Good Things

In this post at the beginning of the year I wrote that one of my new years resolutions was going to be to work on my friendships. I'm happy to say that a few months in, I do feel as though some of my friendships have grown stronger than they were at the beginning of the year. The one highlighted in that post particularly. It really took some time to step away and reflect and then the deliberate act of setting aside time to spend just with that person but I think the relationship we're currently (re)developing is solid. Friendships and relationships are work and anyone who tells you otherwise is lying or naive. But as Ben Affleck said at the Oscars they're "the best kind of work" and the rewards can be endless. 

On the note of friendships, I am excited to see the development of two more that I know are going to be very valuable to me over the next few years. My best friend Tiffany and I created a small study group with two other girls in our masters program and this group (or the "Core Four" as one of the girls has dubbed us) has been such a blessing in my life. When Percy died, I was met at study group with flowers and cards and chapstick (my favorite thing!), not to mention hugs and kind words, and I had barely known these girls a couple weeks! Since then, we've each had hard moments and there's been a few breakdowns, but somehow we've had the sense of security to be able to open up and bare parts of ourselves to each other that not many other people in our lives have seen. We all come from very different paths and are drastically different, yet share many of the same fears and values and anxieties. I am so so thankful for my Core Four and know they are going to enrich my life beyond words in the next few years.

And as for school...I am 3 weeks away from completing my first semester in grad school! One class is 100% done and once the extra credit points are factored in, I should pull off a solid A. As for the second...all quizzes and assignments are done, I just need to keep up with a few more weeks of lecture and kick some booty on the final! Getting back to school has been an adjustment (though, considering this is degree #3 it kind of feels like I've never left) but I am really excited for what its going to mean for my life in a few years. 

And one last Good Thing that I know will make everyone smile. Remember how I wrote that Florida Little Dog Rescue was going to name one of their recent rescues after me in honor of Percy? Well I have some pictures of her and am happy to announce that her adoption to a new home is currently pending! Some of the things her foster mom said about her on the website: "Kristen is well behaved and poses beautifully for the camera. She is very shy at first but once she gets to know you, she will be your best friend. She loves toys, cuddling, and giving lots of kisses!" There should be a picture of her with her new family on the FLDR website shortly and I will be sure to share that with you, but for now look at these pictures of how well she cleaned up after a good bath and some grooming!

I love those ears in the first picture and her smile in the second one. What happy girl she is! Percy and her would've been fast friends, I'm sure of it. 

Love,

KayCee

My Favorite Things: Oscar Edition

It's been awhile since I've done a 'Favorite Things' post so even though its a couple weeks late, here is my Favorite Things: Oscar edition. 

1. My favorite dress of the evening goes to Amy Adams. I love the soft blue color against her pale skin and red hair. I love the way the bodice fits and I absolutely love the full, feathered skirt.  It's perfect for the event, but could I also see this in white as a wedding dress? Absolutely. 

2. Les Miserables cast performance. If you haven't yet seen this movie, you need to put down the computer right this moment and drive to the theatre. Granted, you're going to want to make sure you've got at least 3 hours to kill and know ahead of time that the entire movie is sung. But with those two things in mind, it was definitely one of the most captivating movies I've seen in a long time. The Oscars focused a lot on the return of the musical and when the cast of Les Mis took the stage and sang, I had goosebumps. 

3. Samantha Barks. Most of you know that for years now I've had a bit of a crush on Keira Knightley. Can't put my finger on it, but something about her off-beat beauty and pouty mouth has always captivated me. But ever since seeing Les Mis, seeing her red carpet interview, and watching her sing with the cast at the Oscars, Samantha Barks, who plays Eponine in Les Mis (and was actually plucked from the London stage where she was playing the same role, to play it in the movie), has grabbed my attention. Apparently I have a thing for abnormally skinny, British women? I never thought I had a big thing for accents, but maybe I was wrong. Here they are side by side. What do you think?

4. Jennifer Lawrence. Who isn't captivated by the Girl on Fire these days? She caught my attention playing Katniss in The Hunger Games but she really impressed me as Tiffany in Silver Linings Playbook. I had very little expectations walking into that movie, but it was definitely a winner all around. But more than her roles, I love her completely humble and self-depricating personality. I hope she never changes! These are two of my favorite videos from the night: her answering reporters questions after her win and her run-in with Jack Nicholson backstage. 

Love

KayCee

Puppy Love, Part 2

So last time I wrote, I was mourning the loss of my Percy. I still miss him everyday but I am excited and touched by some of the good that has come after his passing. I donated to Florida Little Dog Rescue and after reading my post, my sister Katie followed suit and did the same. One of the things I love about the group is that they will post pictures of all the dogs they want to save and then credit the person who donates to allow them to save each dog. So Katie and I both got to see who our money saved.

