A girl who wants to do something for the first time, often, so she will!
"Traveling - it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller." -iban Battuta
Meet Lucy the Turtle. She is a Red Eared Slider Turtle and is the most popular pet turtle in the United States. She is also popular as a pet in the rest of the world. Her species, therefore, has become the most commonly-traded turtle in the world. Native to the southern Unites States and northern Mexico. She loves to swim and will grow to be 12 inches in length. After much discussion on our next family pet, we landed on a turtle. We were all over the place while trying to make our decision. We considered: Hedgehog, Hamster, Snake and Guinea Pig. All of which we'd never had as pets. I've never been a huge fan of turtles but have always been oh so curious. They fascinate me. In the spirit of trying something new often, I'm glad we decided on Lucy the turtle. With glee and great anticipation we acquired Lucy from PetCo. She is the coolest ever and fits right into our family: Dad, Mom, 3 kiddos, Naomi the Dog (Blue Heeler/Pit bull), and now Lucy the Turtle. She was in a huge tank with about 7 other Red Eared Slider Turtles. She was the feistiest. When she saw a human she would swim to the front of the tank and follow them from one side of the tank to the other. The entire time we were in the pet store, which seemed like an eternity, she wasn't basking like most of the turtles were. She liked to swim. After looking at aquariums and accessories for way too long, my 12 YO made a decision. We took our goodies and new family member to the check-out line. When we arrived at home with turtle and accessories in hand, we were greeted with Cheshire cat sized smiles and offers of a helping hand. Dad set up the tank while the rest of us watched Lucy the Turtle try and climb out of her temporary cardboard box home. The younger kids took turns putting one finger on her hard, beautiful shell. My oldest picked her up with no hesitation. Naomi the Dog watched from afar. After her 14 gallon aquarium was good to go, she was placed on her basking "rock". She immediately jumped into the water. We watched her swim and get acquainted with her new habitat. We then fed her and stared some more. If you're looking to add a member to your family and you've never considered a turtle, I suggest you do. Please make sure to do your homework on whatever you decide. Pet ownership is a privilege and huge responsibility.
0 Comments
A few reasons why we should read more: 1. To Develop Verbal Abilities. 2. Improves Focus and Concentration. 3. Improves Imagination. 4. Makes Us Smarter. 5. Makes Us Interesting And Attractive. 6. Reduces Stress. 7. Improves Memory. Reading Rainbow first aired on PBS 17 days before I was born. The last episode aired November 10, 2006. Each episode centered on a theme from a book, or other children's literature, which was explored through a number of segments or stories. The show recommended books for kids to look for when they went to the library. It is the third-longest running children's series in PBS history. This show changed my life. Dramatic, yes I know. I don't remember the first episode I watched that made me fall in love along with millions of others but I do remember my FAVORITE episode about my, back then, FAVORITE book: If You Give a Mouse a Cookie. Published in 1985 and known for it's playful, circular pattern. A boy gives a cookie to a mouse. The mouse asks for a glass of milk. He then requests a straw (to drink the milk), a mirror (to avoid a milk mustache), nail scissors (to trim his hair in the mirror), and a broom (to sweep up his hair trimmings). Next he wants to take a nap, to have a story read to him, to draw a picture, and to hang the drawing on the refrigerator. Looking at the refrigerator makes him thirsty, so the mouse asks for a glass of milk. The circle is complete when he wants a cookie to go with it. A definite contemporary classic! As I grew older, I quickly realized books would be an immense part of my life. I devoured books. As soon as I conquered one, I'd immediately look for another. I spent most of my early childhood years in the library across the street from our apartment. My brain loved to feed on suspense and thrillers. R.L. Stine gave me Goosebumps and introduced me to suspense. The X Files, juvenile series, struck a cord inside me that nearly became an obsession. Around the age of 16 I found James Patterson and Stephen King's books. I would get lost for hours. I'd tuck away in my room under a blanket with a side table lamp barely illuminating the space. As time passed and life became more and more busy I forgot about my love. We went separate ways. I only read when I had to: for a class, for info I needed ASAP, i.e. when I became pregnant and when I was forced to wait in lobbies. My life was notably different but I chose to do nothing about it. I'd pick up a book here and there to try and rekindle our once fire hot relationship but it never ended well. I'd attempt to immerse myself but was easily lured away. Backward about one year, a good friend of mine invited me to join her book club. I quickly accepted the offer hoping to really hunker down and actually finish an entire book as an adult. Wait a minute...hunker down? Finish an entire book as an adult? Where's the love in that? What happened??!! I remembered how reading for pleasure was once my escape, my best friend. I wanted that back. I was so excited! Months and months went by without my participation. I would receive the book titles, read the synopsis and just not follow through! One month I was very determined and went to Barnes and Nobles to buy that month's book. The Language of Flowers. Needless to say, I didn't finish the book. It's currently in my