Look into my eyes.

Look into my eyes.

Monday, August 3, 2015

THE FIRST 4 DAYS


SUMMARY OF DELIVERY

Delivery workdays are very hard.  I had been warned that by the time Erin left I would be exhausted and I am.  The work at the farm with Vidal and cats has been a Godsend.  It was my only worry and now the two are great with each other.  I think Cosmo and Vidal will be very close buddies in the future. 

On the first day Erin and I spent time just in the house with the dogs and I was able to see how loving they were to Erin who just picked them up.  This helped me to know that as the days go on our own bond will increase.  Vidal alerted with anxious behaviors.  We went through the steps for alerting.  I couldn't believe we went out in public the first day and I had to drive by myself with her.  Loading and unloading were problematic due to a new vehicle but by the end of the 4 days we are doing well.  Lunch made me nervous since the restaurant was so busy but Vi did well and I survived.  The vet appointment was great.  Erin was able to pass on history and rational for decisions and the new vet worked with my little nervous girl.


Friday was our trip to school/work and Erin was able to help me develop a list of accommodations that are needed.  We worked around huge fans and dehumidifies running in the halls and things went well.  I have a meeting on Tuesday with my supervisor and may have more questions for SDWR.  We also went to Walmart to work with shopping carts and for me to see how sneaky people are with touching Vi.  Erin was great all weekend by fielding questions about what we were doing.  I'm used to that part due to Cosmo.

The third day was amazing. I needed to be confident that Vi could handle crazy situations and the trip to the Science Center proved it.  She was great and I must admit I was pretty proud of myself.  Being bumped from behind or noises from behind do startle her but she is able to shake them off.  She even watched the whale movie without any concerns.  It was loud and crowed and she was interested in so many things but still was able to alert.

Erin required Ted Drews Frozen Custard in order to have a great day!  She was nice enough to spoon feed Vidal until Vidal figured out how to eat it by herself. 

Erin and I  were able to arrange a dinner outing with other families, which was a hit.  Vidal got spooked by the doors and as we were waiting outside she was very nervous. We know that she hit one of the D rings from her vest on the door and the noise bothered her.  Once inside she was able to get down under the table and was relaxed.  She did alert by pawing for a drop in my levels.

At first loading into the car was a problem but today  (4) Vi does it with little to no hesitation.   She is becoming a trooper of going everywhere.  This is very important since I am planning that Vi will be with me full time day and night.  In order to work on doors we all went to the outlet mall.  I learned that the reflection in the glass doors is the issue.  It is worse if the door is semi tinted.  So I have to not hesitiate and move quickly with a little correction as we pass through.  Since my school has so many of that of door we will be able to practice everyday.  I have figured out how to enter my house with the glass door.  Vi is still sometime not happy to start to come into the house and will go into a sit.  But if I keep her moving on a very short lead and keep moving she does better. 

As I am writing this Vidal is at the glass front door watching the men mow.  Yea! She is not nervous at all.

My plan is to work on basic obedience at before school every morning.  The wood floors in my house make it harder for her to sit and she slides so much that retrieving the ball is a little too wild.  The neighbors are helping to leave dog scents in the yard to make going to the bathroom faster.  She is into marking.  I'm hoping that once we get into the routine things will go faster.  She is going to the door to let me know she needs to potty.

Cosmo and Vidal are doing great.  Yesterday they both sat side by side at the door.  Cosmo laid on his back and tried to paw Vidal so they could play.  Vidal wasn't so sure about that idea.  This morning they were laying on the floor in the bedroom only a foot apart waiting for me to get up. 

Thank you for the fast follow up on the Spaying issue.

The delivery went very well and we will hit the obedience work with full force.

Friday, June 19, 2015

What a Wild Ride

I know it has been a long time since I updated the blog but a lot has been happening.  Dad fell and I left a week early.  Then I found out after getting down here that Vidal is coming a month early.  So it will be shorten trip in order to finish getting the house prepped for Vi. 

Shopping list
3 dog beds
elevated dog bowls
design a summer working vest
design a new lead
get dog food for Florida
vet appointment set
deer antler
toys

still need
baby gate with cat door
food container
??????????


