Now that the weather is starting to get cooler, it is time to bring out my long sleeves shirts and long pants. Funny how I love to wear long sleeves and long pants, but only if it’s cool and cold! I went to the consignment shop yesterday after work to check out their fall clothing. I want to get some cheap ray bans but had second thoughts, it’s better to spend the cash on what I really NEED. However, I didn’t find any pants that are in my size. I was also looking out for a white cotton shirt, and again, not a single that caught my eye. I suppose I have to go to another store this weekend.
- Blogging on my life events & whatever that comes to my mind!
Archives for Product
Mom’s Wonderful
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Mom’s Wonderful
Author: Omar Schwartz
My mom is great and we’ve always been really close but when she suggested we start our own clothing company together I was more than a little worried. I didn’t want our working relationship to come in the way of our regular relationship and to be honest, I had no idea what kind of business partner she would turn out to be. It’s been three years since we opened the doors of the boutique and business is actually booming. Booming! Mom totally knows what to do and she’s got a really savvy head for business things like bank card processing companies and talking to vendors which is one less thing I have to worry about. I’m better at hanging out with the clients and really getting the store aesthetically where it should be so our talents work well to balance each other out in the environment of the store. I hope we’re able to keep this business going for a long time to come and maybe we’ll pass it down to my own daughters someday!
Faith in recovery for an addict
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Since I returned home from my faith healing retreat last month, I have been vigilant with my rosary, again! Yes, I have not been praying the rosary for many, many, many months. I can’t even remember when I stopped my nightly rosary.
Anyway, During the retreat, a team member (A) gave me her rosary, a very beautiful rosary from Medjugorje that was blessed by Mary Mother. I have to say holding on to the rosary has a different feeling, it’s as if, Mary is there. The rosary was given to A by her friend who returned from a Medjugorje pilgrimage (something I really want to do one day). A has gone a couple trips herself and has brought home rosaries blessed my Mary. She said the rosary she is giving me has brought her a lot of luck. She gave it to me as she knows I need it.
Now I only wish DB will do the rosary with me. He said he does it every day umpteenth years ago. I am hoping he would say a decade, at least, it’s a good start to get his faith back to help him heal. The retreat program members told me about Christian Rehab Centers DB can go to if he truly wants Jesus Christ to help him. I believe if he wants to be healed, he will accept humility and ask for help. Right now he is in denial that he needs help. Having an addiction is a disease. An alcoholic needs outside, professional help. I have never heard any stories of an addict get clean by doing it him/herself.
The Christian Addiction Treatment is based on healing scriptures, knowing Jesus Christ, the transcendent healer of all. I have not gone to a rehab center, however, I want to say that the Catholic healing retreat I have above has opened up my heart to our Savior and the need to read scriptures is deepening in me. I have healed from my “wounds” and I am glad I went.
Archaic find
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DB and I were going through the boxes in the store room and garage last weekend. He was looking for a cable for the satellite receiver which we could not find any. However, he found a small box of 35mm film. It seems so ancient to me seeing them now. He labeled each roll with the date that was 11/1996. He said that was the last he went deer hunting out in Red Wing. They are 12 in a roll and there were 3 rolls in the small box. I told him he should have the 35mm film to dvd, at least convert it to digital since they are all pictures of sceneries. This man has a lot of archaic items he have been keeping for some reason or other. He still has the big humongous video recorder that I do not even know why he is keeping it, most probably for sentimental value. But that’s a waste of space. I am sure we are going to dig up more archaic stuff as we go along cleaning up the boxes.
Leaving his “fur”
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Couple weeks ago (August 21, 2011) I was walking Cooper on his own and when we got home, I thought I would brush him a little but he was not up to it. He wanted to go inside. Now I know why 
Before we went in, I saw clumps of hair sticking out from his chest, so I pulled them out. I pulled out 3 – 4 clumps of them.
I took this picture on Monday (8/29/2011). Only one clump of hair left, stayed at the same spot the entire time. I saw it everyday when I went for my walks with the boys. All the other clumps blew away except this one. DB said Coops is definitely leaving his marking for us! 
Atta boy, Coops! DB said I should put his picture on a photo frame next to the other gifts we had received from P. I am going to do it this weekend.
