Reach Out and Touch Someone-

Unless you have been hiding under Africa's water bowl ( I wouldn't recommend it) you already know that these are not the best of times. A bad economy often equals a bad attitude or a negative outlook. With 2.6 million jobs lost last year and perhaps more this year it is no surprise that many people are having a hard time feeling happy.
So I say- reach out and touch someone, and if you are not into giving random people hugs ( that might be creepy) than smile .
Here are some facts about smiles:

• 72% of people think of those who smile frequently as being more confident and successful.

• 86% of people say that they are more likely to strike up conversations with strangers if they are smiling.

• Bosses are 12% more likely to promote people who smile a lot.

• Research shows that 65% of communication is non-verbal (many claim an even higher percentage).

• Non-verbal communication comprises facial expressions, eye movement, gestures, posture, and all other bodily signs-primarily facial expressions.

• The effects of a smile are so powerful that even a smile on the telephone produces positive results.

• When someone comes into a room, people are automatically drawn to their face, and a smile provides a warm greeting.

• Studies show that happiness is a by-product of smiling, not the other way around as most people assume.

• Research shows that when two people in conversation use the same kind of body movements and gestures (such as smiling), they will experience greater empathy for each other, which they may not even consciously notice.

(Thanks to- http://www.thercg.org/youth/articles/0101-s.html)

Happy Father's Day!

The best and worst video to watch on Father's day. It reminds us of what is most important. I do not know this family, but I love them.

" Nobody Puts Baby In the Corner!"

Can you guess what movie that is from?

Yes that is a pacifier in her mouth!

With our first Boerboel, we thought it was just his personality to follow us around everywhere we went. It turns out it is a characteristic of the Boerboel breed to absolutely be involved in our every move. If I get up to grab the remote, she gets up. Her moves depend on my moves. It is quite interesting, and makes for a great family dog.
She is really good with our son. She loves to lay by him and watch what he is playing with. She gets up and goes to his room when she hears him cry, and loves to give him a lick when I am not fast enough to stop her. However, because they are so loyal and involved, she does get a bit jealous of the little one at times. I will often be holding him in my arms and her head will be resting on my lap with her eyes longing for attention.
With any breed I am sure it is a good idea to make sure they get their own quality time as well. With a dog so devoted to us, it is important that she feels like she gets her own special attention. I don't believe she would ever resent our son, but there are no guarantees with animals. The Husband and I are sure to get down on her level throughout the day and make sure she has her time. Obviously the Husband has more time than me which is why (hence the picture) she reminds me it is her turn.

Africa meet BUG. BUG meet Africa....

BUG and Africa meet Kasha freaking out that there is a cockroach in my house on the very carpet that Dear Son will be crawling on soon!

Wordless Wednesday...I'm tired....Are you?

"Im not a girl, not yet a woman"

Notice the shaved area for the I.V., and the sweet, pitiful face.
Just as Britney Spears sings, Africa will never be a complete woman. Our little lady was spayed yesterday. Besides some vomiting (yippee skippee) she is handling it pretty well. I promise we are taking good care of her, especially my husband. I had a baby in January and my appendix removed previously to that and never received such care and adoration as this little friend. She might be milking it a bit. I noticed she didn't have to get in her crate last night, but rather slept on the floor next to the husband with his hand on her sleepy head all night. Get well soon!

Too much of a good thing?

Crate training is a wonderful idea. She hops right in her crate every night and snuggles up with her blanket like a good girl that she is. However, lately she has been volunteering to spend all day in her crate! We bought this house and large yard pretty much for our big dog! It is cute to find her in there with the door open, but girlfriend go play! Perhaps it is partially due to the fact that every time the baby is on the floor she wants to lay by him and at some point he wants to grab whatever he can and twist. Africa, we are sorry for the baby abuse, but come out! We miss you!