I have noticed that in the last few weeks Cosmo has been reacting to my high blood sugars.  Don't get too excited, he is not reliable at all.  He has missed some extremes that were really bad.  But he is doing some things.  He will be going with me to the convention.  The humidity in Florida is never good for me and so any little bit of help is good thing. 

More updates to come.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

What a great night!

I knew that the next phase of the DAD process was that a trainer would call me.  I really thought that the DAD would be coming in Feb. or March of next year. So when I heard from SDWR's lead trainer and found out a dog had been selected for me and that the little yellow furry friend would be coming around Sept. I was wordless. 

Now that it has sunk in I realize I have to get going on the doggie proofing.  So if you drive by the house and see a mound of bags and boxes out by the garage you will know that I am downsizing and getting ready for Ch`ere-Maria.  I am overwhelmed. 

Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way.

Monday, April 27, 2015

The total is now $25,000

The donation page reads that I and many others have paid $25,000 but SDWR has not gotten all the checks.  The next phase of this journey should start next week.  I need prayers that there is a cute little red lab who is about 7 weeks old and ready to start training. 

Avon sale was great.  More than $345 was raised.  The orders should be in this weekend so I am thinking of a road trip to KC the weekend of Mothers Day. That means I will be delivering to the St. Louis area crowd this weekend.  I am so thankful for all of the orders.

Now I will be looking for someone to put up a privacy fence and getting a survey completed in order to make the biggest yard for the future puppy.  So if you know anyone who will install a fence let me know.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

MNEA RA

Crazy work stuff going on but this weekend is another huge event.

MNEA RA is at the Lake this weekend.  The liquor and wagon is loaded in the car.  The IPad arrived.  I have to still find to plastic containers for the tickets.  I am hoping to raise $3000 this weekend.  That would be about $10 per person.  Cross your fingers. 

I have to get a test run early Friday morning and will be going to the Lake early.  Cosmo and I will be spending about an hour putting together the wagon with all the bottles.  I am sure the entire roll of tape will be used. 

Wish me luck.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Recovered

I want to again thank everyone for coming to the dinner.  I am happy to report that the total is now $10,777.  Several times a week I get mail from strangers donating money.  Ok, so they are not total strangers they are Retired MNEA members.  THANK YOU.

The AVON fund raiser is off to a good start.  I will re-post the fliers on FACEBOOK under the event A LifeTime of Freedom- AVON sale.  You can message or email your order and I can send you my address.  Remember I get a large portion of the proceeds.  This is a great way to buy product and help me out.  I will deliver to your area if you live outside the St. Louis area.

Thanks for all the help.


Lately I have been feeling the affect of falling sugar levels with insulin on board which are causing fast lows.  On the other hand I have been having really high highs.  Not sure why.  I hate the way it makes me feel and how it impacts my energy level.  I worry that I won't catch these changes and so I am testing even more.  It stinks! 

$14,223 seems like a huge amount, and it is overwhelming to think that I have a number attached to my life.  Every single penny I have is going to this cause.  There are no extras happening in my life.  I hate to spend any money on even the smallest things unless it is a necessity.  It hurts to hear my parents voices on the phone right now.  They are so worried about me and my health and are also just missing me.  I wish I could spend the $500 to go and see them but that $500 has to go the DAD.  I'm homesick for Florida also but know what this DAD will be able to do for me. 

Even after writing the final check in May I will continue to do fundraising events.  When school gets back into session there will be a picnic "The Dog Days of Summer"  and also a Trivia night.  It is still a long road I have to travel in order to get my DAD.  But I will be so much safer with my new friend in my life.  I have never allowed my disorder to make me feel handicapped but it is controlling my life and I hate it.

Sorry I rambled but I needed to vent and say what is on my mind.

Thank you for the continued support.

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Emotions are calming down

I have taken today to calm and refocus.  (MAP Testing)  I have been blessed with wonderful friends and surprised by people who cares about me and my safety.  As many of you know Friday night I was very emotional and overwhelmed.  To have total strangers come to the event and show support for someone  they do not know is amazing.  There are so many people who helped me make the event a success that I hate to name them for fear of forgetting someone.  All I have to say is that TEACHERS ARE AMAZING!

