SAY MY NAME

I've had pets most of my life and my house feels "right" when it includes two cats and one dog. That's my sweet spot. 

Now choosing the right name for our pet is something to be carefully considered. I already have my next cat's name picked out! 

Presently, I have two cats, Sasha and Dandylion, and Lulu the dog. They all seem to know and respond to their names. But that is not the only name I call them; in fact they each have a host of names. 

For example, Sasha is the oldest pet in the house. I picked her up at a shelter in Hamilton. I saw an add for a Russian Blue kitten and next day, we were drove up and brought her home.

She is the boss, though I don't call her that. But I have several other names for her!
Sasha Blue
Grandma (not cause she's old but she is the oldest pet I have)
Pretty Girl
Baby
Baby Girl
Grumpy cat (she has a temper and keeps everyone else in line)

Then, there's DandyLion. Another rescue kitten I came across through a girl at work.

Here's a list of the other names he goes by:
Dandy-boy
Fluffy bunny
Baby
Pretty Boy Floyd
Brat
Thug-cat

Finally, we have Lulu, my Lab/Beagle mix:

Lulu has several names as well:
Lu
Girly
Lulu-lemon 
Baby
Jerk (when she grabs something like a dead carcass and refuses to open her mouth no matter how many times I yell "DROP IT!!")
Goofball

It's not uncommon to use a variety of endearing terms to address our pets or even our family members. Some say it harks back to when we were children and our mother had pet names for us. Or is is part of the culture we are building in a relationship.

I believe the pets only know me by "the hooman who feeds and pets them".

So, if you wish to confess, the lines are open to admit whatever other names you call your pet by!

A MAGIC TREADMILL RIDE

In Ontario, we've had a pretty easy winter so far. Oh sure, there were a few extreme days: an ice storm that shut us down, a couple of minus stupid cold days, snow. But nothing too serious!

Still, it is winter and it IS January. That means it generally looks like this outside:

Pretty. and Snowy. So, it's pretty snowy.

Plus, if you are not into pretty snow you are likely inside, under a blanket in front of a TV or whatever you can find to keep yourself distracted till the thaw. 

On top of that, like most of us, you likely have set a January goal that includes losing those extra holiday pounds and getting into shape. 

I have a pretty set exercise routine that includes cardio, pilates and weights and for the past few years I've added in Hot Yoga at this time of the year. But I thought I'd expand a little and try something new! 

I checked out one class that consisted of 4 old biddies, me being one of the oldest, but it didn't really catch my interest. So yesterday I tried a spin class mixed with a rotation of exercises.  Never done one of these before and we all know I like to bike so it seemed like a good fit. 

Well...again I'm in the top 3 as being the oldest in the class and this one definitely challenged me! So even though I'm having a hard time sitting today I think this one is the winner. 

But I've still got my regular routine and that includes the treadmill in the basement. The magical treadmill takes me on brisk walks all over the world in warm and sunny places!

I can hike up a mountain path

Or hustle it through a desert in California

Or even the beautiful west coast of Canada!

"You don't know what, we can find

Why don't you come with me little girl

On a magic treadmill ride!"

A BUMPY START

I realize I'm a little late sending out good wishes and celebratory statements for the start of 2020. But I have a good explanation.

My house has been hit by "the plague". 

For over a week, Sheldon has barely left the couch, much less the house. I do the bare minimum of what needs to be done and crash. We are running on emergency power only!

I spent New Years Eve in bed by 8:30, watching "Sleepless in Seattle" (one of the top 10 sappiest movies ever). 

My allies consist of cold meds, gingerale, kleenex, tea, soup, water and the pets. Sleep is much needed but elusive, rudely interrupted with rib racking coughing spasms. Yesterday, the sinus pressure had me in tears.  

But tonight, I feel like I'm turning a corner! Sinus pressure has abated and my teeth don't feel like they need to be pulled. Coughing spasms are ongoing but maybe, just maybe, I can sleep past 3 am!

2020 is off to a bumpy start for me. That does not make me nervous. It does rev up my Fight back reflex though! The next year will likely be a transitional one. I expect there will be a few bumps in the road, but there will also be some soft landings, victories and  time on the back burners as well. 

Happy New Year Everyone! Looks like I've survived the plague, I will survive whatever 2020 has on the table!