I Wait All Year For This Post

It’s official. 2019 is going, going gone! What a year it has been. I’m looking forward to 2020. Nothing significant happening, just another chance to have the best year of my life. For those of you who do not follow me on Facebook, or who do, but did not see my post from last week, I’m making some changes in 2020. Here’s what I posted:

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What Is Up With My Dog?

As you all know, I have an old yellow lab and he is awesome! I love him. He makes me laugh and smile and cry and shake my head in wonderment. He can also make me mad, but I’m taking the high road on that one.

I don’t know about you guys, but my dog does some really weird stuff. It confuses me. Like where he chooses to lay, for instance. Sometimes I just can’t figure it out. Usually he chooses the absolute worst place to lay. It’s usually right underfoot and in a dangerous spot. Why right there? Can’t you see I’m working right there?

And what’s up with the whole bathroom thing? I go into the bathroom and sit down on the throne and bam – there he is – right in my business. Really? Do you have to stick your nose there? Sheesh. I do not need to be watched while I’m in the restroom. It’s weird. It freaks me out. I have to lock the bathroom door to keep my dog out. Who else does this?

The dreaming is downright scary sometimes. I’ve often thought he was having a seizure or something with all the shaking and leg flailing and whatnot. The silent jowl quivering as if he’s growling at something big and scary. He does that all the time. Almost every night. What gives? All that whimpering and whining is annoying in the middle of the night. But, I love him and I’m worried about him so I sneak out of bed, squat down next to his oversized doggie pillow and rub his tummy until he stops. What is wrong with me? I’m a big ole softie.

They say dogs dream much like humans dream. If that’s the case, my dog has a nightmare every single night. Better him than me I guess. Weird.

The final confusing characteristic is his constant begging to play, but then when you throw his stick he won’t let go of it when he brings it back. Seriously? I’m not playing tug-of-war. I’ll throw it over and over if you’ll just let go of it. I’m not sure if he thinks he’ll never see it again and if relinquishes the stick to me or what? It’s so weird. I find myself negotiating with him about dropping the stick. I say things like, “You look like you want to play, but you’re not letting me play, too.” Or, “Do you want to play or not? Cuz if you want to play, you’re going to have to drop the stick.” “I’d really love to throw that stick, but I can’t if you don’t drop it.” Etc. etc.

Reasoning with a dog is just plain strange. And yet, that’s what I do. I can’t figure this whole thing out. Sometimes I’ll even throw a different stick (or ball), just to get him to drop the first one, but, nope; he’ll just chase after the second one with the first one still in his mouth. What a goofball.

Does your dog do anything bizarre? Do you often shake your head or roll you eyes at your dog? I mean, dogs are the bomb and all, but sometimes I truly wonder what goes on in their little dog brains.

Word of the Day: Cabestro

Fun fact about me: I never appreciated our pets until I had a puppy of my own. (Sorry Barney Boy. I was a bad human.)

Original post by Jansen Schmidt, March 2016. Photos courtesy Google Images.

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We’ll Leave the Light on For You.

Tom Bodett may not have left the light on for us, but we sure did spend a lot of nights at Motel 6’s. Well, not a lot really, 5 to be exact. And I can vouch that they are truly no frills all the way. Not a single picture adorns any wall. No cupboards, no closets, no clocks.

Photo courtesy Google Images

However, they are almost everywhere, especially along the interstates and they are cheap. And, most importantly for us, as we traveled across country, they allow pets to stay for free.

You’d think with a chain of cheap hotels, you’d pretty much get the same thing at every location. Not so my friends. Not so. Some are nicer than others, some have 2 beds, some 1, some have 2 sinks, some 1, some have a tub/shower combo some just have the shower. But one thing is consistent, you always get exactly 2 slivers of thinly wrapped white soap and 2 white bath towels. If you’re lucky, you’ll get hand towels and on a rare occasion, maybe a wash cloth. In most instances you’ll get a very small ice bucket and 2 plastic cups. Why in God’s name they give you an ice bucket is beyond me, especially one the size of a thimble, because you’ll never be able to find an ice machine.

