Last Saturday the workers and I were part of the Dogwood Parade. We march around the town in Vinton with the other different groups, bands, and others. We march with several other people, holding a dog in hand, trotting along with us. Some of the dogs are dressed up in dog-outfit. One large white dog were colored all over, including glitters. An old golden retriever had several glitter design on the lower back. Yoda simply wears a red bandanna. One other group I saw are about Adopt a Greyhound, with several greyhounds marching along. I saw two groups of young womens doing throwing sticks, and others carry large color flags, and other group had large-air-balloon-thingie...I couldn't figure it out what it is really, but it's what they have. Then after the parade, we went back to work, and I groomed three dogs and didn't get home till almost 10 pm.
Then I got up at 7 AM to get ready for church. Rode with the family to the Ward in Salem so I can take my car and drove into Cave Spring Ward. The sacrament meeting was great: the 1st speaker talked about forgiveness and 2nd speaker talked about atonement I think. The Sunday School class focus on Old Testament, about the journey with Moses, Idols, Temple, and so on. So much information so little time. Then Relief Society lesson was about Repentance.
I went straight home to eat then cleaned up my bedroom (finally got my closet all set up and organized). Then I had about three hour nap, then had crepes and artichoke for dinner with the family. Now I'm back in my bedroom to fiddle with the blog and finally post something on this blog.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Adventure with a Rabbit
I was downstairs, just enjoying my family for a moment. I was waiting for the oatmeals to be ready for breakfast. I sat near the fireplace with the fire going. Katie decided to have the fire going this morning, to get rid of bunch of sticks from outside. Yoda stayed near me, and Noli sat down with me and read to me two books, which I think is really cute. However, while I attempt to match and fold the socks from their laundry, Noli tap my shoulder and signed "rabbit" and point into the big room. Katie nodded with an expression "yup something's in there". I was like what? So I went in there with Noli. She pointed at the blue IKEA loveseat. She got down on the floor to look under it. I did the same. "Rabbit under there?" At first I don't see anything, till I saw movement. WHOA! The rabbit is INSIDE the seat. I saw the bottom of the couch being press down by rabbit feet.
I returned to the kitchen, wonder how the heck did it get in there. Katie explained that we remembered that Ammon took the black rabbit out to be held and played with for a bit in the afternoon, but Ammon must have put the rabbit somewhere and forgotten about it. The rabbit was out of the cage, free to roam the house all night. They tried to catch it this morning (we still don't know if it's a girl/boy), but end up hiding inside the loveseat. I know they wanted to take it back into cage where there's food & water.
I went back into the big room, wanting to see if I can figure out a way to catch it. The rabbit was out, so Katie and Ammon quickly join in. I said block the couch!! We grab the blankets and stuff it under the couch. Then Ammon and I tipped over the other blue IKEA loveseat, to prevent the rabbit from going under where we couldn't reach. But the rabbit somehow managed to get inside, so the blankets didn't help. Katie said we'll have to wait for it to come out, and returned to the kitchen. I was thinking, no wait I'm going to wait for it to come out. So I got down and reach in, and just gently put my hands under the rabbit, which makes it move. I coax it to the hole and got it out. Ammon got excited, and the rabbit got back inside. I asked him to help out. But his arm are too short I guess so we got Katie back in the room. We coax the rabbit out, then Ammon and I quickly tipped the couch over so it cannot go back inside. Then Ammon managed to catch the rabbit and put it away.
Whew.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Four Weeks
It has been four weeks since I've last posted on this blog. I am so sorry for keep you guys at the edge to hear what's going on with my new job. On the bright side, I am going to get the new phone soon, hopefully this week, so I will be able to take bunch of pictures of the grooming work and have them posted unto the blog. It will be fun for you guys to have some visual idea of my grooming job. And even more fun to see the "before" and "after" photos of the dogs I will be grooming.
I've been earning some good money so far, which is something I'm keeping track of. I get paid every Friday. It was like this so far: $113, $269, $296, and $346.50. However, last Friday and Saturday were pretty slow, groomed only two dogs each day (unless I get four dogs each day instead of two) the payroll may be small. But we'll see how things are going.
Other than my job, I hope to be able to pay off some things that needs to be taken care of and have enough money saved to move into apartment by July, which is like two months from now. I couldn't wait!! Hopefully I can be able to afford the living on my own with my job. I know it is not a steady payment since it is a 50% commission. As long as I do a good job and keep customers happy and coming back for another one, I'll be okay.
I've been earning some good money so far, which is something I'm keeping track of. I get paid every Friday. It was like this so far: $113, $269, $296, and $346.50. However, last Friday and Saturday were pretty slow, groomed only two dogs each day (unless I get four dogs each day instead of two) the payroll may be small. But we'll see how things are going.