And then there's my mom. Not only did she donate money, she took it upon herself to write to FLDR tell them about me, Percy, and this blog. Here's what she wrote:

Dear Little Dog Rescue,

I have made a donation to your group this evening, following the example
of my two daughters, Kristen and Katie in honor of one very special

little guy.  Three years ago Kristen adopted a miniature poodle from LDR

(originally named Snowflake) and renamed Percival, aka "Percy".  Sadly,
Percy passed away last week, but not before making a big impression in many
people's lives.  Kristen writes a blog about various events in her life.  I
thought you might enjoy reading the blog post she wrote about Percy.  I
have attached it to this email.  Thank you for all the hard work you do and
the difference you make in the lives of so many dogs.  Your site pulls at
my heartstrings just as Percy did.
Sincerely,
Jane

Then, amazingly, they wrote back. 

Oh Jane....

I am so saddened to hear about Percy. My heart is breaking and tears are flowing.  He was so blessed to be so loved. What an amazing gift your daughter gave him, for him to truly know "the good life" before he crossed the Bridge.  In that last picture you can really see how safe and loved he felt.  There are not enough words to express our thanks for Kristen giving him that comfort and love.  You raised your daughter well, she is one special woman:)

I will be thrilled to save one in his honor.  I met a very special little girl tonight at Osceola Animal Control, a very scared 7-9 month old silver yorkie mix.  Her owners just dumped her off when they decided a puppy was too much work, and honestly, given her condition, I don't think they ever did any "work" with her.  The kennel manager asked me to come up tonight and see her, to see if we could please rescue her Monday morning when her hold time is "up". (this is how I spend my Friday night - dropping my kids off at dance and going to see emergency dogs at animal control after hours!).  I told them of course we would save her.  

That is who your donation will save, and if it's ok with you, I would like to name her Kristen.  I have attached her picture here.

Laurie

I'm not ashamed to admit it...by the end of that second letter, the tears were streaming down my face. Saving animals is hugely important to me and honoring Percy through donations means so much as well. But to have a little one actually named after me touched me more than I could have expected. I am so happy she's getting a fresh start and I can't wait to follow her journey through grooming, foster care, and eventually a furever home. And of course I promise to share that journey here. But until then, please meet my namesake, little Kristen :)

Love,
KayCee

Puppy Love

My Percival passed away last week. He'd been having many health problems over the last 6 months and eventually his little heart just couldn't take it anymore. But I like to think that his heart just wasn't big enough for how much love he tried to hold in it. I got him as an older adult from a rescue group 3 years ago because I wanted to give my love and home to an animal who needed me, but who didn't necessarily require the time and attention a new puppy would. Little did I know, Percy would reignite my passion for those who have lived unfortunate lives and cannot speak for themselves. He'd been picked up as a stray and it was obvious by his weight and the length and state of his hair that he'd been fending for himself for quite some time. It took a little bit of time for him to grow accustomed to knowing he could trust me, but once he did, he showed me why dogs really are (wo)man's best friend. Never have I felt such amazing, pure, unlimited love from such a little creature. And I will forever be thankful for all the cuddles, nub-wags, and happy squeaks awaiting me every time I would come in the door. He was the highlight of my day over the last three years and the apartment feels so much emptier without his little 6-pound body. Percy, your mama loved you so much and misses you every day. But I find peace knowing you're at rest now, without pain, and that Prancer was across that rainbow bridge waiting for you.

Percy cuddling up on his warm mountain of freshly washed sheets

Bravely showing off his bandage after one of his procedures last fall

My little man and I getting ready to celebrate New Years Eve 2013

The two of us cuddling the day before he died. In his last few days, resting on my chest seemed to be the only thing that helped him breathe easier. Today, I am so thankful for this last picture with him.

So, number 16 on my 30 Before 30 list is to "Donate $50 a month to 12 different causes I feel strongly about for one year." In honor of Percy, January's donation went to Florida Little Dog Rescue which is the rescue group I adopted Percy from. I cannot say enough good things about this group. All of their animals are dogs that they've saved from Death Row at animals shelters. Every single one of these dogs would be put to sleep if FLDR hadn't of stepped in. And not only do they save the healthy dogs, but they are not afraid to step up and save the special needs dogs, the animals with problems that need medical or surgical attention before being placed for adoption. These are the animals that are usually put down without a second thought because they're not "worth" the time, attention, or money it would take to rehabilitate them. These are the animals that need us the most! Here are some of these animals stories:

Here is Houston, who was dubbed a "throw away" dog because his owners literally just discarded him. A lab mix, he came in incredibly underweight at only 26 pounds with gashes on his ear, a fever, skin rashes, and actively throwing up. FLDR gave him the vet care and medicine he needs and he's now being fostered until they find his forever home.