Labor Day weekend
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It’s nice to have 3 days off this week because of Labor Day. I will be going for the Minnesota Get Together aka The Minnesota State Fair with S on Saturday morning. We have discounted tickets sold at my workplace ($9/ticket, regular ticket price is $12). I’m only looking forward to the fair food and the barn animals. I’m really a sucker for animals.
There are also vendors for farming machines/equipments, snow chains for your tires if need be (thank God I don’t need them), snowmobils but the top priority is to stomach the food at the fair. Looking forward to the cheese curds, spiral spuds (potato chips in spiral shape) which is new this year, hotdog wrapped in a fresh pretzel dough (might have to take this home), and anything on a stick will do for me. I always try out caribou, moose or buffalo meat when I’m at the fair. They are so darn lean with no fat on them, grill to perfection. Yummy, I’m already salivating!
Happy Labor Day, folks!
Sep 2, 2011
The day and the other 2 dogs
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The day we have to take Cooper to the vet to put him down, Ranger and Chase were super hyper. Ranger especially. He is always laid back, only will move around when we call him. But that day, he was following us after I put Cooper’s collar on. Ranger and Chase were already at the door when we helped Cooper to the door. Cooper kinda stopped for a while at the door and we had to shoo the other two out of the way. The two others’ tail were wagging crazy and told them they cannot come. Told them to say their goodbyes to Cooper now. With that, we left them behind and when looked back as I shut the door, I saw their puppy eyes, tails all down. So darn sad. I have to said that day we all don’t need any fat burners for we were all running on adrenalin.
When we were in the car driving to the vet, we were wondering how the other two were as they acted really extraordinary. However when we got to the vet parking lot, we totally forgot about the other two and had to carry Cooper out from the car. He was able to hop in the car which surprised us both but he could not get out. He was still able to walk inside and even to the room where the nurses prepped for us (the exam table moved to the side and a big blanket laid on the floor). We directed Cooper to the blanket and asked him to lay down and the nurse went through some paperwork with us asking if we want private (will have his ashes back in an urn) or communal cremation. We declined his ashes but would like his paw print on a clay. The then told us they are going to leave us alone with him, taking our time. When we are ready to have them take him for prep, just call them. They then took him away to prep the catheter and carried him back to the room. So heartbreaking to see him being carried that way knowing how active he once was. Even one of the nurse carrying was crying.
When the nurses put him down on the floor, he walked to DB and I and his tail was wagging. It was the first time in 2 days he wagged his tail. It’s as if he is telling us he love us and thank you. He laid down on the same position he did for the past 5 days. He was unable to lay on his side, if he did, it was only for a second. Doc Mitchell came in, exchanged greetings, hugs and asked if we had gone through euthanasia before. Both DB and I had not gone through it before. He explained what he is going to do with the three shots (relax him – unconsciousness, respiratory, and cardiac arrest – heart stops). Doc M talked to Cooper and we had to coax him to lay down on his side which he didn’t want to. I then told Doc to help him relax. I had to tell Cooper a few times “Cooper, go to sleep” and Doc M administered the first shot which Cooper laid on his side right away. Within seconds he was relaxed (muscles twitching) and had this peaceful look on him. I was relieve to see that he was able to relax and sleep. Doc M administered the other two between 5 seconds. The final one we were able to hear Cooper took his last breath. As heart wrenching it was, I was happy he was not in pain or suffering anymore. I only had memories of him when we were playing tug-of-war. Funny how I had those memories during that time. There was not much muscles twitching after that. The tail was tucked between his legs when he laid down but when the muscles relaxed it was straight out. Doc M left after he checked Cooper’s heart stopped and told us to take as long as we want with him. DB and I spent another 10 minutes with Cooper. During that time, I smelled him and looked at his ears which already turned yellow as same as his teeth, and the white of his eyes. His eyes were still opened but the second lid (all water dogs has that 2nd lid so that they can see when they are swimming underwater) was covering them. Even DB said Cooper look so at peace, no anxious looking but just sleeping like himself. He did not defaecate or peed since he didn’t eat for so many days and no water at all since the morning. Basically he left a very clean boy, as always.
