Bunny Trails: I would like to read all of the books written by David McCullough.  He is an amazing story teller.  I would also like to read more history books in general.  I will focus on this project for now though!  Eleven books left to read!

I have not yet found eight of the twenty-five books on the reading list.  Omaha Public Library has been awesome at tracking down books and sending them my way!  All the bookstores in Papillion and Omaha are used to me rummaging through all their shelves.  (I already did that before I started this project!)  If you have any of the books on the Veterinary Economics Summer Reading List that you would be willing to loan out, please let me know!  I would also like a congratulatory picture on your bulletin board when I finish it.

4/30/2011 In writing a summary of this book project I learned that David McCullough narrated the movie  Sea Biscuit which was neither here nor there, but I thought it was really interesting, and now it is here. : )

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What I am Reading this Week – The Same Big Important Books

Monday, October 11th, 2010

I am reading through Veterinary Economic’s Summer Reading List.  Ha, very funny Veterinary Economics!  This is not summer reading!  This pile of books is taller than Wuzzy Rat!  At least the Bible in a Year gives me, you know, a year.  From the “summer” list, I am currently reading Collapse, by Jared Diamond, and Truman, by David McCullough.  I expect to be here for quite some time!  So, no reviews for a while!  I am loving Truman, which surprised me.  I am not usually a big history buff, but it is a great book.

Wuzzy Rat and Phil discuss whether I can actually finish this project, while Bunny tries to jump from the lamp to the Bible.

 

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31 Days to Building a Better Blog

Friday, October 1st, 2010

October 1, 2010 – Day 1 of Building a Better Blog

Today I started to work through ProBlogger‘s suggested tips on “”  Click here for the link to his e-book.  It was brought to my attention by Dino Dogan, who is a wonderful dog blogger.  Darren Rowse (ProBlogger) is awesome in his own field, and is gifted at helping other bloggers improve.  I loved the story of how he helped a bunch of Evangelical Christian bloggers improve.  Now he is working on us pet folks (not that there can’t be some overlap!)

I have had his site bookmarked and have been monkeying with the idea of following his suggestions for quite some time.  Today seemed like a good day to start.  I love October.  It does have thirty-one days.  So here goes.  Should be a fun project!  Thank you Dino Dogan! And thank you ProBlogger! I think you are both great!

October 2, 2010 – Day 2 of Building a Better Blog

For my “first reader audit” I chose my oldest daughter.  My youngest is watching cartoons and every single adult in my family was disqualified because they have all helped me with this blog from the beginning!

Dave, of course, created the website for me.  Russ proofread my earliest attempts and still gives me valuable insight, and everyone else, including those two great guys, loans me cute pictures, gives me great advice, comments, proofreads, and most of all encourages.  (Whispering…You are the *best* family in the world.)

Thank you Kid for giving up a half hour of cartoons and for your wise insight. You are both the best kids anyone could ever hope for, and I love you so much!!

My Not So Little Helper Half a Lifetime Ago!

She is with Ebony Dog – That’s Piggy in the Top Left Corner!

October 5, 2010 – Day 5 of Building a Better Blog

me:  Hi Dave?  How do I get to the ‘About’ page of Riley and James?  Hi Dave, it’s me again.  What does Flash mean?  Hi Dave?  How do I edit this page?  Hi Dave?  Quick question!  Dave?  hmmm…must have accidently disconnected…

(Thank you for everything Dave Nelson!)

October 12, 2010 – Day 14 of Building a Better Blog

I know, I am getting ahead of myself, but an upcoming assignment involves analyzing ten blogs in my niche.  Ten?  It took me years to find one veterinary blog I loved, and now I have to gather ten?

Well, I can tell you they are out there.  Through twitter, #dogtalk and dvm360, I have found all sorts of very fun veterinarians who are also bloggers.  So I listed my ten favorite veterinary blogs, and kept the list open so I can add more as I remember or discover them.  I will, of course, have a similar Veterinary Blog Reviewing Policy as my Leadership Book Reviewing Policy.  (Unless I can say “Great Book!  Five Stars!” I will not say anything.  My Mom taught me that.)

I actually probably will not review the veterinary blogs at all, as it is much simpler for you to click a link to a veterinary blog than to buy or borrow a leadership book!  You do not need me to review the sites for you!  Just read through some of them and see what you think!  I will tell you this –

I think they are all great!  Five stars!

✩✩✩✩✩

October 25, 2010 – Day 25 of Building a Better Blog

Today’s project was to go to a mall and answer a bunch of questions about marketing.  (whine)  I don’t LIKE shopping!  So I grumbled my way to Oakview Mall and wandered around until I landed in the food court.  Then I remembered I DO like Oakview Mall.  And I DO like brainstorming…and sitting by myself with a notebook and a purple pen.  So I had a productive and enjoyable time despite myself.  Thanks ProBlogger.  I will do less complaining and more direction following.

October 28, 2010 – Day 28 of Building a Better Blog

Today’s assignment – create a mission statement for your blog:

To Promote Preventative Care of Pets in Order to Enrich the Lives of Pets and Their People

That’s always been my mission, since Riley and James started as “Riley’s Fan Club.”  It feels good to articulate it, not sure if I’ve ever done that.  I suppose I should put it somewhere more prominent than the end of an ongoing month-long post.  There, I made it bold.  And centered it.

