Well it's that time again to update you on my volunteering and yes if you are facebook friend of mine you noticed that this week was my final week at the humane society. Like I mentioned on my previous posts there were hardly anything I could do there and the tasks that I was more than capable of doing such as cleaning or washing they left up to the staff. Well.....maybe except for the bathing of kittens or pups but they didn't always have those available. I was really reluctant to quit because I didn't want people to think I didn't try to enjoy myself. I have had a history of doing that in the past quitting a program way to early before I had given it a chance.
After talking to a few people such as mom, Hailee, and Carson, and grandma I realized that three weeks was plenty of time to see it wasn't for me. Mom and grandma asked me the same questions which were,
"How do you feel when you get on the bus on Wednesdays knowing you will be volunteering at the Heartville thrift shoppe?"
My answer was: I love it! I am excited when I see the white and blue SARTA bus come into my street.
Then of course I got the question, "How do you feel when the bus comes for you the next day and you know that you will be going to the humane society?"
My answer: It's not the same feeling. I don't know what I'm going to be doing when I arrive there, people aren't the friendliest, which I understand but have thought I was in community service and spoke harshly to me. All that I've ended up doing there is watching the pet of the day and handing treats."
Anyway as mom picked me up from the humane society Thursday she said "Honey I don't care where you volunteer as long as you enjoy yourself," and that's when I realized I made the right decision. Anyway let me give you a little peak as to what went on each day.
Wednesday: Heartville Thrift shoppe
I was greeted by the manager Maria as I walked in to get my badge. She wanted to go over some changes how to price the books and told me that they have a new price scanner that automatically scans the price on books that have a blank sticker on them. So yes I got to pricing and restocking the books. For the first time since I'd been there I'd got to help a couple people. Yes it might sound lame to you but not me. One was a gentleman who wanted a price on a hardback and asked me and yes I knew the answer. :)
The other person I helped was a little girl but I can't help but say I helped her mom out too. I was putting books away on the paperback fiction shelf right next to the youth children's section when I saw them. Her mom was looking at books for her but none seemed to catch the girls interest. She would just look at her mom and roll her eyes. It was like she was thinking, Really, I can't believe you suggested that . I couldn't help be curious and asked what her mom what her daughter's reading level is.
She said she was level up reading wise as far as chapter books and sometimes they don't know what to pick out. I saw a Magic Attic club book that used to be one of my favorite series when I was her age and asked if she liked the magic attic club. Her eyes lit up when I handed her the book and to find out that she hadn't read that particular one was even better! Her mom smiled and said thanks. :) I purchased my first book there. The cost $1.07. Yahoo can't beat that!
Thursday: Humane Society ( Last Day)
Well my first thought was I am not going to be sitting around draining the battery out of my phone, I'm bringing something to do and sure enough I brought my paperback book I purchased. Yes it was a really slow day. Only two of the staff members I knew well were there and the rest were basically people I haven't seen before. I had a funny encounter with Alex the pet of the day. She was an eight year old dog who acted like a pup and tried to get my paperback. Well anyway I don't have any regrets about giving up my volunteer work there. I will be picking up an extra day at Heartville doing clothing on Fridays. Well that's all for now. I will try and get on here and do a book review on a book that I read so it don't bore you with volunteer updates. If I sounded negative on my last post I highly apologize for that. Hope to hear from you soon.
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Volunteering update ( Week 3)
Well it's that time again for an update. I know I have usually have posted my updates on volunteering Fridays but yesterday was kind of busy due to a lunch date with Jessie and her mom, but anyway at least I am doing it now. Anyway I think you'll like what I've got to say. So here it goes.
Wednesday: Heartville Thrift shop
I must say this is the place that I'm looking forward to coming to every week! :) I'm glad that I felt that way after one day there. The manager Ashley was very sweet and showed me around and told me that except for four or five paid staff the rest of the employers there are volunteers. I am strictly in charge of pricing and re stalking books. In my head I thought there was going to be a little cart with books and I was going to be done in a half hour. NOT! There were tables and carts filled with books that needed pricing and restocking. So yes I was busy the whole time I was there. So bring on the books!
Thursday: Humane society
After trying my hand at both volunteer shifts which are 11:00AM-1:45 and 1:45-3:00 I must say I enjoy the afternoon shift more. I've tried my hand in the morning but my public transportation had dropped me off earlier than the shift before volunteers are allowed back to help. I feel like I still don't know how I feel about the animal shelter. I don't love it as much as Heartville but at the same time I don't want to give up. Anyway I'll keep you updated. The pet of day was a dog named Sammy. All it said on her tag was she's 6 and she's on a diet. I forget what kind of dog she is but she's black and brown. Well I'm going to go. I will write again soon of a book overview and some other things so it doesn't look like I'm just updating you on volunteering. Have a good day.