Other than my job, I hope to be able to pay off some things that needs to be taken care of and have enough money saved to move into apartment by July, which is like two months from now. I couldn't wait!! Hopefully I can be able to afford the living on my own with my job. I know it is not a steady payment since it is a 50% commission. As long as I do a good job and keep customers happy and coming back for another one, I'll be okay.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Short Day
"Honey, I'm home!"
I have two dogs scheduled for me for today at work, but one who's coming in at 4:30 ended up canceled and was rescheduled to the next day. The 1st dog was just a short hair Aussie. The morning bather named Toni bathed her and I just take care of the drying, nails, and ears. No biggie. I spend the rest of the time talk with Toni and Andrea. She told me that there will be a meeting coming up soon, though probably more like a party (free dinner). However, I will go to work at 11: 30 AM tomorrow to work on three, maybe four, dogs.
One thing I'm really excited to do is create fliers and website for her business. And yes she'll pay me to have it set up. I better get working on it and so on. Allow me to start working on fliers first as I learn how to do websites along the way. Whoo-hoo!
Have a nice day!
I have two dogs scheduled for me for today at work, but one who's coming in at 4:30 ended up canceled and was rescheduled to the next day. The 1st dog was just a short hair Aussie. The morning bather named Toni bathed her and I just take care of the drying, nails, and ears. No biggie. I spend the rest of the time talk with Toni and Andrea. She told me that there will be a meeting coming up soon, though probably more like a party (free dinner). However, I will go to work at 11: 30 AM tomorrow to work on three, maybe four, dogs.
One thing I'm really excited to do is create fliers and website for her business. And yes she'll pay me to have it set up. I better get working on it and so on. Allow me to start working on fliers first as I learn how to do websites along the way. Whoo-hoo!
Have a nice day!
Two Days
I have one hour to kill before heading to work for today. I had about 10 hours of sleep. I am all dressed for work and I had lunch (leftover chicken meat, potatoes, and two slice of homemade bread w/ jam). Today is Thursday and I should have two dogs for me. I was told that one dog is a touchy type of dog; doesn't like having paws and face touched. It'll be tricky for me to groom, which would take lot of patience and tolerance.
The first day of work, which was Tuesday, I groomed two dogs: a black toy poodle and a smooth-fur-coat terrier. I get to be able to leave early (not having to wait for the owner) and got home at 5 or 5:30. Just in time for dinner. So yes, I bathed and groomed them in less than three hours. Oddly, I've been sneezing and my nose were running. Allergies?! A ferret lives in Doggie Doos. That could be it?
The second day of work, which was Wednesday (yesterday), I groomed another two dogs: Pekingese/Maltese mix, though they looked very much like Shih-Tzu. I bathed and groomed them; it took me a while to groom due to their matted areas. I stayed behind to clean, meet the owner and watched E.R. TV show. I arrived home at 7 PM. I had lunch and I took the allergy pills before heading to work: No sneezing or running nose, but I became light-headed, or blood drained from the head, at the end. I drank a bottle of Nutritional Shake at 3 or 4. So it was odd.
Let's hope the work today wouldn't be so mysteries with my body.
The first day of work, which was Tuesday, I groomed two dogs: a black toy poodle and a smooth-fur-coat terrier. I get to be able to leave early (not having to wait for the owner) and got home at 5 or 5:30. Just in time for dinner. So yes, I bathed and groomed them in less than three hours. Oddly, I've been sneezing and my nose were running. Allergies?! A ferret lives in Doggie Doos. That could be it?
The second day of work, which was Wednesday (yesterday), I groomed another two dogs: Pekingese/Maltese mix, though they looked very much like Shih-Tzu. I bathed and groomed them; it took me a while to groom due to their matted areas. I stayed behind to clean, meet the owner and watched E.R. TV show. I arrived home at 7 PM. I had lunch and I took the allergy pills before heading to work: No sneezing or running nose, but I became light-headed, or blood drained from the head, at the end. I drank a bottle of Nutritional Shake at 3 or 4. So it was odd.
Let's hope the work today wouldn't be so mysteries with my body.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Doggie Doos
It started off on Thursday where I received a forwarded (from my sister Katie) of an ad from Craigslist.com of a place that is now hiring for an experienced dog groomer. With a sigh, I emailed a respond to the ad of my resume, expecting nothing from it. On the same day, in the evening, Katie got a phone call who asked couple of questions about my working experience and was asked to come for the interview. I couldn't have the interview next day because Friday was when I teaches ASL Classes. So the interview was all set on Saturday at 5 PM. You could imagine me being excited and happy, but I wasn't. I was in the middle of sweeping up the floor, to prepare for the classes next day.
The ASL Classes on Friday was a success. The kids had fun; I had fun. It was all good.
