Thoughts and Musings

Haven't blogged much lately, because most of my entries would have involved how sick and/or tired I feel. Paul and I are expecting a baby blogger sometime next March, so I am learning the ups and downs of a first-time pregnancy.

I don't want my blog to turn into a pregnancy blog, though...I think because I am trying to keep my identity as Christy in addition to future mom. I've already had to stop ice skating, I ran out of money for jazz classes, I'll stop volunteering at ENCM in a couple of weeks, and I'm going to have to return the foster dog. Life isn't all that bad, and the reduced schedule will help me keep up with ghia during the holiday shopping season, but I'm still sad to be stopping so many activities. I tend to be a workaholic, though, and I think it's best for me to cut waaaay back and then add more as I have time, rather than wear myself out with a crazy schedule.

So yeah, we've decided to give Khan back to the shelter in a month or so. I am really hoping we can find him a forever home before then. I have enjoyed being a foster parent to him, but I hate to see him get shuffled around to another foster home. However, he and Cameron together will be too much dog for me to handle as the pregnancy progresses. Would you like a very sweet Great Pyrenees dog?

I am so frustrated at Warner Bros. for changing the Half-Blood Prince release date from December to July. For me, those seven months mean the difference between needing a babysitter and not. Weird.

Got to go to the symphony last night, courtesy of my generous in-laws. Hearing Dvorák's New World Symphony made me feel proud to be an American. I can't say I've had that sensation when previously listening to that work, but last night it struck me how cool it is that our country inspired such a beautiful symphony.

The end.

Pet Celebration at Moss Wright Park!

Today is a great day to help out some homeless animals, especially if you live in the Goodlettsville area.

No-kill shelter Freedom Farm is holding their annual Pet Celebration from 10am to 3pm at Moss Wright Park in Goodlettsville. Admission is free, and there will be live music and demonstrations from Dog Counselor Dean Miller and the Metro K-9 unit.

This event is Freedom Farm's fundraiser to provide them with resources to continue rescuing animals and providing them with food and medical care. There will be a silent auction, a bake sale, pet photos, a dog wash, and other fun activities to raise money for this great organization!

Plus, if you are looking for a new furry friend, they will have several adoptable animals at the event (including Khan, our fabulous foster dog).

Preds Day at the Zoo, plus more fan fun

Tomorrow is Nashville Predators Day at the Nashville Zoo. From 1pm - 5pm there will be games and giveaways, including a giant obstacle course. Predators mascot Gnash will be there, and players Jordin Tootoo and Ryan Jones (new prospect/rookie) will meet fans from 2pm to 3pm.

Print out this coupon to receive $2 off admission price!

There will be more Preds festivities on Tuesday, September 23rd, when 104.5 the Zone will host a radio-thon to sell tickets followed by an Our Team Rally. Here's the schedule, lifted straight from the Preds' website:

Time	Activity
6 am	Arena Doors Open; Radio-thon begins
6 - 8 am	FREE breakfast at Sommet Center (provided by Dunkin' Donuts)
10 - 11 am	Hockey 101 Presentation with Pete & Terry (All-Incusive Zone)
11 am	Rookie Game: Nashville Predators vs. Atlanta Thrashers
2:30 pm	Predators Rookies autograph signing (Main Concourse)
4 pm	Youth Hockey Game (on Sommet Center ice)
5:45 pm	Plaza Concert featuring Beverley Mahood (Plaza)
6:30 pm	Our Team Plaza Rally begins (Plaza)
7:15 pm	Public Skate (on Sommet Center ice)
9 pm	Radio-thon ends

* All times listed are Central Time Zone; Schedule subject to change

Free donuts, free hockey games, free ice skating. Yeah, good stuff. Oh, but I haven't heard anything about skate rental at the Sommet Center, so you may need your own skates if you want to get out on the ice.

If all that isn't enough, remember that training camp starts next Saturday, Sept. 20, and many of the sessions are free and open to the public. Check the schedule here.

Pet Safety in Hurricane Season

I live nowhere near the coast, so this post (fortunately) is not based on my own experience. It does, however, stem from my own feelings after seeing secondhand and thirdhand the suffering of pets in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

I know it must be tough for pet owners during evacuations. Many shelters won't take animals...few pet owners can afford the luxury of boarding their pets.....at times leaving pets at home may seem like the only option.

Thankfully, after the human and animal tragedies of Katrina, coastal residents now have many more options to keep their pets safe during hurricanes.

Here are few tips I've gleaned from the web, plus links to the sources:

1. Keep an evacuation kit for your pets ready at all times. Possible supplies to include: food, water, leashes, blankets, carriers. According to the Humane Society of Louisiana, pets in carriers will be allowed to board evacuation buses. (Humane Society of Louisiana)

2. Check www.petswelcome.com or www.tripswithpets.com for lists of pet-friendly hotels on your evacuation route. (Louisiana SPCA)

3. Find out which emergency shelters in your state are pet friendly. (FloridaPets, PetFriendlyTravel)

4. Make sure your animals have proper identification tags. Consider microchipping them. (Mississippi Board of Animal Health).

5. Never leave your animal at home! While pets are fairly resourceful, leaving them exposes them to the harsh possibilities of drowning or starvation. Remember, there's is no way to know when you will be able to return home. (Humane Society of the United States)

Preparation is one of the best ways to keep you and your pets safe. Make a list of friends who are generally willing to host you and your pets for a few days. Write down your game plan and a list of what you will need. Be willing to ask for help when you don't know what to do. And know that you do have choices!

I'll be at CRAFT this Sunday....

I'll be with ghia at CRAFT: a creative community this Sunday, September 7. We'll be behind the Lipstick Lounge in East Nashville from 11am to 5pm. Stop by and say hi!

Woodland Street at 14th Street
Nashville, TN 37206