Final - First Job

 As a young girl growing up in central Maine and raised by my single mother, helping out around the house was a necessity, not a choice. By the age of nine, I had been getting myself ready for the school bus in the mornings for two years and making darn sure I didn't miss it because it was a long, grueling walk to town especially in the snow. About this time, my mother had taken on a second job on the weekends at a chicken barn up the road  picking eggs and I would go with her to avoid having to stay home in the lonely house alone. After the third weekend of these new adventures I had gotten to know the business owner a little and he offered me a job. I was assigned my own two rows of the chicken barn and would be responsible for all of the eggs along the way. I don't know if you've ever picked eggs in a full size chicken barn, but it's quite a process, especially for a nine year old girl.
  Picking eggs sounds simple right. Just walk along, reach in, grab the egg, and move on.  It's not that easy- trust me. The entire process starts out in the crate room where I was assigned my very own cart. I remember feeling so proud that I actually had a job and even better, was going to earn my own money for that pair of Nike's I had been wanting. I had been watching my mother do this now for three weeks so I had a pretty good idea of what needed to be done. I loaded the bottom of the cart with as many empty egg flats as I could squeeze on, remembering to carefully dismantle the boxes they came in as I emptied them and stack them in the appropriate corner. There, that was done-now comes the fun part, and I struck off, full of confidence and a smile on my face.
  Chickens look cute running around in a field, pecking at insects and occasionally flapping their wings, but those are the happy chickens. Picture five birds stuffed into one cage, cage after cage for what seems like miles of endless chickens all squawking at the same time-these are the angry chickens. The process of taking these angry birds precious little cargoes, called eggs, away from them isn't that simple. I had my first empty flat on top of my cart, ready to be filled with the money making little jewels, and as I reached in for my first strike- BAMM!!!! The little bitch bit me! The cages are designed so that as the eggs are laid, they roll down into a trough on the outside of the cage where the chickens can't get to them. I quickly decided that these were going to be my main targets and the hell with the others that might be stuck within striking range of the vicious little feathered vermin. I made my way along the long, dark, foul smelling isle, carefully plucking the eggs two by two and placing them in the empty holes of my egg flats. As a flat would get full, I would push it to the front of the cart as I had seen my mother do many times. Then when there was no more room to push them forward, I made my way around the cart and carefully stacked them on top of each other as high as I could reach. This is the way it was done, I knew that. I had seen all of the other women doing the same thing over the weeks.
  I had my cart full. Egg flats, filled to the brim with what I was seeing as money. Now all I had to do was get my bounty back to the crate room where the final process of my days work would be completed. I didn't manage to get all of my eggs in the second row, but I couldn't reach any higher to stack them. I could see the light at the end of the row only by peeking around my hard earned accomplishments. This was no problem, just straight ahead and I would be there. I trudged along pushing the now very heavy cart, peeking around the sides to see how much further I had to go. Yeah, it's right there, I had done it! I rolled into the crate room, where only my mother was sitting, having finished an hour earlier, but refusing to help me because of the life lessons mothers want to instill in their young. I proudly filled my boxes with the overflowing abundance of my hard work, taking careful notes to write down how many boxes I had filled. Then  pushed each one to the loading dock door, where later they would be taken off to god knows where. I signed my name at the bottom of my ticket slip with a big grin on my face, and off we went for home for a well deserved shower.
  I took great pride that first day of my first job, knowing that I had done the work of a grown woman. I walked out of that chicken barn with my head held high and a smile on my face, even though I was covered in chicken shit and smelled of the eye burning aroma that only a chicken barn can produce. It was a good walk home beside my mother.  I had done my part to help her out, but the biggest part of my smile was knowing I was finally going to get those Nike's I had been dreaming about.
 

Dirt

 I try as a wife and a mother to keep our house clean, but dirt is a never ending battle. I can sweep daily and dust weekly then turn around and it seems like there's more dirt than when I started. It's a tedious chore that has to be done and unless you're a perfect little Suzie homemaker it's also one that is dreaded. Dirt accumulates at our house in three different forms: mud, dust, and pet hair.
  Although we are only a family of three there's a lot of foot traffic at our house and foot traffic means mud. My husband is probably the biggest culprit for tracking in mud. His job and size 13 work boots are two major factors in my battle against the clumpy brown goo that every one who lives in Maine has to deal with. The two dogs contribute a lot to the issue also. We have a swamp behind our house and unless they are hooked on their chain, you can bet your last dollar that they will take a trip through the wonderful, knee-deep playground.
  Dust is a constant issue for every household, but I believe it's especially thick at ours. For starters, we have cement floors. I don't know if you've ever swept a cement floor, but with every push of the broom a dust cloud is sure to follow. The wood stove is also a major player in the dust battle at our house during the winter months. Between the wood that's brought in daily to fill the ever hungry stove and the ashes that are a reminder that the wood pile is dwindling fast, the dust collects at a pace that you can almost measure daily.
  I know that pet hair isn't considered dirt, but it might as well be. It has to be swept up and thrown away, dusted off furniture, and pulled off upholstery.  We have an over abundance of pet hair in our house. Two labs that seem to shed year round can make a pretty good pile of dog hair after a good floor sweeping. The five cats  that call our house a home are the biggest contributors of the pet hair though. Their hair clumps up and lands in every nook and cranny of this house, and shows no mercy for the person trying to keep it under control.
  Dirt comes in many forms and can be found anywhere in most peoples homes; it's the battle to keep it under control that's the issue. I have come to the realization over the years that I will never be the perfect little Suzie homemaker, so I do what I can, when I can, to keep our home presentable. After all, haven't people been saying for years that "a little dirt never hurt anyone."