Above is a before and after of Rojo, who came in severely underweight and suffering from pneumonia. Look at what a turn-around he made in less than a month of just a little TLC!

Above is a picture of Liam, who picked up by Animal Control, unable to walk due to a shattered pelvis and two broken back legs. Through FLDR and their donations, Liam had extensive surgical repairs and is on his way to a full recovery. And here he is, all happy and healthy after a bath:

These are sweet, loving, beautiful dogs that don't deserve what life has dealt them. FLDR unselfishly donates time and money to the rehabilitation of these animals. Each dog will be individually fostered in a home so when that dog is adopted out, the foster parent can accurately account for the dog's likes, dislikes, fears, behavior, etc. And when you adopt a dog, whether its from FLDR or another rescue organization, you are paying $75-300 for an animal that comes fully vetted with all their shots, spayed or neutered, and the knowledge that the money you're paying is directly going towards the care and rescue of another animal in need. You can't get that confidence or feeling from a breeder or pet store! 

I urge you all to go to the FLDR website and take a look at all the work they do. Their special needs cases are chronicled so you can read updates and all their adoptable and recently adopted dogs are showcased with pictures and stories. Additionally, there is a place where you can make donations. Forty-five dollars can save a dog from Death Row. Seventy-five dollars will not only save a dog, but will guarantee the care of a special needs dog who just needs a little extra help to get their life back. 

In honor of Percy, once known to FLDR volunteers as Snowflake, I am donating $75 to kick off my year of donations. I know Percy would be proud to know the people who once saved him from a life on the streets are being provided the means to continue to save the lives of more deserving souls. 

Love,

KayCee

2013: A year of friendships and new beginnings

Welcome to 2013. I don't feel as much like I entered this year gracefully and calmly, as I was drop-kicked into it. So far this year has been full of a roller coaster ride of emotions for me. And while the majority of those feelings have been negative, I'm now beginning to come out on the other side and find value in things breaking. Because when things break you have no choice but to move on or piece them back together, and either way, that defines a new beginning. 

I have always been extremely cautious of my friendships. I'm the girl who has a few close friends that she holds close to her heart and takes a long time to nurture new relationships. Some of this has always been a part of me and some of it is a result of life experiences. I've lost many friends over the years. Some have just naturally grown apart, some have been a result arguments and disagreements that, once they occurred, we could just never see eye to eye again. In the past few years I have even had someone I considered to be one of my most dear friends tell me that my efforts to see her and keep in touch with her once I moved to a different city stressed her out and she didn't care to have me in her life anymore. That hurt, a lot. As a result, I can be pretty guarded and nothing means more to me than when someone tells or shows me that they truly value my place in their life. 

2012 was a hard year on one of my friendships in particular. We began to grow in separate directions and instead of allowing that to bring depth to our friendship, we allowed it to tear us apart, even as we refused to recognize it. We each did things that, while they had nothing to do with the other person, still managed to build a wall between us. We made small acknowledgments along the way that this was happening, but never made any drastic efforts to change it. This resulted in her feeling unsupported by me with some important developments in her life and me feeling completely abandoned and as if our friendship meant nothing to her. Something had to give, and finally, right after the new year, it did. 

As I've said many times before, I am not the girl who believes "everything happens for a reason." But occasionally things come together that makes me consider it possible. An acquaintance and fellow blogger, Becca, wrote this blog post 'To Endure the Betrayal of False Friendships' right as I needed to read something along those lines. I needed to know I wasn't the only one who had felt the ups and downs of friendships lately. And some of my other friends, seeing how devastated I was, completely stepped up and made me feel valued. For me, that is huge. I am so blessed with the new relationships I have developed over the last year and I cannot wait to nurture them and see how they grow. I have met some absolutely amazing girls that I now feel I would be lost without. It's only in the beginning days of our friendships and they already mean a lot to me. 

New Years has always been my favorite holiday because, to me, its about new beginnings and fresh starts. And while I would have much preferred this new start to stem from something more positive, in the end, it truly doesn't matter what the catalyst is if you can learn something valuable from it. In the past two or three days, I've seen very small steps toward a new beginning with my friend and I'm cautiously optimistic. It will take awhile to completely heal the hurt, but she means the world to me and I would be devastated to not have her in my life. Sometimes things need to completely break in order to begin to put them back together.

So here is my New Years Resolution. 2013 is going to be about two things for me. The first is friendships. I want to spend a lot of time and attention on the friendships I currently have and make sure each one knows how special they are to me and how vital their role in my life is. I would be lost without them and I need to take the time to listen and care about everything that is important in their life. I would want the same. Secondly, I need to spend time on myself and my self worth. Some of hurt in this situation may not have happened if I had more faith in myself and who I am without the other people in my life. I have a bad habit of comparing certain life aspects with others and allowing jealousy to act as almost a third party in certain relationships. Fixing this is no ones responsibility except my own and I know working on this will only act to strengthen my relationships. 

