Little, Tiny, Baby Kittens

I had the opportunity to go over and meet the kittens at T & T's house this evening. Here are some photos to entice some of you to consider adopting one of these adorable babies...they really need good, loving homes! We are willing to drive them to you, no where is too far....

Black = Queen Latifah

Black w/white markings = Touchdown

Princess Leia

Princess Leia

Princess Leia

Little Jerry Seinfeld

Princess Leia

Princess Leia

Little Jerry Seinfeld

It would appear that the gray and white kittens are my favorite based on the amount of photos I have of them, but they were simply easier to work with. Queen Latifah had a bit of attitude and Touchdown is very squirmy.

Random Updates

Most of the time there is absolutely nothing going on in my life, or at least not enough to warrant a post. Enough smaller things have happened now that perhaps a small update is possible:

1. Shadow (Teresa and Tim's dog) has Pancreatitus. Teresa and I took her to the vet on Wednesday, apparently she ate something that didn't agree with her. It is our guess that someone threw something over the fence since their backyard is barren of dangerous items. She is on anti-nausea medication, antibiotics, and a special diet.

2. Teresa and Tim have four baby kittens at their house. Apparently a feral mama cat gave birth approximately 5 weeks ago at Tim's work. No one at the job site wants the cats around and were threatening to euthanize them, also the Humane Society won't take them at this time (but they are on the waiting list), in the meantime they reside at T & T's until someone can take them. If you know anyone who wants a cute baby kitten, let me know...




3. Hubby and I discovered that his truck accident that happened over 3 years ago may not be over. After researching new insurance companies and rates we discovered that our insurance company is reporting that Hubs was "at fault" (which he wasn't). Apparently there is a hold on our claim, which is normal procedure for the first 2 years, but if it exceeds that amount of time that typically means there is a pending lawsuit. I have our insurance company investigating, but it appears for right now that the Dirty Hippy that hit Hubby 3 years ago filed a law suit against us (our insurance company) claiming Hubs was at fault, not him...which is why we are being reported as at fault. Apparently there is a difference between your insurance company saying you are not guilty and the court system saying you are not guilty. Gotta love the fact that the Dirty Hippy was driving without insurance, yet he can file a law suit. Ridiculous!!! This could also be a clerical error, so lets keep our fingers crossed.

You Can't Turn Your Back on People in Need

If I have learned just one thing from my husband in the 4+ years we have been married, it is that you can't turn your back on people in need. It may be inconvenient at times, but helping someone when they need it most is what makes you a better human being.

Today I was driving home from school and noticed a homeless man, lying on the ground at a bus stop. There were two people with him but they seemed at a loss as to what to do, so I turned around and offered my assistance. Of the two men who were helping one was, himself, homeless (also a friend of the injured man), the other a concerned employee from across the street. 911 had been called twice, but there was no ambulance in sight. I immediately went to the truck, got as many napkins as I could find and my water bottle and gave them to the friend who wet them down and applied them to the injured man's forehead, arms and neck. We had no idea what was wrong with him, he was in and out of consciousness, when he was asked a question he didn't respond correctly, he was flailing uncontrollably (presumably from a seizure), in extreme pain, and couldn't open his eyes. After a third call to 911, an ambulance arrived within 3 minutes and began working on the man.

Apparently the injured man's name is Roger and Police and Fire have been having a lot of problems with him lately, including fighting. Apparently the source of his seizures is a baseball bat to the head a couple weeks ago. Jim, the other homeless man, and I stayed just in case EMS/Fire/Police had any questions for us. While we waited, I had an opportunity to talk to Jim about his life on the streets. He was a delightfully kind man who couldn't stop thanking me for stopping and offering water. He also asked me for a ride to his next location, which I politefully declined, but gave him enough money to take the bus and get himself something to eat. Jim assured me that he would let Roger know of my kindness and that someone cared for him.

I also had the opportunity to speak to one of the fire fighters who filled me in about Roger and Jim, the increased problems they are having with homeless people, the ineffectiveness of the health care system who keep these homeless guys for 2 hours than kick them back out onto the streets, and the repetitive cycle they (Police/Fire/EMS) are forced to perpetuate.

As a human being, I am relieved that Roger got the help that he needed.

As a Tucsonan, I am heartened by how professional and amiable the Tucson Police Department and the Tucson Fire Department were towards Roger and the rest of us.

As an anthropology student, I found the whole experience enlightening!

V.E.T.O Campaign

As I mentioned in my previous post, Wayne Allyn Root was the originator of the V.E.T.O campaign which I supported at the Gabby Giffords town hall meeting.

I send Mr. Root an email, letting him know about some of the comments and support I received at the meeting (along with a picture of the sign) and amazingly he responded.

His quick email said:

Thanks Kristi. I appreciate your kind words. Nice to know my idea is spreading.
Best,
Wayne

I choose to believe that since his message was so short and not from the original email address I sent it to that maaaayyybbeee it was actually from him. None the less, someone responded to my email which is more than I can say for the John McCain presidential team last year.

2 of 2500

As I have mentioned a number of times here on my blog, I have been listening to radio talk show host Jerry Doyle whose views are typically independent of political affiliation. To be more specific, it matters not if you are a Democrat or Republican, if you are in public office and do something stupid or illegal he is going to call you out on it. I appreciate and support this point of view.

As a bi-product of listening to his show I am much more up to speed on what is happening in our country and specifically what our government is up to. I have to admit that much of it is startling. This new found knowledge has driven me to want to speak out. So, with supportive Hubby in tow we went to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords' town hall meeting this past Tuesday evening. Sadly, we were unable to get in to actually see or speak to her, however, we were able to stand outside with our signs and talk to other supporters as well as opponents. Save for a few crazies who yelled at us, everyone we saw and spoke to was respectful and kind.

Outside of Saguaro High School

The auditorium behind me, with a capacity of 1500, was already full when we arrived.

The overflow area outside the auditorium where eventually another 1000 people piled in.

This was the sign I held, the other one said:
Reform Medicaid
Reform U.S. Border Policy
Reform Medicare
Reform Social Security
BEFORE reforming healthcare

Additionally: I cannot take credit for my sign, although I did create it, the idea came from a gentleman named Wayne Allyn Root who started this V.E.T.O campaign about a week ago. I am only serving to pass the message on.