Need a smile? Here’s one…

Got time for one more? Don’t worry, it’s quick :)

October 23rd turned out to be a very popular date, with too many activities to choose from and not enough hours in the day.

The first event I made it to was a retirement party for a coworker who had been with my shelter for 21 years. She saw our organization go through many changes and has been a fixture in our adoption center for so long that it is strange to think of adoptions without her. We had a nice gathering of friends, family and coworkers at work this morning.

At the exact same time, Heartland was having Dogtoberfest in Corvallis. This new event brought PetWalk to the fall instead of early summer and incorporated music and beer. It sounded like fun and the weather was even pretty cooperative. Can’t wait to see pictures and hope I can go next year.

This evening was SafeHaven Humane Society’s kick off for their capital campaign with Casino Night in their new building. The new building is still a warehouse but one that has an exciting transformation ahead of it to become their new shelter. The event took place primarily in the area that will become their adoption dog kennels, boarding kennels and doggy daycare.

SafeHaven's future dog kennels decked out for Casino Night

Second connected warehouse which will house the cattery and medical center

Future adoption and retail center

The building does have administrative offices and those are already being used a bit. Kids in SafeHaven’s Pets & Pals Club meet here to learn about responsible pet ownership, careers with pets, etc.

Posters made by kids in the Pets & Pals Club

I didn’t manage any gambling tonight, but ended up with some fun things from the silent auction and loved the preview of the new facility.

Hopefully next weekend there won’t be three shelter events I want to attend.

I was tagged by Kerry (who is the reason I got to go to Ethiopia) to share responses to these questions. Since I love surveys and procrastination, I couldn’t resist.

1. What is your biggest pet peeve?

Hmm. Probably people who are in my way when I’m in a “let’s just get there already” mood. Like the ones who amble through the store in such a way that I can’t get around them to get where I’m trying to go. Or drivers who are slow in parking lots or slow down to incredibly low speeds to turn off the road.

2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

As my husband, friends and coworkers will attest, I will frequently answer with “it depends” which is my answer here too. It’s not because I’m trying not to answer, I’m just trying to figure out which way to answer based on many factors.

Like, am I looking for weather I love most? Or am I looking for the scenery I enjoy? Or am I trying to find the things I like to see and do? Or am I trying to be near (or far) from specific people.

I think I’d rather live all over and move every two years. Maybe Colorado first – fell in love with it 13 years ago and have only been back once since then. Then a tropical island. Then Ireland. Then Alaska (but only when the sun is out for at least 10 hours per day). Then somewhere in Italy – hmm, should probably ask my husband’s opinion at some point in this process since it wouldn’t be much fun without him – first in a big city and then out in the country. Oh, I’d probably want to get Boston back in the list again too.

But right now a sunny October day in the Willamette Valley doesn’t seem bad at all. Especially when I have the house to myself and dogs sprawled on the couch with me.

3. Have you ever been searched by the cops?

Nope. I’m too boring for that.

4. What is the one thing on your mind right now?

Do I have time to finish this post before the laundry is ready to be switched? Oh, and a little guilt for the work I should be doing right now instead of this. Yep, it’s my weekend but it’s house cleaning day and I’ve got some things I should wrap up for work. And yet I’m still doing this survey. At least I can say I’m spending time with my dogs. As long as they’re snoring in the same room it counts as quality time, right?

5. Favorite song right now?

Since I’m about to commence house cleaning – Lady Gaga radio on Pandora, which will be on as soon as I finish here.

6. What talent do you wish you had?

The ability to speak foreign languages without feeling like a dork.

Or

The ability to avoid the temptation of procrastination.

7. Favorite drink?

For anytime – lukecold tap water.

For fun – Black Cherry Mike’s Hard Lemonade. Yummmm. I was extra happy since the store had been sold out for a while but had more when I went this morning :)

On the no-no list – Pepsi. For the safety and comfort of those around me, caffeine is to be avoided at all costs. But I still crave Pepsi every now and then.

8. In one word, how would you describe yourself?

At the moment: Mellow

Often: Spunky

At times: Obnoxious

Overall: Happy

Well, now that it’s 2:00 and I have accomplished virtually nothing today, it’s time to get a move on. Thanks Kerry, for the motivation to visit my blog again. Who knows, maybe this will finally inspire me to finish my Ethiopian adventures. I guess it depends on my ability to avoid procrastination. Oh, right, I’m doomed.

Here is where I’m supposed to tag others to play the game. I can’t think of anyone. Guess I won’t get a prize.