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I found an Etsy seller, LiliMing, that makes custom engraved pendants of your pet. Thought I’d share if anyone else was interested. Seller is friendly, responsive, and has good feedback. I can’t wait to get my pendant, but it’ll take a month to get to the US from China. It’s kind of pricey too. Still, it’s worth it to me since losing my sweet baby. I’m not sure if she’ll make other pets besides cats and dogs, but you could always ask her. Here’s a link to her etsy store.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/294772951/custom-pet-necklace-sterling-silver-pet?ref=shop_home
Here’s what my pendant is suppose to look like.
You’re obviously a creative person. Maybe you want to create, but not sure what to create sometimes? Perhaps that’s what drives you to draw even though you don’t like too. Or maybe it’s a mental release for you? Some studies show drawing can have a calming effect, unless you’re like me and try too hard and then get frustrated because it doesn’t look like what’s in your head! Maybe you want a light creative challenge that’ll flex your brain muscle? Maybe it’s just something to do…like folding laundry. I don’t know of anyone that truly enjoys folding laundry. Ideally, a person could just toss unfolded clothes into a dresser and be done with it.
I don’t like puzzles and I rarely do one but somtimes I buy a 1500+ piece puzzle and sit there for days until it’s finished, all the while getting frustrated with it. I start to question myself. Why am I doing this? Why am I like this? I like to think the human brain likes a mildly frustrating, creative challenge once in awhile.
I have a half brother that can draw the kind of elaborate stuff that you see in tattoo shops or on t-shirts, however, he rarely draws. He’s had no training or taken any art classes. Makes me sick he can draw amazing things so effortlessly and have it look amazing and here I am with an art degree and my drawings are…meh. Sometimes he just feels like drawing and then goes for long periods without drawing.
With me, I mostly like to draw things that don’t exist, like sci-fi and fantasy creatures and landscapes. I hate still life drawing unless it’s really interesting on a personal level. I can’t tell you how many times in school I had to draw fruit in a bowl and how mentally irritating and boring that was. Occasionally, I’ll draw existing cartoon characters for style study. I think it’s a fun hobby. However, most drawings and paintings get tossed or deleted, when digitally created, because I’m my own worst critic. I get really frustrated with it sometimes and quit for awhile, and then draw again. The cycle repeats over and over, hence why I shouldn’t do anything artsy for a living. When I’m excepted to do it, it’s no longer fun. I just like drawing for myself and if someone happens to like something I create, whoohoo. Also, I do the big no-no and compare my work to others and just get discouraged. Two things I was told is, “You’ll never be able to create a work exactly like you see in your mind” and “there’s always people out there that you think or actually are better than you at drawing.”
So sorry for the loss of your animals and husband LadyFirebird. It’s traumatic watching their life go right in front of you. You were there for them and I like to think they took comfort in their final moments knowing this.
I guess what some people don’t understand is when a pet dies, a part of you does too and everything from now on has changed in a negative way. Like you, my dog helped me through some very difficult times, which I’m dealing with again. While I understand most people don’t care about our pets personally, they should at least care how we feel about it if the truely care about us. The loss of my sweet girl has cause rift between me and my sister to reach a breaking point. It was a long time coming though. I found this opinion article about pet loss that kind of sums up why it’s so difficult.
http://m.huffingtonpost.ca/angela-hartlin/losing-a-pet_b_5827058.html
I especially like this excerpt.
I’m so sorry Bayoudragon. I couldn’t imagine the pain you must be dealing with right now. I know words from a stranger may not mean much right now but I wish you the best in your recovery and overall future wellness.
Thanks everyone for the kind words. I really needed them right now. It’s difficult to talk about this and my condolences for your losses too. A beloved pet is a beloved pet no matter the form it takes. It’s sad more people don’t feel this when losing a cherished furry friend. It certainly helps to know there are others out there that feel like I do, especially when your (my) family thinks you’re (I’m) overreacting.
Thank you, Bodine. I’m sorry for your losses. The hardest part about having a pet is knowing they won’t live long. I wish you the best in dealing with your losses as well. We will never get over a loss. All we can do is adjust. It’ll take a long time to adjust. It’s a very personal thing only other pet owners that formed a strong bond with their furbabies understand. It’s like a part of you dies with your pet. As odd as it sounds, it’s helpful to know others are going through the same thing.
Ah, I found a typo in the last paragraph of my post. I meant to say I WOULDN’T post such a personal thing not WOULD. I can’t edit my original post.
I am miffed… Teavana is closing all its stores in Canada. I thought, ok, not awesome, but I mostly shop there online. Well, I found out, by calling (!) them that they already closed the Canadian online store – no notes anywhere on the website stating this. And they “can’t” ship to Canada. Nevermind that whatever warehouse they used to ship from was in the States in the first place! Gah!
I know! I’m sad and ticked about it as well. Youthberry wild orange blossom is my fav tea. Wish I could get more before they close in the US. The nearest store is two hours away.
So sorry that happened to you guinea pigs, Kim. Don’t blame yourself. You had no way of knowing that would happen.
Kim – So sorry you and your mom lost everything that way. Those people that swindled you will meet karma one day. It’s sickening how often that kind of thing happens and how often the get away with it.
As far as obtaining your GED, give it a try. See if you can find a study book from your local library or buy one cheap off eBay or Amazon. Study at your own pace when you can and don’t stress. Have fun with it. If you find yourself stressed, stop for awhile. Baby steps. Take the test when you’re ready. Having your GED will open a few doors for you. They may not be great doors, but at least they’re there as an option or a start.