Saturday: I showered and got dressed up and went to Ladies Luncheon at New Century Church. I really enjoyed that event very much. There are round tables with fancy design and decoration in different themes. I joked that it was a good idea for the wedding. I sat at a table #3 with two deaf persons, two hearing persons who knows signs (one of them are translator), and three other ladies. The funny thing about it was that there were three named Jennifer. A translator, deaf woman, and a hearing lady are named Jennifer. Fun Fun. The food are WONDERFUL. I couldn't believe how delicious it was. I could have gotten the second plate, but the speaker started. This lady talked about "What does it take to make you happy?" and used example of beautiful gift box but it's empty inside. She talked about her own life and how she discovered Christ and became a happy person. At the end of the talk, the gift box was filled with chocolate.
Then I finally left after chatting with the ladies and got home. I was about to get ready to change into dog grooming outfit when Katie said she needs me to keep an eye on the kids while she do quick food shopping with my car. So I keep an eye on the kids, mostly baby Abe. He was a good boy most of the time. Then I took him up into my bedroom to change clothes then took him outside with me, while I watch and wait for Katie to return home so I can quickly leave and be on the way to work. I was glad to make it about five or ten minutes early. The driving there wasn't too bad.
The groomer of 20 years named Andrea (I think) and there are two bathers. I missed the 1st bather's name who left shortly after brief hello. The 2nd bather's name is Gina and she will be my bather for the 2nd shift. I also met Andrea's mother who is partly the owner of the space, I think. They are very laid back people. I had fun chatting with Andrea. I groomed a yorkie/maltie mix. It was somewhat tough due to fine fur which was hard to keep it smooth looking, not sticking out. I stayed at the shop for like two hours or so. Then I finally went home (with $20 cash in hand) with a good news that I will start working on Tuesday at 2pm.
Yes, I got the job at Doggie Doos Grooming Salon. There is no website of that shop so I cannot post the link about it here. My work schedule is basically like this: Tuesday to Saturday = 2 PM to 9 PM. The payment are 50% commission as usual. Should be able to earn $315 per week. Right now for a start, I will be going slow. Starting with one or two or maybe three dogs. Then it will build up to four or five dogs per day for me.
The ASL Classes on Friday was a success. The kids had fun; I had fun. It was all good.
Saturday: I showered and got dressed up and went to Ladies Luncheon at New Century Church. I really enjoyed that event very much. There are round tables with fancy design and decoration in different themes. I joked that it was a good idea for the wedding. I sat at a table #3 with two deaf persons, two hearing persons who knows signs (one of them are translator), and three other ladies. The funny thing about it was that there were three named Jennifer. A translator, deaf woman, and a hearing lady are named Jennifer. Fun Fun. The food are WONDERFUL. I couldn't believe how delicious it was. I could have gotten the second plate, but the speaker started. This lady talked about "What does it take to make you happy?" and used example of beautiful gift box but it's empty inside. She talked about her own life and how she discovered Christ and became a happy person. At the end of the talk, the gift box was filled with chocolate.
Then I finally left after chatting with the ladies and got home. I was about to get ready to change into dog grooming outfit when Katie said she needs me to keep an eye on the kids while she do quick food shopping with my car. So I keep an eye on the kids, mostly baby Abe. He was a good boy most of the time. Then I took him up into my bedroom to change clothes then took him outside with me, while I watch and wait for Katie to return home so I can quickly leave and be on the way to work. I was glad to make it about five or ten minutes early. The driving there wasn't too bad.
The groomer of 20 years named Andrea (I think) and there are two bathers. I missed the 1st bather's name who left shortly after brief hello. The 2nd bather's name is Gina and she will be my bather for the 2nd shift. I also met Andrea's mother who is partly the owner of the space, I think. They are very laid back people. I had fun chatting with Andrea. I groomed a yorkie/maltie mix. It was somewhat tough due to fine fur which was hard to keep it smooth looking, not sticking out. I stayed at the shop for like two hours or so. Then I finally went home (with $20 cash in hand) with a good news that I will start working on Tuesday at 2pm.
Yes, I got the job at Doggie Doos Grooming Salon. There is no website of that shop so I cannot post the link about it here. My work schedule is basically like this: Tuesday to Saturday = 2 PM to 9 PM. The payment are 50% commission as usual. Should be able to earn $315 per week. Right now for a start, I will be going slow. Starting with one or two or maybe three dogs. Then it will build up to four or five dogs per day for me.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Painting My Life
I want to have control of my life.
I want to be happy with myself.
My future is like a blank sketchbook.
There are simple colors to choice from.
Each colors can be mixed or be use solo.
The colors are created along the surface of life.
Little by little...
Sometimes we can see it is becoming,
but sometimes we see it so confusing.
At times I focus intensively at a corner
till I become frustrated without so much
of an approval outcome as I wanted.
There are times where I wish I could
tear apart the sheet to thousand of pieces.
To hide the pain or overwhelm emotions
I force it to become worse, the messier the better.