November 1, 2010 Well, I have finished the 31 Day Challenge.  It has been very helpful.  It has stretched me and my computer capabilities beyond what I would have stretched myself.  It has given me tools to continue to use.  Thank you ProBlogger.  I really appreciate your help and your overall helping others attitude.  From your newest fan…

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What I am Doing This Week, Posting Fun Links – Artists for Hope, Generation Vet…

Monday, September 20th, 2010

I thought it would be fun to post links to some fun pet (and not pet) related things I have been reading or working on lately.  Check out as many as you have time for.  Add your own favorites in the comment section if you would like.   My Favorite Things seem very random when I write them out like this, but they make sense in my head!

♪♫ ♪♫ ♪♫ These are a few of my favorite things ♪♫ ♪♫ ♪♫

Artists for Hope You may remember me talking about this wonderful group here and in the Wuzzy Chronicles.  They just returned from another trip to Cazale, Haiti to visit the children and staff of The Real Hope for Haiti Rescue Center, and to continue their work with local Haitian artists.

Photobucket

Thank you Artists for Hope for the kind mention on your website! A veterinary blog and an artist/children’s welfare blog may seem like an odd combination, but in Real Life, it is a very natural fit!

Generation Vet has a thirteenth episode out.  I am still not over the fun of a veterinary comic strip.  It may seem strange to be such good friends with an imaginary veterinarian, but I LOVE Dr. Amanda Brown!

My Cat – My article on Omaha.net about Max the Cat is up.  He is THE best cat in the world.  If you and I are “real life” friends, you have probably met him, but if you have not, meet him here.

Next up on Omaha.net will be an article about dealing with pet loss.  As you know, I prefer writing about happy topics, but covering this subject is long overdue for me.  I think I have done it in a way that will be more helpful than depressing.  You will have to let me know when it comes out in a week or two.  Thank you Mom-Karen for the gentle nudging to address pet loss and grief.

Writing! I am LOVING working with Carefresh!  Still hoping to work with  My Favorite Dog and Cat Pet Food Company in the World and dvm360 (Here’s my Look At Me! blog post about twitter for veterinarians.  May be helpful for non-vets too.)

Being a Vet – I spent all last week at work (usually I work one day a week) and just loved it.  Wonderful staff, wonderful clients, wonderful patients.  This week I am back on Mom Duty (Haha, get it?  We are never off Mom Duty!) and have more time for writing.  And time for feeding Fuzzy Rat, who is still having vestibular (balance) issues.  I appreciate my pets providing me an endless supply of blogging material, but really, boring would be just fine!

Petchat and Dogtalk – One last fun link, in case you read this today…petchat and dogtalk are both tonight.  If you read this LATER than today, they are every Monday night!  Very fun, and I learn so much from other pet lovers.  They are both worth checking out!

My Small Tipsy Rat – I am going to go mix up some Critical Care and peanut butter, and spend some quality time with Fuzzy Rat.  Have a great week!

 

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What I am Reading This Week – Big Important Books

Friday, September 17th, 2010

I have not reviewed a book from the Veterinary Economics Summer Reading List here for a while because I have apparently saved all of the big, huge books for last, and they are taking me FOREVER to read!  I am almost halfway done with the twenty-five books.  I am still having fun, and I am learning lots, but I may not have much to say for a while.  I will complete the list, but most likely not by the end of summer!

I found a cute star template weeks ago and have not gotten to use it yet.  So I will give you my input on a Book NOT on the list, you know, so I can use my stars…

Word of God – Five Stars!

✩✩✩✩✩

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What I am Reading This Week: How to Win Friends and Influence People

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

Next in the leadership series…

How to Win Friends and Influence People

by

Dale Carnegie

Since I am only reviewing leadership books of the Veterinary Economics suggested reading list http://www.cprw.com/wp-content/themes/gazette/cheap-essay-writing-service-uk.html to which I can give five stars, I think I will start each review the same way…I loved this book!  Five stars!

And I did.  How to Win Friends and Influence People was published in 1936 and I absolutely LOVE Dale Carnegie’s writing style.  He wrote as if he were wearing a top hat.  Unfortunately, I read a rereleased edition that Mrs. Carnegie published in 1981.  She updated some of the stories and language.  So every time I read a story in the first person that occurred after Mr. Carnegie passed away in 1955, I would do a double take – a sort of “I-just-saw-a-ghost” jump and yell.  The lessons in this book are invaluable and timeless.  I will buy it for sure if I can find an original edition.

Bunny Trails Several times, when Mr. Carnegie needed an especially pure or great example, he would turn to a story of a dog.  What struck me was his emphasis on the effectiveness of positive reinforcement training (which he did not word in that way of course, as it is a relatively new term, though not as new of a concept as I had assumed.)  When he wanted to emphasize how kind words are more effective than harsh words, he would remind the readers how much more quickly our pets learn when we train with kindness and rewards.  I began to think it would be very fun to trace the history of animal training.

Of course, as far back as the Old Testament, Balaam was reprimanded by an angel of God Himself for mistreating his poor donkey.  But I had until now assumed that “Positive Reinforcement Training” as a replacement for “Negative Reinforcement Training” had just tipped into favor in the last few decades.  Apparently wise, successful people knew all along that kindness and compassion are the best way to treat anyone, whether human or animal, and just did not have a nifty name for the concept yet.

Also, of course, I would like to read the other books Dale Carnegie has written.  He had an engaging writing style, and fun stories with solid morals.  And while he was a great man in his own right, he also seems to have been one or two degrees from every famous person of his time, which also makes for a fun read.

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