Air conditioning is usually advertised and there are noisy contraptions in the rooms that spit out luke warm air, but I’m not sure I’d go so far as to call them air cooling systems. I guess that’s how they cut down on the cost of bed linens; keep the room so hot nobody will want to cover up.

Photo courtesy Google Images

Some of these establishments have what appeared to be swimming pools, but even Louisiana bayou gators would have shyed away from a couple of the ones where we stayed. (See me shiver.)

And here’s something else I can almost guarantee, if you stay at a Motel 6, you will be within walking distance of a Denny’s restaurant.

All in all, we had clean rooms that served their purpose, with super easy on/off interstate access. And each morning we had a clever wake-up call from Tom Bodett himself. No other chain hotel can lay claim to that sweet perk.

And, so, after 5 long days on the road, and 5 weird nights at Motel 6’s, we arrived at our destination. Hot, tired, grouchy and willing to practically cut off an arm to get out of the car.

Photo courtesy P. Rickrode

What’s your favorite chain hotel? Ever stay at a Motel 6? Have a great hotel/motel story? I’d love to hear it.

Word of the day: Waggery

Fun fact about me: I like to drive. (But, I won’t be taking any long distance trips any time soon.)

Original post by Jansen Schmidt, August 2015. Photos courtesy P. Rickrode and Google Images.

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To Infinity and Beyond!

Welcome to 2013!!  We made it. The Mayans were either wrong, or they simply got tired of keeping a damn futuristic calendar. I’m voting for the latter. If they were as busy then as I am now, I’m not even sure what I’m doing tomorrow, so who needs to know what’s going on 2000 or so years from now?

But, anyway, here we are. Another year stretches before us. So many possibilities, so many challenges, so many new things to try. I’m not a fan of resolutions, but I do believe in always striving to better oneself, exploring new things, taking risks and just living without sweating the small stuff.

So as we embark on this brave new year, here are some things you may want to consider:

Make a bucket list. Blogger, Myndi Shafer shares her list here: http://myndishafer.wordpress.com/2012/12/10/my-35th-year-living-with-intention/ It doesn’t have to be elaborate or even long, but write down some fun things you’d like to accomplish this year or maybe next year.

Make a promise to be more like your pets. So much can be learned by following the examples set by our pets. Jenny Hansen tells us what she’s learned about her pets here: http://jennyhansenauthor.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/10-writing-lessons-i-learned-from-my-dog/

Pets are one of God’s many blessings that we often take for granted. Take time to enjoy the gifts your pet has to offer.

Keep a gratitude journal as suggested by Ginger Calem here:  http://gingercalem.wordpress.com/2012/01/04/writersbutt/ Ginger has many helpful tips and suggestions for leading a healthy and fit life on her blog. If you haven’t checked it out, I encourage you to stop by sometime for some kind words and positive advice for being the best you you can be.

Try something new for vacation. Might I suggest a cruise? Debra Kristi had a fabulous time and tells about it here: http://debrakristi.wordpress.com/2012/03/15/spring-break-will-you-vacation-how-about-a-cruise/ I recommend resurrecting your inner child and take a trip to Disneyland or Disney World. There’s no place more magical than a world created by Disney Imagineers.

Every day we are confronted with a multitude of opportunities to make lasting memories if we simply slow down and take the time to enjoy what’s around us. This year I challenge my readers to try something new, something a little out of your comfort zone, a little outside your normal every day box.

Even if it’s as simple as trying a new recipe or experiencing a different type of food. Perhaps sushi, Thai food, Indian cuisine. If you’ve thought about it, but haven’t taken the steps to make it happen, I encourage you to join a writer’s group. The advice and uplifting support from other members are hugely rewarding. My gang at the Sacramento Valley chapter of RWA has opened many many doors for me and my creativity.

If you haven’t ever done it, volunteer at a food kitchen or other charitable function that gives back to the community. Volunteering your time is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever enjoy. And who can have too many friends? Reach out to someone, touch a life, enrich your own world. You’ll be glad you did.

Whatever you decide to do this year, make it brave, make it awesome, make it you!

Tell me, where are you going to venture off to this year? What exciting things do you have planned? What goals have you set for yourself? I’d love to hear them and cheer you on toward attaining them.

Word of the Day:  Natatorial

Fun Fact About Me:  I love to make scrapbooks.

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