Wednesday: Heartville Thrift shop
I must say this is the place that I'm looking forward to coming to every week! :) I'm glad that I felt that way after one day there. The manager Ashley was very sweet and showed me around and told me that except for four or five paid staff the rest of the employers there are volunteers. I am strictly in charge of pricing and re stalking books. In my head I thought there was going to be a little cart with books and I was going to be done in a half hour. NOT! There were tables and carts filled with books that needed pricing and restocking. So yes I was busy the whole time I was there. So bring on the books!
Thursday: Humane society
After trying my hand at both volunteer shifts which are 11:00AM-1:45 and 1:45-3:00 I must say I enjoy the afternoon shift more. I've tried my hand in the morning but my public transportation had dropped me off earlier than the shift before volunteers are allowed back to help. I feel like I still don't know how I feel about the animal shelter. I don't love it as much as Heartville but at the same time I don't want to give up. Anyway I'll keep you updated. The pet of day was a dog named Sammy. All it said on her tag was she's 6 and she's on a diet. I forget what kind of dog she is but she's black and brown. Well I'm going to go. I will write again soon of a book overview and some other things so it doesn't look like I'm just updating you on volunteering. Have a good day.
Friday, October 24, 2014
Volunteering update (week 2)
Well it's been a couple weeks since I got myself out in the field of volunteering and I thought I'd update you on the progress and how I like it. I decided that I will keep you updated each week after I accomplished my week's worth of volunteering. Right now it looks like Wednesdays, and Thursdays I'm GOING to be busy with volunteering at a theft store in Heartville, sorting and pricing books, and yes continuing my work at the animal shelter. Then once a month I will be volunteering at Mighty Wind Christian church at their open house. It is an event where the less fortunate or homeless come in to get food or shop for needed clothing or appliances free of charge. Yes I volunteered there Wednesday and met a great group of people and they want me to come back. Here is a little bit of what went on each day I volunteered.
Wednesday: Mighty Wind Christian Church
Mom had offered to drop me off on her way to my grandparent's house. I was relieved that she did because the doors to the church were locked and we literally had to pound on it. Thoughts were streaming through my head like, "Oh no! was this a scam!" But sure enough a gentleman by the name of Don answered along with a woman named Linda. Mom explained I was here to volunteer and they ooed and awed and said come on in. It was real easy work, it was basically hanging and putting clothes into boxes and bags and racks for the open house. It was fun looking through the clothes. Some of them still had tags on them and looked brand new. Yes as we worked we chit chatted and had fun. :)
Thursday: Animal Shelter
I didn't do that much like the last time I was there. I walked two dogs one looked like a black lab mix named Tank and one by the name of Chip. Tank was funny he just wanted to sit in the grass and enjoy some fresh air so I let him and he kept sneaking me kisses. I gave all the dogs and cats treats, and played with a cat by the name of sweetie boy.
The pet of the day was a shepard mix by the name of Abby. She was a cutie. on her tag it said, gentle, good with kids, and housebroken. ;) If I was starting a family I would told the staff, "She's mine!" lol.
How I'm enjoying it
I am enjoying volunteering greatly. If I choose between the animal shelter and the church I would have to say the church. The animal shelter can be difficult at times and there is really no consistency with the volunteers. So I don't know what I am going to be doing when I go in which is hard. Well better get to housework bye.
Wednesday: Mighty Wind Christian Church
Mom had offered to drop me off on her way to my grandparent's house. I was relieved that she did because the doors to the church were locked and we literally had to pound on it. Thoughts were streaming through my head like, "Oh no! was this a scam!" But sure enough a gentleman by the name of Don answered along with a woman named Linda. Mom explained I was here to volunteer and they ooed and awed and said come on in. It was real easy work, it was basically hanging and putting clothes into boxes and bags and racks for the open house. It was fun looking through the clothes. Some of them still had tags on them and looked brand new. Yes as we worked we chit chatted and had fun. :)
Thursday: Animal Shelter
I didn't do that much like the last time I was there. I walked two dogs one looked like a black lab mix named Tank and one by the name of Chip. Tank was funny he just wanted to sit in the grass and enjoy some fresh air so I let him and he kept sneaking me kisses. I gave all the dogs and cats treats, and played with a cat by the name of sweetie boy.
