Brown County Folks - Corrine T. Smith Animal Center is having a new volunteer training session on Sept 1st 1:30pm - 3:30pm if you are interested in volunteering at the shelter please contact me at ctsacvolunteer@gmail.com  to organize. We still need lots of dog walkers/bathers and would like someone to help out in reception/cat rooms on Wed afternoons, and Sunday afternoons. IF you aren't available on a regular basis we also have adoption events and fundraisers through out the year you could help with as well! Just let me know! 

Brown County Folks - Corrine T. Smith Animal Center is having a new volunteer training session on Sept 1st 1:30pm - 3:30pm if you are interested in volunteering at the shelter please contact me at ctsacvolunteer@gmail.com  to organize. We still need lots of dog walkers/bathers and would like someone to help out in reception/cat rooms on Wed afternoons, and Sunday afternoons. IF you aren't available on a regular basis we also have adoption events and fundraisers through out the year you could help with as well! Just let me know! 

It's Been A While.........

Last year I was writing about my dating after divorce experience but stopped because I was discouraged by the potential dates I experienced. It seems if they didn't want to jump head first right in then, they were too needy, married (yes one of them said he was divorced but turns out he was just a liar), they didn't know how to be a gentleman or I just didn't have anything in common with any of them. After those experiences I decided to lay low for awhile and just continue to be on my own.

In 2012 I started volunteering at the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center to fill my spare time and I think that was the best decision I have made because there is nothing like going up to the shelter and just playing and spending time with those animals who only want to be loved and ask for nothing.  It has been a great stress reliever! I still hadn't really dated over the new year not because I wasn't open to it, I just hadn't met anyone that sparked my interest nor was I really looking.

An old friend I reconnected with recently decided to take me on and find me someone. I must say while she has come through in many areas where something was needed or wanted by various people or organizations I didn't have a lot of faith in her of finding me a mate (and not sure that I do even now) just because I feel like I have given up; but never the less on with the story..................

My friend Sarah*  immediately thought of a friend of her husband's (John*) she thought she should introduce me to.  A few weeks went by and she told me some information about him and I asked her a few questions and told her about what I was interested in and what some deal breakers were and she seemed to think this friend of her John's* was still someone I needed to meet.

One Saturday afternoon I received a text from Sarah* telling me to come out because John* had invited his friend Charlie* over to cook out.  I loaded up NaKoda and drove out to her house and Charlie* was already there. I took a deep breath and walked in the front door.

Not bad - attractive, taller than me (shorter or same height is a deal breaker) but when Sarah* introduced us I reached out to shake his hand and he turned to talk to John* to which I responded "what kind of Texas boy doesn't shake hands" he immediately turned around and shook my hand :) The night progressed and we talked a bit and laughed and joked (he had a sarcastic sense of humor which I like cause I am too) but I could tell Charlie* was very nervous. Sarah* told me after I left he stayed and grilled them with questions about me..........she also said he wanted us to all to get together again later on this week to which I accepted so I guess now it's time to just ride this journey out and see where it leads.........wish me luck!




*names have been changed to protect the guilty

Family

It's funny because my sister and I did not grow up together. She was raised with our father and his 2nd wife and I was raise by our mother until she passed away and then lived with our father and his 2nd family for about 3 -3 &1/2 years before they divorced and we were all split up and I began the emancipation process.  By that time my sister was a senior in high school and I was a freshman. 

Growing up I looked up to my sister so much. I looked forward to the short time in the Summer I was able to spend with her but as all older/younger sibling relationships she never wanted me to tag along with her and her friends and always made sure I was aware of it.  It never changed how much I looked up to her though. 

Once my mom passed away and I had to move in with them I came to believe she really didn't like me very much at all.  We fought all the time and she never wanted to do anything with me and I always just chalked it up to her being older than me. I thought as we grew older things would change and we would grow closer as many siblings do.  It seems just the opposite happened though. 