When we got home, the other two were wild. Ranger and Chase sniffed us down as usual but the unusual thing was they went upstairs checked out the rooms, downstairs everywhere and waited at the doors (front and garage) every few minutes. OMG, that was so hard to take in. They were looking for Cooper. That’s when DB and I thought we should have brought them with us.
We had to round up the two in the living room, pet them, talk to them and was with them for a while. They did the same thing as before each time I went out and came in to the house. The next day I had to go for a church thingy, they did the same thing and DB had to round them up.
Today I went to church and told my RCIA coordinator, about Cooper. She is a dog lover. She asked if I brought the other two with us to the vet during Cooper’s last time on earth. I said no and she said we should and was surprised our vet didn’t mention that option to us. Her son who is a veterinarian lecturing at a university in Michigan, said owners who have more than 1 dog should bring the other living one with them during the euthanasia. Dogs already can sense sickness and death on the sick dog. He said the living dog will get a sense of closure being with the sick dog when it dies. If the living dog is not present during the euthanasia, it will go searching for the sick dog. Immediately I felt so guilty. She told me don’t go on a guilt trip, it’s over. Next time we know what to do. She said that’s why the other two are going round the house looking for Cooper.
I have to say that the other two dogs are extremely clingy to us now. They want attention at all times. Them going around the house looking for Cooper has stopped. They did go over to where I hung up Cooper’s collar (by the stairs) to sniff it. I suppose in their minds they know Cooper is no longer with us. Their eyes will move when I say the name Cooper to them. Wish i can read their minds.
Dogs definitely are God’s gift, they teach human beings a lot about patience, loyalty, perseverance, humility, friendship and forgiveness. DB and I were talking about how Cooper was a whiner, a melodramatic dog, but never once he made noise during his last days with us. He only moved away from me many times when I talked, petted him, as if he does not want me to be sad, but no grunting from him. This is what I found on the web about animals that are dying:
In some cases, your pet will tell you it’s time. He will start to separate himself from you. If he has spent nearly every night sleeping beside, or in, your bed and he seeks out places that resemble a cave on what seems like a whim, he may be preparing himself for death. Pack animals in particular have been known to separate themselves from the pack in order to prevent the strong from becoming injured while protecting the weak. (http://www.professorshouse.com/Pets/Dogs/Health/Articles/Euthanasia/)
Cooper’s blood work
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Cooper’s blood work came back today. All is good except for one…..that’s the liver test. One of the tests results for the liver came back in the hundreds instead of the norm 60′s. He is still not eating. We even cracked an egg and melted some bacon grease for him, no go. Usually he will wallop it up in no time.
The vet called said to give him antibiotics now till the cytology results come back tomorrow. I went to pick the meds up feeling really crappy. The two receptionists in their cotton scrubs with doggie prints were so cheerful. I suppose that’s what they are suppose to be….be cheerful to greet the clients! If only I can wear scrub to work from http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/. No hassle with what to wear everyday!
While I was at work, DB said Cooper went outside with him, did his business and laid on the grass for a while and drank some water when the came in. That is good to hear because this morning, he drank nothing. DB is till waiting for Doc M, our usual vet, to call him, if he is going to. Doc N called him with the the blood work. DB wants to hear what Doc M, the doc who always has pristine white lab coat on. DB and Doc N agreed we cannot do anything for now until the other test comes back.
I hope this is just a virus infection Cooper is fighting, not cancer.
Summer festival at church
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The church has its annual summer festival last month. It was my second year attending and I have to say it was quite boring. Obviously it was held outside since it’s summer!! The weather was one thing that totally turned me off. It was in the upper 90′s with heat index up to 115 F.
One thing for sure is the amount of time the volunteers put up for this event was unbelievable. There were logo mats at all entrances. These mats definitely make a welcoming sight for visitors! And those mats are still there. Besides the mats, the church had new canopies for the four stalls that the military support group are putting up their goodies – food, t-shirts, nick knacks, etc. The church put up a logo canopy for each of those four stalls, each representing the military: Navy, Army, Air Force and Marines.
Speaking of logo mats, the church also made some changes to the carpeting. During one of the confirmations and baptisims, the church rolled out a new red carpet, like those you trade show carpet, by the fount. It even has the church’s logo on it! I told DB about these changes, he said the tithe must be pretty good in order to get these updated! Maybe one of the parish members has connection with trade show flooring, hence able to get these at a cheaper rate. Nevertheless, these new updates do make every thing look refreshing.