I am done with 2 events and have 3 more to go.

1. AVON fundraising
2. MNEA RA raffles
3. Dine to Donate May 16th at TEXAS ROADHOUSE  (mark your calendars for a lunch date)

I will be posting the AVON information later this week.  There are special items and the women who are helping me are donating the proceeds to SDWR in my name.

I will be purchasing  (if I can't get one donated) an IPad Mini for the MNEA RA.  I am also putting a huge liquor bucket/wagon together.  All tickets will be 6 for $20.  There will be one type of ticket but two buckets so you will be able to split your tickets in half.  The ticket for the liquor and IPad will be pulled on Saturday so that the winner of the liquor can celebrate with 300 of his/her friends. 

I will be finalizing my last payment for my DAD on the last day of school.  I will continue to fund raise in order to help cover the cost.  I just cannot wait much longer.  I need a DAD soon.

Thanks!

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Drum Roll Please

Thank you for all of your support. 

I have a finally tally for the event last night...

$5,567

So that makes my grand total...

$10,880

  

I am so overwhelmed

Last night was wonderful.  I have lots of thoughts that I will be writing about later this weekend but the down and dirty is that I am at $10,000.  My friends helped me raise $4,817.  There are no words to describe how loved I feel right now.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!


Thank you to all of the cat-sitters last night.  I had a very happy kitty last night.




Saturday, March 21, 2015

A Productive Break

So all the baskets are wrapped and looking great!  I have more than 30 baskets, 5-10 silent auctions, and we will have mystery balloons for sale.  Purchase a  # balloon and win a prize that is worth between $10- $70.  You are guaranteed to win every time.  

Thank you to all the local businesses that have helped to make the dinner a success.  
 American Carnival Mart -Party Land
Main Street Market
Three Dog Bakery 
Flower Petaler 
Thistle and Clover 
On Target 
Brunswick 
Texas Roadhouse
Schlafly Brewery
Blumenhoff Winery
Yuppy Puppy 
Happy Tails 
3 Kings 
Sparadise Nails 
Shamrocks 
Pretzel Boys 
The Tavern 
Rich & Charlies
Global Quesadilla Company
The Bug Store
O.K. Hatchery Feed & Garden Store 
King Pin Bowling
McArthur's Bakery
Food Service Center
Missouri Candle & Wax Company 
The Tan Company
Dobbs
AVON

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Another Eventful Day

Yesterday was spent selling tickets to my MNEA Family and checking out the event hall.  I had a long list of things to buy for the party and I have to admit it was fun shopping today.  I also made many batches of dog treats.  They are easy to make but take 40 mins. to bake.  This is when I wish had a convention oven.  But the house smells good and the bags are weighed and tagged. 

Wednesday will be a long day.  In the morning I will be going over the dinner details with wonderful cook and then wrapping baskets.  Several good women are coming to the Graham Headquarters to help finish baskets and I'm sure it will be a good time.  If you are available to help out for a few hours let me know.  I have to finish typing up the descriptions of the baskets and silent auction items.  We have great prizes and gifts for everyone.  The generosity of businesses and people have been overwhelming. 

I'm also working on making two baskets for the MNEA RA in April.  I will also have an AVON fundraising event going on in April.  I will be posting the new fliers after the dinner event.  It will be easy to buy product and I will make sure the delivery is fast and simple no matter where you live in Missouri.  I love a good road trip north and south.  If I get the funds there may also be a Ipad mini to raffle off at the RA.  I will asking my friends to help man a table (off of the RA floor) to sell tickets during breaks.  So be prepared to say yes to me when I ask for your selling help.  LOL

My goal is to contact SDWR by the end of May with the all of the money.  If you are thinking about donating or paying with a credit card please see if your company has a matching donation program.  This will double your generous donation and help even more. 

Cosmo is doing great and is loving the warm weather.  Every time I open the door he attempts to run out of the house. When he starts running you don't notice the new gate.  He is a fast little guy. 

I am in need of help setting up and cleaning up at the event.  If you can come around 3:30  or stay after to help put tables away it would be great.  