office at work. After going to yet another meeting and not having read the book, I was told it's my turn to pick which book would make us more interesting and attractive (# 5 above :)). I thought great, this will for sure be the time I reunite with my deep fondness for reading. Boy, was I right!!! I chose Miracle Man by Leibowitz. It's a medical/conspiracy/psychological thriller that explores extraordinary genius, Big Pharma, corruption, CIA, machinations, metaphysical forces and one man's tireless quest at terrible cost to validate his life. after four days I am a third of the way finished. This book has done so much for me. I feel like a kid again. Deciding to join this book club was one of the best decisions I've made. It's changed my life for the better in many ways. I suggest you join one too! Please comment with some of your favorite books! I may just read a few! Fox Island, baby!! Long before my quest to try something new at least 3/week, I was invited to a birthday party on Fox Island. Like I always do, I RSVP'd "maybe". I had my reservations: I didn't know the birthday boy, didn't have a babysitter lined up, plus, Fox Island is a ways away from Everett! As the date grew nearer I became more and more excited to visit an island I'd never heard of to celebrate a birthday. Birthday parties are always enjoyable. Let's do this! I thought as I changed my RSVP from "maybe" to "yes +2". The drive wasn't too bad; there wasn't really any traffic and we only had to make one stop. Since I recently joined a book club (you'll read all about it soon! Don't worry!) I have Miracle Man by Leibowitz on my Nook. Fantastic read! Reading made the ride seem shorter. As soon as we reached the Fox Island bridge my excitement jumped from a 5 to a 7. I have a passion for bridges and this bridge is a sight to see! The Fox Island bridge is one of Pierce county's longest at 1,950 feet, and one of the county's oldest, built in 1954. It's also a hidden jewel among South Puget Sound dive sites. It's a bit old and has had it's issues but I now love it in spite of. After a short drive from the captivating Fox Island bridge, we arrived at our destination: a beautiful house displaying a pond with Koi fish swimming, breathtaking views, a monstrous deck, two fire pits (I'm sure one's not a fire pit but I'm not certain of what it's called), horseshoes (the game), a marvelous pier with THREE boats and kayaks. The inside of the house was breathtaking as well. I"m sure I haven't captured the beauty that is this house in this post. I won't lie...I felt a little out of place walking up to such a magnificent home. We were greeted like they'd known us forever, which helped me calm down a bit. There were at least 20 adults and a band of babies. The atmosphere was pleasant. Relaxing. The food was great and so were the conversations. After stuffing our faces we took a jaunt down to the beach to forage for crabs and other beach critters. Once I saw the kayak, I had to take it for a spin. My daughter was nervous for me and my husband paid no mind. While out on the Puget Sound I felt calm, tranquil. I allowed myself to be carefree, placid. I paddled to Tanglewood Island to see it's lighthouse and pavilion. It was well worth the effort. I wanted to stay on the Sound a lot longer but we had to skedaddle. Happy Birthday, Mike!! All in all, we had a blast. I'm so glad we went! If you decide to visit Fox Island but you don't know anyone who lives there, undertake tourist activities like visiting the Fox Island museum and enjoying the Summer Music Festival. Fox Island is a unique island community and is home to approximately 3,000 residents. Nearby Gig Harbor and Tacoma are just minutes away. Fox Island's waterfront includes picture perfect views of Mt. Rainier, The Tacoma Narrows Bridge, McNeil Island, and the snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Nearby Tanglewood Island with it's iconic lighthouse and pavilion can be seen from the Fox Island Bridge. The Post Office, Grocery Store, and other small businesses can be found at the center of the island just off of Island Boulevard. Fox Island is known for its beautiful beaches, clay babies, fishing, scuba diving, as well as their active non-profit organizations and churches. I've lived in Washington state for quite some time (over 15 years) and before September 12th had never been to a Husky game. Yes. Shame on me, I know. I purchased tickets on a whim. Didn't even have childcare arranged but I didn't care. I was on a mission to do something new and am a huge football fan. I knew it would be a splendiferous experience. I looked forward to the nice weather, spending time with Don along with other Husky fans watching our dynamite team gain a W. I was not disappointed! We arrived to the beautifully remodeled (2013) stadium during the 2nd quarter. Yes, we were late. Parking was a joy to find!! I made sure to buy water and food before I got too comfortable. Which by the way never happened because it was soooooo hot! Me wearing a black shirt didn't help. We had perfect seats; close the the field and surrounded by like minded fans with the same loud, animated energy. The plays were spectacular and the band was on point plus fun to watch. The cheerleaders reminded me of my high school days which brought to mind fond memories of long lost friends, the Basement Crew, China Town, The Central District and Beacon Hill. We secured the W in a major way! 49-0!! The game being a shutout made the experience even more enjoyable. All in all it was a great kick off to my Kenita Does campaign. It was a local event, not too expensive and also counted as a date with HUbbs :) If you've never been to a Husky game, i suggest you go! Have fun! Do something new and Live life! |
Categories
All
Archives
April 2018
|