The pet of the day was a shepard mix by the name of Abby. She was a cutie. on her tag it said, gentle, good with kids, and housebroken. ;) If I was starting a family I would told the staff, "She's mine!" lol.
How I'm enjoying it
I am enjoying volunteering greatly. If I choose between the animal shelter and the church I would have to say the church. The animal shelter can be difficult at times and there is really no consistency with the volunteers. So I don't know what I am going to be doing when I go in which is hard. Well better get to housework bye.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Back in the volunteering and blogging world
Yes that's right I am Back! It's been so long since I posted anything it feels great to be returning to the blogging world. Yes you might be wondering if I'd even thought about my blog since I stopped and the answer was yes I thought about it quite a bit but some of the events that I thought would make a good post would not be appropriate to share on here. But anyway for those who don't get on facebook or don't have an instagram account here is what occurred.
1. took a trip to Louisville with grandma to visit aunt Karla and her family. ( No we didn't have a blow out, we traveled by grayhound bus)
2. celebrated 5 years seizure free
3. went camping down at the ohio river and carved pumpkins and participated in the festivel
4. spending time with grandma and grandpa at their house for they are moving
5. reading some fantastic books
6. working on my novel
7. searching and FINDING volunteer work.
That's right, I am volunteering at The humane society. I think it is important to raise awareness for those who speak differently. Yes when I updated the status on facebook the likes came pouring in but also some warnings such as Happy for you but remember you can't adopt all." I must admit I was Skeptical about volunteering there because I didn't think my personality was suitable for it. I almost thought I was too HEARTLESS for it. Such as I didn't feel bad to see a dog or kitten be put in a cage I thought "Do I really have to be so tough, why can't I have compassion?"
Anyway I had witnessed a sad moment that proved that I DO have compassion and that I'm suitable to do this as I was about to sign out to catch my ride back home but more on that in a bit, here is what my first day was like:
Due to a leash that was broken a dog took me for walk rather than me taking the dog for a walk. ( The dog was cute and spotted. It resembled Crystal our old English cocker we had growing up. a young man who worked there saw that I was having trouble and grabbed the leash, shook his head and said "it's broken." He helped me get the dog back in it's cage.
I tried to walk another dog but I couldn't get the cage open I finally thought, "I'm asking for another job." sure enough they gave me one which was bathing a litter of kittens.
That was fun and it passed the time too. :) I wouldn't mind doing that every time I am there. There is always a staff or volunteer there to give you a hand. Yes some do squirm but they are easy to handle. Yes I made the mistake of taking my phone out of my back pack purse I had to take a photo for my cousin which did not come out good. Anyway guess what happened I went to the bathroom and the cell got thrown in with the group of towels to get cleaned. No, don't worry I still have it, and I got to feed the animals.
Okay about that sad moment when I realized that I DO have compassion. I saw a lady come in with her dog. It looked like a pit bull. I am not sure of her name but I am sure it was Kayla. I witnessed the woman standing with Kayla as I was about to sign out and at first I thought she was adopting but it was the other way around, she was giving Kayla to the humane society. She was answering questions about the her and Kayla looked at me with sad eyes and wanted me to pet her. Sure enough the staff member came and tried to take Kayla back but she would not budge the lady had to walk with them just to calm Kayla down. I saw the woman walk out crying and I almost lost it. I just wanted to give Kayla a treat. Sure enough I walked around with a basket full of treats for the dogs. Overall it was a fun experience. I will be doing it weekly and still searching for other volunteer work out there that interests me. I will keep you updated and post the pet of the day that is available. Till next time.
Heather
1. took a trip to Louisville with grandma to visit aunt Karla and her family. ( No we didn't have a blow out, we traveled by grayhound bus)
2. celebrated 5 years seizure free
3. went camping down at the ohio river and carved pumpkins and participated in the festivel
4. spending time with grandma and grandpa at their house for they are moving
5. reading some fantastic books
6. working on my novel
7. searching and FINDING volunteer work.
That's right, I am volunteering at The humane society. I think it is important to raise awareness for those who speak differently. Yes when I updated the status on facebook the likes came pouring in but also some warnings such as Happy for you but remember you can't adopt all." I must admit I was Skeptical about volunteering there because I didn't think my personality was suitable for it. I almost thought I was too HEARTLESS for it. Such as I didn't feel bad to see a dog or kitten be put in a cage I thought "Do I really have to be so tough, why can't I have compassion?"