- setting up tables and chairs
-unloading and setting up baskets and gifts
-unloading food and setting it up
-setting up the kids activities
-decorating the hall
 
The goal is to have very little clean up except for trash and moving tables and chairs.  Everything will be disposable so that things will go quickly.

I know a rambled tonight and I'm sorry but I can't sleep and my brain is jumbled. 

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Long Nights

The last three nights have been very long.  My sugar levels are whacky and I think it is due to stress.  With sugar levels being off I'm up every 1 1/2 hours to check my levels.  So I'm not sleeping.  I am hoping that my levels are leveling off and Monday will be a good day.  Since I'm trying to keep hydrated all I'm doing is peeing any way so checking my sugar levels are not a big deal.

I'm am so exited about the ticket sales.  Having to print more tickets is a good thing.  If you would like to help out that evening please let me know.  I am in need of help doing the following:
-selling 50/50 tickets
-selling raffle tickets
-serving food
-selling beer/wine
-clean up
-set up

If you want to help let me know.

thanks

Monday, March 9, 2015

Some baskets that are ready

A GREAT HARLEY DAVIDSON BASKET

 
MARTINI'S ANYONE


PURINA DOGGIE FUN!

GIANT CUPCAKES, PANS, CAKE COVER
MARCH 27TH
DOORS OPEN AT 5:00
FOOD WILL BE SERVED TILL 7:00 ish.
LIVE MUSIC ALL NIGHT LONG.

SILENT AUCTIONS, RAFFLES, 50/50, ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS, AND MUCH MORE!



DON'T FORGET TO BUY YOUR TICKETS!!!  WE ONLY HAVE ROOM FOR 150 PEOPLE SO DO NOT BE LEFT OUT.

Friday, March 6, 2015

It's a short list


crock pot bags
crock pot meals or spices
lake toys
plastic wine glasses
board books
cat toys
picnic items
lemonade and tea for the dinner
cigars
balloons-  we have the balloons but they need to be            blown up (we won't have time to do it at the event) 


Thank you for your help
 

Cosmo's Spot: Another Weekend of Fund Raising

Cosmo's Spot: Another Weekend of Fund Raising: The good news is we have a lot of donations.  No more are needed.  Baskets are being arranged and thank goodness for the Graham Headquarters...

Another Weekend of Fund Raising

The good news is we have a lot of donations.  No more are needed.  Baskets are being arranged and thank goodness for the Graham Headquarters!  I think I will start living at their house.  I could not be doing any of this without my adoptive family. 

Dinner last night was great.  Hearing about life with a DAD was eye opening.  The safety factor will be great for me and my parents.  Hearing about other people's stories and experiences was interesting.  Looking at my house............ I'm worried.  My housekeeping skills will need to change.  Apparently labs like to eat things (anything) and sometimes when they are anxious about their humans it makes them want to eat/chew even more.  So a huge house cleaning and donation drop off will need to happen. 

Thank you for all of your help in this adventure of raising money.  It has made me to be more patient and accepting of others.  My friends have surrounded me and others have left me by the side of the road.  Still others have come into my life and are helping me.  I grew up being part of an organized religion but rejected the rules as I grew up.  I am finding myself realizing that my belief in something higher than myself is still there but being part of an organized religion may not be for me.  I do not want to feel betrayed when parts of my own beliefs cannot fit into a "religion". 

Sorry if my ideas do not fit into yours but that could be why people say never talk about religion at parties. 

Back to the Pasta Dinner........
         I need to sell a lot more tickets.  If you know for sure you are coming please let me know before Spring Break.  I want to hold tickets for you.  Remember that you can pay for them using the direct donation link      http://sdwr.donordrive.com/campaign/cosmic
 I will get an email from the group and you can leave a message and let me know that your donation is for the dinner.  

I am trying to figure out how to take credit cards at the event.  I will be experimenting with my phone and finding out if the hall has Internet.  You can always write checks at for dinner tickets/ raffles/50-50 and other fund things.  Checks will be made out to SDWR and I will have tax letters there for you.  

Some of you have asked about meeting any current SDWR families.  The Bate's will be at the event with Kai, Brad's DAD.  They have been very open with me and without Tiffany's help I would be lost in learning about DAD's.   

A short shopping list will get posted.  These are little things to fill out the baskets.  If you are able to help let me know.