Life insurance
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Life insurance is something I never thought of for the longest time. Although it is part of my benefits from my company at work, I always pick the lowest where i don’t have to pay a dime. However, now that I’m the sole bread winner, if some thing happens to me, boom, there are no savings for other expenses let alone funeral. Whoever needs to get the best quotations for life insurance that suits your needs, go here and get started.
Shopping with coupons
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When I first came to this country I was surprise why DB was cutting coupons before we head out for our weekly grocery shopping. He said the manufacturers coupons and store coupons help a lot with the total you would pay at the register. It definitely helps I must say. It drops the total amount you have to pay without the coupons. Now that I am the one who is doing the shopping for most groceries unless I am not available to do so that week, I am constantly on look out for coupons. I am also checking out walmart coupons when I shop at Super Walmart. Walmart does have super value prices, plus with coupons, at times I just quarter of the price for that particular item. Yeah, I heart coupons.
Quietness is dreadful
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Today in the office I feel like I’m in no man’s world. It is so so quiet. DB and I texted and asked how’s it going for me at work. Told him it’s just silence wherever I turn to in the area. No one around and he asked are people off for the weekend. I said most of the people of are permanently “off”! Not just my area, the library has seen a dramatic cut back. There are no one to man the library. It’s all self-service and a few barcode scanner tools that’s all it needs. Very soon there is no need of humans to man the workforce but machines!
Aug 5, 2011
Advertising through modern technology
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The year I worked at the travel company was 1998. Back in those days my boss was rather frugal and never kept up with “modern” times. There were no internet or emailing technology in that company. It is all paper. The boss travels numerous times a year to different countries to scout out the tours she intends to incorporate into her travel programs which cater for university alums, bar associations, bankers, and retirees.
Since I was new to the company and to the country, I had to ask her and the sales manager how the boss advertise these programs to the said clients. The sales managers was a nice guy, he said we do it the old fashion way. The boss does not employ an Advertising Agency to help sell these programs. He does majority of the work where he will travel by car most of the times. Very rare he gets to fly to a client’s destination, unless it’s out in the east or west coasts. The boss herself travels, too, but she meets up with the more distinguish clients. For her, she gets to travel by air and rents a car.
When the boss comes back from her travels scouting out these new travel places, she will have me type up the details, descriptions and the roll of pictures are developed right after she arrives. With the pictures and the typed up descriptions and details, she walks over to the graphics department. She will sit with the head graphics guy and they both draft out the a flyer, pamplet and postcards for mailing to current, former, and prospective clients. Yes, everything is by hand. I wanted to tell her to keep up with modern technology to start getting an internet, but first, at least start of with emails. From there on she can build an internet and hire an advertising agency to market her programs.
Now that I have left, Iwas told the company finally got into the “modern times” 3 years ago! Wow!
Year end vacation
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My boss confirmed my request for 3weeks off starting end of November through mid December. Boss was quite apprehensive initially till we discussed about what’s left to do for year end and what I can do complete in advance for her since I do not have a backup. I am very happy that I can go. If only I can obtain a payday loan which is similar to advance cash, that would be just swell, to help pay for air ticket and miscellaneous. Whatever I need to get to go for my long over due vacation is all worth it. Money, you can work for it, but seeing and being with your family is just priceless.
Who still owns a cassette player?
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I was chatting with MB, another church member in the RCIA program about Father C’s talks, his situation with the Church and how we missed his talks on the Catholic radio. MB said do not fret about losing his talks. She has Father C’s talks from his very beginning to 2 years ago. That means she pretty much has the whole collection of his audio talks. She said I can borrow them and copy them if I want to, however they are on cassette tapes! I was so surprised to hear that. MB told me she got them almost 10 years ago. It was actually not a problem for me to listen to the tapes but I have to bring them to work since I do not have a cassette player at home, instead I have one at work but the speakers are not too good. I have to plug in the head phones to the player to get a clear sound. Nonetheless, it brings back a lot of memories seeing cassette tapes. I have thrown all my cassette tapes from the 1990′s. Good thing the player I have at work is still in good condition.