Anyway I had witnessed a sad moment that proved that I DO have compassion and that I'm suitable to do this as I was about to sign out to catch my ride back home but more on that in a bit, here is what my first day was like:
Due to a leash that was broken a dog took me for walk rather than me taking the dog for a walk. ( The dog was cute and spotted. It resembled Crystal our old English cocker we had growing up. a young man who worked there saw that I was having trouble and grabbed the leash, shook his head and said "it's broken." He helped me get the dog back in it's cage.
I tried to walk another dog but I couldn't get the cage open I finally thought, "I'm asking for another job." sure enough they gave me one which was bathing a litter of kittens.
That was fun and it passed the time too. :) I wouldn't mind doing that every time I am there. There is always a staff or volunteer there to give you a hand. Yes some do squirm but they are easy to handle. Yes I made the mistake of taking my phone out of my back pack purse I had to take a photo for my cousin which did not come out good. Anyway guess what happened I went to the bathroom and the cell got thrown in with the group of towels to get cleaned. No, don't worry I still have it, and I got to feed the animals.
Okay about that sad moment when I realized that I DO have compassion. I saw a lady come in with her dog. It looked like a pit bull. I am not sure of her name but I am sure it was Kayla. I witnessed the woman standing with Kayla as I was about to sign out and at first I thought she was adopting but it was the other way around, she was giving Kayla to the humane society. She was answering questions about the her and Kayla looked at me with sad eyes and wanted me to pet her. Sure enough the staff member came and tried to take Kayla back but she would not budge the lady had to walk with them just to calm Kayla down. I saw the woman walk out crying and I almost lost it. I just wanted to give Kayla a treat. Sure enough I walked around with a basket full of treats for the dogs. Overall it was a fun experience. I will be doing it weekly and still searching for other volunteer work out there that interests me. I will keep you updated and post the pet of the day that is available. Till next time.
Heather
Thursday, May 29, 2014
So many surgeries, so many scars
I know, I know this title might sound a little graphic or depressing but I assure you it won't be as bad as you might think. This came out of my mouth as mom and I was enjoying a tasty a milkshake at Grinders and mom was enjoying a glass of wine. We were talking about my recent eye exam and that I was a good candidate for lens implacement surgery. ( Where they insert a perment contact lens in the eye.) Mom and I are both really excited for this because I can't do anything without my glasses or contacts in even because my vision is really bad, even showering is a hassle. I am severely near sighted. Well anyway I am going to look at getting that surgery in the fall but I did get contacts so that I can wear sunglasses on sunny days and be able to get the feeling of contacts again. But anyway I just looked at mom and shook my head and said,
"Jeez how many more surgeries will I have to go through, it seems like I have a scar everywhere!"
Mom started laughing and said, "Just think of them as war scars that you can tell your family."
Jeez at times I still feel like I overcame something in a little war. Can I have a metal? Lol :-D. But anyway I thought you were curious how many surgeries I overcame so I will give you a list.
Eye surgery baby (don't know what it was for
Foot surgery on my right toe ( because I used to walk on my tip toe
Tendon transfer on my right hand ( to straighten it)
Mole removed on my back
Brain surgery
The list is a little much isn't it? Well I hope after the next surgery that will be all. :-)
I am sorry I haven't been blogging that much lately but as you know you can follow me on Instagram I do post photos quite a bit. :-). That's all for now bye
"Jeez how many more surgeries will I have to go through, it seems like I have a scar everywhere!"
Mom started laughing and said, "Just think of them as war scars that you can tell your family."
Jeez at times I still feel like I overcame something in a little war. Can I have a metal? Lol :-D. But anyway I thought you were curious how many surgeries I overcame so I will give you a list.
Eye surgery baby (don't know what it was for
Foot surgery on my right toe ( because I used to walk on my tip toe
Tendon transfer on my right hand ( to straighten it)
Mole removed on my back
Brain surgery
The list is a little much isn't it? Well I hope after the next surgery that will be all. :-)
I am sorry I haven't been blogging that much lately but as you know you can follow me on Instagram I do post photos quite a bit. :-). That's all for now bye
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Book Overview (The Bridesmaid)
Well it's time for a book overview again. As I looked back at my recent blog posts I noticed that February was the last time I gave you an update on what I was reading and you were probably wondering if I was reading a good novel or just occupied with something else. Yes to tell you the truth I have been occupied lately. I have been in training mode again getting ready for a 5 K I'm participating in on the 24th, and of course working on my own book. But yes I always make a point to read a chapter a day and that's usually to help me fall asleep at night or when mom, mark, and I are just chilling. Well anyway here are the overview I promised.