Love to all who are helping.

Lori and Cosmo (he's asleep under the laptop)

Sunday, March 1, 2015

Yesterday a very kind person donated items for the baskets.  Thank you Kathy!
 
I went to a great new salon in Chic in O'Fallon.  I have a new fresh color and hair cut.  The shop is wonderful and the service was great.  Thank you Carol for introducing me to your daughter in-law.  
 
But of course I had to spend time promoting the event.  I found out that car dealerships have funds set aside to support events. Also Best Buy will send employees to events. If you or someone you know works at a dealer or at a BB store please let me know.  

SDWR is filing for a KOHLS grant to help me.  Please check out the donation page. Many companies will match employee's donations. 

I will have tax letters at the event so that your donations can be deductible.  If you want to write a check to SDWR that night I will submit the checks for tax donations.  

I am still needing the following the items.
 
large sturdy baskets
crockpot bags
crockpot meals
lake toys
plastic wine and beer glasses for use around the pool
board books
cat toys
Jelly Belly lg. bag
M & M lg. bag
picnic items
canned pumpkin
wheat flour
peanut butter
cigars

Friday, February 27, 2015

Working Hard

I'm excited to have a day off of work.  A lot of things happened within the last 24 hours.

I have an opportunity to reach more than 300 people at one time.  The MNEA-R group in the St. Louis area have invited me to send information to all their members.  I am also going to the March meeting to talk to members.  If all their members would donate just $5 that would mean $1500 for the DAD. 

I want to thank the Frank G. and the people in his office for the $100 donation.  I know that an email went out to the local  St. Louis leaders  and I appreciate my MNEA Family.  So many of you have stepped up to show support.

Today I will be shopping for items to finish baskets.  Here is the list of things I need:

crockpot bags
crockpot meals
wine glasses  15 sets
lake toys
plastic wine and beer glasses
board books
cat toys
Easter items
Jelly Belly lg. bag
M & M lg. bag
picnic items
really good chocolate
2 rolls of 50/50 tickets
4 rolls of double tickets
celtic cd's
glasses- wine/beer/water coffee
curling ribbon- blue/white
cellophane wrap rolls
white twist ties
canned pumpkin
wheat flour
peanut butter
wire for baskets
cigars

I'm also heading to Kirkwood to see about donations from a bakery.  I need sugar cookies for kids to decorate and eat at the event.  I'm also needing some fancy desserts for the event.  Cross your fingers or otherwise I'll be asking for volunteers.

Does anyone have a connection to a printing company or a way to make 310 copies?  I need the fliers for the mailing I mentioned above.  I can supply the paper for the printing.

Thanks for all of the support. 

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

GREAT NEWS

Yesterday was a blast.  More donations are coming in for the dinner.  The biggest one is 20 cases of wine by a friend of a friend.  That means the event is no longer BYOB.  We will be selling beer and wine at the event.  Remember we will also have lemonade, tea, and coffee that is included in your meal.

I went to the storage area where all the basket items have been kept.  I was overwhelmed by what I had collected.  Most of the items are ones that I have donated.  I know that some people are donating other baskets for the event.  I'm working on making bid sheets and raffle sheets.  Trying to figure out what else I need to add to a little basket is hard.  I also am trying to find big gift baskets at thrift stores. If you have any baskets that you would like to donate let me know.

Dog treat baking has started.  I have friends and friends of friends baking treats.  Our big baking and packaging day is March 5th.  If you are wanting to help out let me know.  If you want to bake at home I can give you all the supplies.  This will be an ongoing project for the next month or two.  I'm going to be buying wheat flower in 50lb bucket later this week.  That is the most expansive item.  I am still wanting to find a scout troop that would like to help.  I have made contact with a few people but have not heard back from them.  With Easter coming the treats will make great gifts.

Cosmo is doing great!!!!!  His back leg is getting stronger every day.  He has enjoyed being out with friends.  These next few days will be bad, I have parent teacher conferences.  He will make me pay for being gone for so long.  :)

Thanks for all of the support.

Don't forget to buy your tickets.