As we have grown older I feel more and more that she judges me on what she thinks she knows about me (which is very little because she doesn't seem to take an interest in the things I do or my life in general), I have heard comments she has made about me by others (which are totally hurtful and untrue) based on what she thinks she knows about me, I feel like she avoids me at all costs. Sometimes I feel like if we weren't related she would write me off as she has many people in her life.  Even with all this though I try to put those things aside in hopes that one day she and I will have an open discussion about all of it and I continue to try to reach out to her but it seems every time I call or text she cuts that short or if I say we need to get together she says yes we do and it never happens (when I first moved back to the area we had dinner on Thursday nights and she said we needed to get back to that but then I never head any more from her).  It just feels like there is always some excuse, she's busy with teaching, she's busy with my niece, she's busy with her husband's family, etc. etc. etc. as to why she doesn't have time for me or to spend together. I even tell her whenever you are in town for a meal call me and I will meet you but more times than I care to admit I see her on FB checking into a resturant in town and she never calls me. It hurts my feelings to think she has time for everything else in her life but no time for me.  I have invited her to come down to the animal center and volunteer with me, have dinner, let me know when is a good time to come out and visit, etc. etc. etc. but nothing. She's just too busy or as I believe more and more she just doesn't want to see me.  

Thinking this; hurts me deeply and I honestly don't think she cares (probably doesn't even think about how her actions may have hurt my feelings). I remember when I found out she was pregnant with my niece I told myself I was going to do whatever it took to have a relationship with my sister so I could have a relationship with my niece. My niece has always been the most important person in my life but even now the strain between my sister and I has kept me away from my niece.  

A few weeks ago a trusted mutual person told me her issue with me is that she thinks I'm a hippie (that person's word not mine) a free spirit and she doesn't understand me, but I don't understand why that alone would keep her from wanting to have a relationship with her sister.  Never the less here we sit. It's her birthday and I texted her 3 hours ago to tell her happy birthday (because she's at the dr with a sick family member) and I have yet to hear anything from her.  I asked her a question yesterday via text and she never responded. 

It just hurts my heart.  I am sure if she see's this feed post on my FB and bothers to read it she's going to be upset at me, because it seems like I can't do anything right in her eyes but honestly I don't worry about it because I have always lived life by my rules and have never cared what anyone thought about how I live. I have made mistakes and I have had great successes and achievements and adventures and I will continue to live this way. I just wish she could accept me for who I am; as I do her and be my sister.  I know we are as different as night and day and I am ok with that. Sometimes I have things I want to talk to her about but its a subject that when I have brought it up in the past she's changed because I can tell it makes her uncomfortable or what not. Sometimes I want to share good news with her or know how she's doing from her instead of second hand from mutual people in our lives but I fear I will never have a bond with her and I just don't understand why. 

What's the right breed for you?

Anything you do with friends, you can do with a dog!

If you have an active lifestyle and spend lots of time outside you need a dog with an active temperament but if you lead a sedentary life you need a couch potato of a dog.

Some things to think about as you select the right breed for you are:

Where do you spend your time? Do you spend most of your time outdoors or indoors? Do you live in the city or in the country?

Breeds with sporting or working backgrounds are best for active people who live in the country or suburbs who can provide an active lifestyle for these dogs in order to prevent behavioral issues many city dwellers experience with active dogs such as escape artists, constant anxious behaviors at doors or windows, constant howling, tearing up furniture or belongings etc.

Some sporting or working background breeds are

Nova Scotia Duck Trolling Retriever      Curly-coated Retriever               Golden Retriever                                                                                   Cocker Spaniel                                      Springer Spaniel                          Australian Shepard                                       Pointers                                                 Setters                                        Healers                                                                                           
Coon hounds                                          Rottweilers                                 Boxers
Schnauzers                                            Beauceron                                  Collies
German Shepherds                                  Norwegian Buhund                    Welsh Sheepdogs
Welsh Sheepdogs                                  Samoyed                                    Siberian Husky                                     
Alaskan Husky                                      Alaskan Malamute                      Great Dane
Bull Mastiff                                             Weimaraner                                Belgian Malinois
Finnish Lapphund                                    Great Pyrenees                        
Great Pyrenees
American Staffordshired Terrier AKA American Pit Bull Terrier


These dogs love to run, herd, swim and scout. They will be perfect companions for someone who never stops and is always on the move or an active family who loves to play outdoors for hours on end. 


However, if you have a more sedentary lifestyle or are a city dweller you might want to think about a breed that enjoys the same type of lifestyle. 