If you can get your GED, maybe you could look into online classes. Some college classes let you work at your own pace. Just make sure they’re accredited with a legit college or vocational school. Take classes one at a time if necessary. I don’t know if Canada has any kind of financial assistance programs for need based college students. I’m assuming it does. Maybe you already know all this or have thought about it, but it’s worth a shot to make a plan even if it doesn’t work out. I know many of my plans never work out. Still, it never hurts to have one. Maybe it could be a way to meet people, maybe a future hubby. One never knows.
It’s great you have a way to bring in some extra cash rescuing and restoring furniture. I’ve seen a few people turn it into a professional full-time business and do well. They set up at flea markets, craft shows, and so on. Some people, loaded people, are willing to spend big wads of cash on OOAK pieces. What I do for a little extra cash is pick garage sales and thrift stores. Some things I put on ebay, some things I put in my booth at the local antiques and collectibles store. I rent a small space for $25 a month in the best “junk store” in town. The rent comes out of my sales. Some months are very profitable and some are only barely profitable. Also, I don’t spend much on items. If I can good picks for under $10 I’m happy.
Bodine, I’m glad to hear you found a way or several ways to make some cash. You’re right, you never know what kind of odd jobs are out there. I keep trying to think of ways to make a little extra cash, at least until I find a job, other than what I told Kim above.
Another little update: The LPN program at the local vocational school is out for me as they do not participate in loan programs, however, I spoke to an advisor at the local college that used to host the BSN program. She suggested I take the Associate’s Nursing program at a tiny accredited college an hour drive from my town. I could possibly do that pending financial aid. I didn’t want to have to commute long distance AGAIN, but I guess I have to deal with it if the opportunity is there. We’ll see. Anyway, I’m short 4 prerequisite classes I can take at the local community college in the spring and then commute for the nursing classes in the fall. Yay! Ideally, it should only take 1 year, maybe 1 1/2 to complete. Of course all this is pending I can meet a few hurdles and not have my life fall out any more. I’ve already been warned I will hate nursing school, but it’s worth it in the end.
Hurdle 1 – Pass the prerequisites. Hurdle 2 – Pass the TEAS test. It’s like the ACT for entry nurse students. You only get two tries and if you fail both times you’re rejected indefinitely. Haha, no pressure! Hurdle 3 – Get accepted by the school of nursing board into the nursing program.
It’s all doable with a lot of study. I’m so rusty in math and science. I’ve already purchased a study guide, which is premature considering I don’t know if I can financially swing it yet. I’m trying to be optimistic. So, from bouncing between dental hygiene, to BSN, to LPN, I guess RN is where I’m suppose to go. My long term goal is to gain the BSN in the future. Maybe the local college will have found a replacement university to fill the spot left by the other in two years. Maybe I won’t even need a BSN or perhaps an employeer might pay for more schooling. Again, we’ll see. That’s so far away. Sorry, I hope I’m not coming off as whinny or self-absorbed. Normally, I don’t post this much. I’m just excited to try a new path and try to build a new life because the path I’m on now, the life I have now is not working. As I’ve said before, my sweet Babygirl passing away really “woke me up”. I guess it got me thinking about my dad and losing him. What would I do if I lost him? I’d be up a you know what creek without a paddle or a canoe!
On side tangent, I feel bad for the local community college. They host 4 state colleges. My town just spent $200 million building them a new, state of the art facility with a focus on the nursing program and the one university that offerd the BSN decides to leave, phasing out current students within two years. Needless to say, the college board was very angry. The residents are angry. That was a lot of tax money! Thanks for running off! They should have made them sign a contract forcing them to stay for at least 5 years.
Uuuhhggg, well the nursing school is out too. The community college hosts other colleges from distant areas of the state. I can’t commute to them. They’re too far away. Well, I just found out the ONE college that offers the nursing program is withdrawing from my town’s campus! This fall was the last chance to sign up. I’m too late. They’re phasing out the program with the remaing students over two years. Wow, this year is a bad omen I guess. Maybe I wasn’t meant to do RN/BSN program. They’re also the one college that offered the Bach. programs. The other programs offered at the college are essentially useless. Associates in Recreation? Why? I’m devastated. However, I have ONE last desperate attempt to attend the LPN program at the local vo-tech in the spring. It won’t pay nearly as much but it’s something! I’m really trying to find something that absolutely can’t be outsourced. There are other programs can be outsourced. I keep trying to think, maybe I was meant to do something else. Sorry, for whining so much. This year…I just want to give up on everything until next year.
Dragoneer,your back yard?
Oh, no. I saw her at one of the local parks. I wish it was my backyard because it’s so pretty there, especially in the fall. The town (technically a small city) I live is surrounded by grassland and forest on every side for many miles. I always say I live in a town in the middle of nowhere so seeing a deer, skunk, rabbit, possum, wolf, fox, and most any wildlife is not uncommon. Anyway, she didn’t seem to mind I was there too much. She continued to nibble on tree leaves after I took this pick. I didn’t want to get any closer at the risk of scaring her away.
I can’t edit my reply above so sorry for the extra post. It just occured to me I don’t know if anyone looking at this picture knows where to look and what to look for. There’s a cute little doe (deer) in the middle of the picture. To me it’s obvious but I took the picture, lol.
Thank you for the best wishes. I won’t know until December if I’ll be accepted into nursing school. Every few years they set the bar higher, which isn’t necessarily bad because you only want the best people. In my own experience as a patient and observer when one of my family members was a patient, some of those nurses never should have been allowed to be in the field.
So, I think I can manage the cost. On a side note, they say to get any job these days you have to have connections. Assuming I could even get into nursing school, I have my sister as a connection I guess, so that’s a plus. I’d love to be able to look back at this post 2-3 years from now and wonder why I was ever worried.
Here’s the lovely assortment I received. Thanks everyone!