Till it become nothing but black mucky surface.
But no pain or emotions in sight.
But the black remains and becomes a reminder.
I often frown at the white pure surface ahead of me.
It is too clean, too much for me. It needs something!
I would quickly grab something red and slap it across the surface
as if trying to give it as much pain as I can accept
But it is not enough. It needs something; I need something!
AT the moment of panicking, I managed to step back and breathe.
Gasping for some air, trying to calm down and clear up the mind.
Blinking through her tears, she stares at her mess. Another mess.
How many clean sheets she has to go through, again and again
Till there is nothing left, till it is too late.
I sit down and refuse to move, and look mournfully at the mess.
I want to be happy with myself.
My future is like a blank sketchbook.
There are simple colors to choice from.
Each colors can be mixed or be use solo.
The colors are created along the surface of life.
Little by little...
Sometimes we can see it is becoming,
but sometimes we see it so confusing.
At times I focus intensively at a corner
till I become frustrated without so much
of an approval outcome as I wanted.
There are times where I wish I could
tear apart the sheet to thousand of pieces.
To hide the pain or overwhelm emotions
I force it to become worse, the messier the better.
Till it become nothing but black mucky surface.
But no pain or emotions in sight.
But the black remains and becomes a reminder.
I often frown at the white pure surface ahead of me.
It is too clean, too much for me. It needs something!
I would quickly grab something red and slap it across the surface
as if trying to give it as much pain as I can accept
But it is not enough. It needs something; I need something!
AT the moment of panicking, I managed to step back and breathe.
Gasping for some air, trying to calm down and clear up the mind.
Blinking through her tears, she stares at her mess. Another mess.
How many clean sheets she has to go through, again and again
Till there is nothing left, till it is too late.
I sit down and refuse to move, and look mournfully at the mess.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Before Christmas
I found this uncompleted draft I typed out in the email and it is without address. So I wasn't sure who I was suppose to send it to. Instead I decided to post it here because I think it is well-written.
Dec 24th 2009
Today is a good day. I woke up in the sleeping bag on the green-plaid couch, looking out the bay window. It was black outside. The family room was lite by Christmas light that was hang around a small fake pine tree and on top of the fireplace. I sighed, wondering what time is it. I wrestled myself out of the sleeping bag and stumbled into the kitchen just to check the time on the microwave. 6:30 it said...or something around than as I could faintly remembered. I slide back in the sleeping bag to try to go back to sleep.
I woke up again with a muffle sharp barking sound. Ah Pumpkin, the short tan-colored fur young dog, wanted to play. The little black and white dog named Yoda was tugged in the sleeping bag with me, ignoring her barks. She kept barking till I pushed Yoda off the couch. I watched them as I slowly become fully awake. Yoda tugged himself under the chair, keeping Pumpkin at bay where she barked some more, begging to play. I saw the rest of my family are awake, too. My mom was holding 1 yr old Abe on a rocking chair. My dad was fixing something in the wooden tank box. After some random trains of thoughts and some time later, I got dressed and had small breakfast. My mom and my sister explained me what they wanted and needed from me, jotting down the list. I grab the purse and key and head out.
It felt so nice to drive along the country road again. The thick snow are still on the ground except for roads and other areas were shoveled away.
––––•(-• Maggie •-)•––––
Dec 24th 2009
Today is a good day. I woke up in the sleeping bag on the green-plaid couch, looking out the bay window. It was black outside. The family room was lite by Christmas light that was hang around a small fake pine tree and on top of the fireplace. I sighed, wondering what time is it. I wrestled myself out of the sleeping bag and stumbled into the kitchen just to check the time on the microwave. 6:30 it said...or something around than as I could faintly remembered. I slide back in the sleeping bag to try to go back to sleep.
I woke up again with a muffle sharp barking sound. Ah Pumpkin, the short tan-colored fur young dog, wanted to play. The little black and white dog named Yoda was tugged in the sleeping bag with me, ignoring her barks. She kept barking till I pushed Yoda off the couch. I watched them as I slowly become fully awake. Yoda tugged himself under the chair, keeping Pumpkin at bay where she barked some more, begging to play. I saw the rest of my family are awake, too. My mom was holding 1 yr old Abe on a rocking chair. My dad was fixing something in the wooden tank box. After some random trains of thoughts and some time later, I got dressed and had small breakfast. My mom and my sister explained me what they wanted and needed from me, jotting down the list. I grab the purse and key and head out.
It felt so nice to drive along the country road again. The thick snow are still on the ground except for roads and other areas were shoveled away.
––––•(-• Maggie •-)•––––
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
45 Lessons in Life
I got a forward from my mom and I thought I'd copy and paste them here. Enjoy.
45 Lessons in Life
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business...
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
45 Lessons in Life
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ''In five years, will this matter?".
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business...
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time, time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.
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