So here's to a new year and all the blessings it will bring, both obvious and in disguise.

Love,

KayCee

As 2012 ends...

 Merry Christmas to all! I hope everyone had as wonderful a day as I did! I worked the few days leading up to Christmas, Christmas Eve included, but I made it home just before midnight and in time to wake up to Christmas morning with my family. Our tree magically went from barren of any presents (due to our concern that my family's many animals would...well, eat some of them) to the sight you see to the left overnight. Yes, my family is generous and ridiculous all at once. But would you believe many of the presents were for our pets? If you know us well, you probably would. We had a leisurely morning full of family bonding, coffee cake devouring, and present opening, promptly followed by a few naps and Christmas dinner later in the afternoon. 

I am excited to announce that a few of 

the gifts I received will help me cross some things off my 30 Before 30 list. I have two more Disney movies to put towards my collection, books 3 and 4 in the Song of Fire and Ice (aka Game of Thrones) series, and a very funny how-to knitting book! I'm very excited to put these to good use. Also, I've decided 2013 is going to be my year to donate monthly to 12 different charities or causes. Some I have already selected because I have donated or been involved with them in the past, but I definitely don't have all 12 picked out, so I'm taking suggestions for causes you feel strongly about. I will say for sure that in January my donation is going to World Wildlife Fund. I wasn't going to post too much about my donations, but I think I might post a little blurb about who I'm donating to each month in case anyone wants to get involved with me!

New Years Eve (my favorite holiday) is coming up on Monday and I can't wait to go out and celebrate with some friends. I may also be particularly excited about a pair of gold glitter Fergilicious (no joke) peep-toe pumps I bought for the occasion. But one of the reasons I love NYE so much is I feel like its all about starting fresh and getting a new beginning. January this year is going to start a whole new chapter in my life as I go back to school and begin training for a new (well, advanced) career as an ARNP. I also like to make at least one new years resolution and see if I can stick with it. Any advice for me? Suggestions? I've only got a couple of days to decide this!!

Well, I am off to bed to prepare for my last day of work of 2012. I'll leave you with a few pictures of my sweet family and I on Christmas.

Love,

KayCee

 

(C'mon, you didn't think you'd make it out of this post without at least one Christmas picture of my boys, did you??)

1. Get my last tattoo

I finally did it!! After talking about it and debating it for going on 4 years now, I finally bit the bullet and got my last tattoo. Yes, it is my last one - I promised my mom I would put that in writing if she wanted me to! When my first cat passed, the vet gave me a mold of his paw print when they returned his ashes to me. Animals have always been a huge passion of mine and I'd long considered getting a paw print tattoo, but now that I had his mold, I was able to give my tattoo a personal twist. I took the mold into the artist and he was able to make a copy of the print and we based the sketch off Prancer's actual print. I didn't want his name on my foot because, to me, the tattoo represents all my pets past, current, and future, and just my passion for animals in general, but having a little something of Prancer on my foot makes me love the final product that much more. 

Thank goodness I didn't have to do this alone (I've never gotten a tattoo without someone there getting one as well). My friend Denyse from work came with me and got her first ever tattoo! She was much braver than I was, but in my defense, foot tattoos are really painful!! Hers is a red lotus flower with the word "love" written in Thai.

Besides working on my 30 Before 30 list, there's been a lot going on this month! I've been hard at work finishing my Christmas shopping. I'm happy to say I was done shopping and completely wrapped by Dec 16th this year. Not too shabby. And of course Meagan and I brought back our annual pink and silver Christmas tree in classic Apt 302 tradition. Obnoxiousness is our specialty. I'm pretty excited about my Christmas presents this year. I started out the season with zero ideas for anyone, but while I was out, I feel like I was really able find something perfect for everyone. Its a good feeling when the thing you're most excited about this season is giving. That's what its supposed to be all about, right?

I also got to attend the wedding of an amazing new friend from work earlier this month. It was such a beautiful, special moment for her and I was blessed to be in attendance. I am so thankful for the close friendships that are developing with some of my coworkers. I would not enjoy my job anywhere near as much as I do if I didn't look forward to seeing those girls everyday when I get to work. And I know I would definitely not be able to get through most of my shifts without their help. Here's some of us at Kiersten's wedding and at a mini sushi/Christmas get together we had last night. 

Now the rest of the year is just one big countdown... 1 day until the world ends! Well, at least if you believe the Mayans. And assuming we all live through that... 3 work shifts until I leave for Tally, 5 days until Christmas/family-fun time, 11 days until my favorite holiday. Oh yeah...and 18 days until I start my master's program!! When did time start moving so fast? 

If I don't see everyone before then... I wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a wonderful New Year!!

Love, KayCee