Sunday, February 22, 2015

A Great Time Today

Cosmo and I went to a fund raising event for a wonderful woman and her family.  This family is part of the bigger MNEA family and they have meant so much to me.  I knew that I was going to be donating money but did not realize I would win gifts and have other people donate gifts to my event.   I came home with 5 gift baskets (even one that I brought),  a cooler of wine and beer, a case of beer, 2 tickets to point fest, 4 hours of dj time.  I am very excited that my donation is going for such a good woman and that I was blessed in return.

Prayers from church answered.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

A Long Week

I am so happy that Cosmo is back to his pesky self.  I woke up today with a tail swatting my face.

Yesterday on the way home from work I stopped at several businesses to ask for donations.  I picked up 3 more gift cards.  I am spending every waking hour thinking of businesses to ask.  This weekend I will be doing that same thing.  I have been told to think out of the box and I have.  The shooting range down the street donated two passes for shooting each worth $100. 

Today I will be measuring out the dry ingredients for the dog treats we will be selling.  I have several home cooks who are helping. I have been in contact with a troop leader but I am waiting to hear back.  So if you are willing to help bake dog treats at your own home please let me know.

So long for now.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Calling all Bakers or Scouts

I am looking for either some bakers to help bake dog treats at my school after school or a Scout troop looking for a service project.  I have some very simple recipes for making the treats.  Please let me know if you are able to help.

Sunday, February 8, 2015

A day of donations

Yesterday Cosmo and I went to Main Street in St. Charles to talk to small business owners. Julia and her daughter also came with us.  It was a successful day.  Three stores immediately donated.  Many owners were not there and information will be passed on.  Thank you shout out to Julia's husband for making emergency copies of some information.

The spa that I go to get my mani/pedi want to support my efforts. 

Sparadise Nails

 They donated a gift card but offered me something better.  For everyone new customer that mentions the pasta dinner they will donated $5.  They are located in Ellisville/Ballwin on Manchester Road.  My personal favorite person is Jessica.  I have followed her from different locations for the last 3 years.  Please think about going there for at least one time.  I am thinking of trying to get a group together and go on a Saturday.  

Today I will be delivering the TV to Elvi.  So Cosmo and I are off to meet her at church. Then we are going with Lisa to the pet parade downtown.  I still have to make a sign advertising the dinner.  


I will be posting pictures later.

Friday, February 6, 2015

My Best Friend Is Back

This week has been a real turning point for Cosmo.

 He is sleeping in bed without needing a lift up.
Cosmo is back to jumping up to the bathroom sink to get a drink.
He is curling up on my lap to watch TV.
Cosmo is back to eating his reg. amount of food.

So this weekend he will get to learn how to do steps.  I will move the baby gate down to the landing so that he can access the liter box.  I'm sure there is not going to be a problem but it's a long way down to the basement if he trips or can't make it up all the stairs. 

Sunday is the pet parade and we are going.  His stroller will get decorated with information about the pasta dinner and I will have flyer's and business cards to pass out.  Who knows, maybe a wealthy person will donate the rest of the money for the DAD.  I would love to have more people come out and walk with us.  So if you want to come out give me a shout and we can figure out the plans.

Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Help us make some baskets

As you know we are having a fundraiser on March 27.   We need help getting donations and working the event.  If you have any items that could donated to put in a basket or if you want to put a basket together please let me know.  We are also looking for prizes to put in balloons that people can buy.  Items like gift card, gift certificates, coupons for businesses, or other funky items.  Think about re-gifting those items from the holidays.  This is the time to clean out those weird gifts that all the relatives give you.  Or what about the gifts that your child never played with and have outgrown.  Or if you season tickets to sporting events or the arts would you think about donating a pair?  I can provide you with tax deduction letters.  There is no item too small.

Thanks for all of your support.



Cosmo has decided that jumping down from counters, couches, or window seats is okay.  But he still doesn't jump up by himself. The highest he can get is the couch and sometimes the bed.  He is doing well with the walking but he is under foot so much that he looses his balance.  He is doing better at being able to turn quickly.  He is adapting well to his new life.

Cosmo is "mouth breathing".  It's my way of explaining when he comes up to me and smells my breath.  The alerts are just not there.  I'm glad that he is taking care of himself and is healing but I miss his special ability.