Some breed that do not need as much exercise as the larger sporting or working breeds are:


terriers (do research there are some terriers that fall into an active lifestyle breed)
poodles                                      French Bulldog                        Pug
Boston Terrier                            King George Cavalier              Basset Hounds
Chinese Crested                         Chihuahua                               Havanese
Maltese                                      Pomeranian                             Shih Tzu
Yorkshire Terrier                        Bichon Frise                           Chinese Shar-Pei
Chow-Chow                              Keeshond

Another thing to keep in mind when trying to choose a dog is the climate in which you live. For example a RESPONSIBLE dog owner who lives in Texas does not want to have an Alaskan Malamute, St Bernard, or  Siberian Husky because of their double coats and the heat creating potential for breathing problems in these breeds. Also, a RESPONSIBLE dog owner living in Alaska wouldn't want to take a hairless dog such as a Chinese Crested or a short haired dog such as an American Pitt Bull Terrier to live without proper gear.

While you are trying to decide what breed is best for you, your family, your lifestyle, and living environment go to your local animal shelter such as the Corinne T. Smith Animal Center in Brownwood Texas and spend time with the various breeds in the shelter before deciding which breed is best to adopt for you!

http://www.ctsanimalcenter.org/

Bookkeeper/Office Manager/VA w/MBA in Business Administration

My name is Toni Burleson, and I have been working in the virtual industry for over 3 years to contribute to the success of corporations, small businesses and executives everywhere.  English is my native language and I currently reside in Texas.

I am by no means a newbie to the virtual industry. I have been working in the virtual capacity for the past 3 years and prior to this (further work history can be found at http://tburleson76.elance.com) I have been supporting, collaborating and creating in this capacity for the past 17 years (since I was in high school) I was as an administrative assistant, bookkeeper, office administrator, and general manager. I have provided administrative support for both large and small businesses.  I learn quickly and enjoy a challenge. I am available through various contact methods during the work day including land line phone, texting, email, Skype and IM. I must tell you the fastest and easiest way to contact me is via email or telephone.

I have experience in management, bookkeeping, internet service provider, agriculture, home repair, business ownership, writing, and administrative support and transcription. My education includes a BS in Business and a Masters in Business Administration, and continued educational courses via small business association.

For interview purposes I can be available any time we may agree to set up an interview. 

What I will bring to this job to ensure our success and growth?

If you choose to hire me you will be hiring a dedicated professional with positive energy and a pioneering spirit. I will take the time to understand your needs and deliver quality work that meets or exceeds your expectations, with minimal supervision. Please contact me if you have questions or would like to get to know me further. I welcome the opportunity to discuss your project and to become a partner in your success.

https://www.odesk.com/users/~~1a9152f2f1d957fe

Sincerely,

Toni Burleson

Bookkeeper/Office Manager/VA w/MBA in Business Administration

My name is Toni Burleson, and I have been working in the virtual industry for over 3 years to contribute to the success of corporations, small businesses and executives everywhere.  English is my native language and I currently reside in Texas.

I am by no means a newbie to the virtual industry. I have been working in the virtual capacity for the past 3 years and prior to this (further work history can be found at http://tburleson76.elance.com) I have been supporting, collaborating and creating in this capacity for the past 17 years (since I was in high school) I was as an administrative assistant, bookkeeper, office administrator, and general manager. I have provided administrative support for both large and small businesses.  I learn quickly and enjoy a challenge. I am available through various contact methods during the work day including land line phone, texting, email, Skype and IM. I must tell you the fastest and easiest way to contact me is via email or telephone.

I have experience in management, bookkeeping, internet service provider, agriculture, home repair, business ownership, writing, and administrative support and transcription. My education includes a BS in Business and a Masters in Business Administration, and continued educational courses via small business association.

For interview purposes I can be available any time we may agree to set up an interview. 

What I will bring to this job to ensure our success and growth?

If you choose to hire me you will be hiring a dedicated professional with positive energy and a pioneering spirit. I will take the time to understand your needs and deliver quality work that meets or exceeds your expectations, with minimal supervision. Please contact me if you have questions or would like to get to know me further. I welcome the opportunity to discuss your project and to become a partner in your success.

https://www.odesk.com/users/~~1a9152f2f1d957fe

Sincerely,

Toni Burleson