Overview
Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride The young amishwoman is a closet writer whose stories aren't her only secret.
Eben Troyer hopes to make Joanna his bride, if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana Indiana. Yet Eben's hopes to build a life with Joanna hinge on his brother's return from the English world...
My thoughts
I Absolutely loved the characters in this book! Joanna reminded me so much of myself as in a couple different ways. I have been a bridesmaid a couple times but never the bride and another thing that I had in common was that I love to write. :) I also loved the fact that Beverly Lewis told it from Eban's point of view as well so it wasn't all about Joanna.
My novel update
Chapter 6 page 16. I am typing it out on a laptop. :)
Well better get going, lots to do. :)
Overview
Joanna Kurtz has made several trips to the altar, but never as a bride The young amishwoman is a closet writer whose stories aren't her only secret.
Eben Troyer hopes to make Joanna his bride, if he can ever leave his parents' farm in Shipshewana Indiana. Yet Eben's hopes to build a life with Joanna hinge on his brother's return from the English world...
My thoughts
I Absolutely loved the characters in this book! Joanna reminded me so much of myself as in a couple different ways. I have been a bridesmaid a couple times but never the bride and another thing that I had in common was that I love to write. :) I also loved the fact that Beverly Lewis told it from Eban's point of view as well so it wasn't all about Joanna.
My novel update
Chapter 6 page 16. I am typing it out on a laptop. :)
Well better get going, lots to do. :)
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Reunited with the Miklandlandric' family
Well as many of you know from a recent Facebook post my dad's brother in Youngstown passed away so yes that would mean my uncle. Don't worry he's not my only uncle on my dad's side. He has three other siblings and my dad is the youngest, yes the the little baby lol. Well anyway today was the day that James, Nate, and I got into the car to head into Youngstown for the funeral service. I don't know how they were feeling but as I was getting ready my heart thumped at thought of seeing my relatives at dad's side. We got to the church around ten and I was immediately was greeted by my cousin Leslie. She looked well and it seemed like only yesterday I was in her wedding. :-)
Yes I was also greeted by her brother Billy. He looked the same as the last time I'd seen him. :-). Not to say that I wasn't excited to see them but I was so eager to say hi to their parents uncle Bill and aunt Sandra. Aunt Sandra said I looked good. Which surprised me. :-). I don't know why but I just feel that I am always being judged as far as my weight, height, and body figure by certain members of the family and it gives me a boost of confidence when someone says "you look good," but than I am sure it does everyone. Ok enough about that, I said hi to uncle Bill next. As we hugged he smothered each cheek with three kisses. I was instantly transferred back into childhood for he used to do the same thing when I was little.
It was like neither of us wanted to let go. My uncle John and aunt carol were next to greet. They basically said I looked good and that they were glad I still keep in touch with their daughter Johnna. Our aunt Cathy had the flu and couldn't make it to the service but showed up at uncle Bill's for the meal afterward. Yes dad was there as well as many others.
The funeral was short And sweet and yes afterwards we went to uncle Bill's for lunch. It was nice to see everyone from dad's side of the family and aunt Sandra said it's a shame it takes a funeral to bring everyone together. Well better get going. Night :-)
Yes I was also greeted by her brother Billy. He looked the same as the last time I'd seen him. :-). Not to say that I wasn't excited to see them but I was so eager to say hi to their parents uncle Bill and aunt Sandra. Aunt Sandra said I looked good. Which surprised me. :-). I don't know why but I just feel that I am always being judged as far as my weight, height, and body figure by certain members of the family and it gives me a boost of confidence when someone says "you look good," but than I am sure it does everyone. Ok enough about that, I said hi to uncle Bill next. As we hugged he smothered each cheek with three kisses. I was instantly transferred back into childhood for he used to do the same thing when I was little.
It was like neither of us wanted to let go. My uncle John and aunt carol were next to greet. They basically said I looked good and that they were glad I still keep in touch with their daughter Johnna. Our aunt Cathy had the flu and couldn't make it to the service but showed up at uncle Bill's for the meal afterward. Yes dad was there as well as many others.
The funeral was short And sweet and yes afterwards we went to uncle Bill's for lunch. It was nice to see everyone from dad's side of the family and aunt Sandra said it's a shame it takes a funeral to bring everyone together. Well better get going. Night :-)
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