Effect Essay

  Three years ago we moved from our home of five years into a much larger house closer to my husbands business. We all welcomed this move although we knew that it would have both negative and positive effects on our lives. There was the money issue to think about, as always. And the fact that my daughter would be much further away from her friends was a pretty big deal to her. My husband and I were happy about the effect it would have on our commute to work every day; we can walk to work now and be there in 3 minutes.
  We knew that moving in to a larger house would mean more money out of our pockets to heat it during the winter months, but we had no idea of the over all cost. We made the big move in October, which is not the ideal time to try to figure out all of the quirks that a house can have. The place is equipped with radiant floor heating a large wood stove. We made the plan to utilize both of these because the floor is cement and we knew that it would stay cold. We bought 6 cord of wood, which cost us about $1,800 and would have been more than sufficient if the floor was working correctly, and filled the oil barrel. (I don't even want to think about what that cost) Neither of us have ever lived in a home with radiant floor heating, but we are smart enough to know that it shouldn't take more than a week to start feeling the effects. Come to find out, the pipes in the floor were plugged solid and the water was not circulating. We were told that we couldn't turn the boiler off or the pipes in the ground would freeze. Wow, was that a long, cold, and expensive first winter in this house.
  I think moving had the biggest emotional effect on my daughter.  She was 13 at the time and her friends were her world. We had lived pretty much in the center of town and none of her friends were more than five minutes away. The new house is in a different town, out in the country, and she knew nobody close by. The first few weeks were hard on her, being stuck home as she called it, but soon she discovered that even though she was further away she could still have her weekend sleepovers.
  The biggest positive effect of moving was the fact that the new house is directly beside his business. He feels much more secure living next door because he can make nightly inspections to check for thieves or possible fires in the summer months. If one of the truck drivers needs to leave early in the morning he can just walk over and unlock the gate to let them out, then come back home for his morning coffee. We do save money being this close to work because neither one of us has to commute, we can just walk there and walk home.
  We have all adjusted well to the effects of moving into a larger house. We finally got the heating issue fixed, but it still costs us considerably more money to heat this place than the last. My daughter has since started high school and made friends closer to us, and Jason still enjoys his morning walks to work unless there's a blizzard happening, then he'll take his truck. Moving can be stressful on everyone involved, but we worked it through and made the new house our home.
 

Process Essay - Tools

  Every now and then I get the uncontrollable urge to play carpenter. The project that is now at the top of my list for construction is a built in liquor cabinet that is conveniently located in a prior doorway that has been closed off on the back side to expand the bathroom. This project would probably be finished by now if the process of locating the correct tools didn't take so long.  I always start the project with the tools that I think I will need, but it's never enough. I end up spending ten minutes looking for the correct length nails, then I usually have to locate the level or the sander, which never seems to have the right grit of sand paper attached. And in the end, it never fails, a trip to the hardware store is needed.  By that time, I am usually so frustrated that I just give up and throw everything into the spare room in an unorganized fashion even though I know this act will just lead to the same process the next time I decide to play carpenter.
  When I start a project, I try to visualize what I will need for tools to accomplish the task at hand and it always involves a hammer. Now we have two hammers in this house, but do you think I can ever locate either one of them when the need arises? I always start looking where it should be; that's the logical thing to do right. When that fails, I try to search my memory bank and remember where I used it last. With no luck in that search, I start asking the other members of the household, and usually someone knows where it is. Great!  The first step down. I have found the most important tool needed, but there goes 20 minutes of my day.
  Nails are a necessity in any building project, and I have lots of them. The problem is the carton they come in when you buy them never stands up to the rigorous abuse I put them through. So, over the years these half used cartons of nails have all been dumped into one large coffee can. This means that I can count on spending at least a half hour sorting through these nails to find a sufficient amount of the same kind needed to finish my project. Or, maybe even get it started at some point.
  The final tool needed to get any worthy carpentry project started is the skill saw. I do take great care at the end of a project to wrap the cord neatly and put the saw back into its' proper case, but locating that case is the issue. Is it in the spare room closet where it belongs, or is it in the garage, or maybe mom still has it from the time we used it to board up her house. I can't rely on any one of the other family members to help me locate it because I am the only one that ever uses it. The hunt begins. The last hunt ended with me finding it in the back of my truck. It took a good 45 minutes of scrambling around the house looking in every possible corner for me to finally remember that I had taken it to a friends to help them with a siding project.
  I enjoy doing my little carpentry projects, but I would be much more productive if I were a little more organized. The process of finding all of my tools would be so much easier if they were all located in one area with each important tool having a specific place to live. Maybe after I finish the three projects that I have started now I will be frustrated enough with the process of finding my tools that I will be motivated to build a tool shed. How long do you think that will take me?
 

What I Have Learned

What I Learned

  I learned that there are many different options for treating dogs with epilepsy, and that Lilly is definitely not alone in her battle. Epilepsy is a common illness among our four legged friends, and can be managed easily with a controlled diet, and proper treatment.

  Beginning of Life for an Epileptic Dog

  When Lilly was diagnosed with epilepsy years ago, one of my first questions was, “Is it hereditary?” I began by asking the people that I got her from if her parents or any of her siblings had ever had seizures, and the answer was NO. In my research I found an answer to this nagging question: "’true’ epilepsy as that which occurs in hereditary syndromes within certain breeds of dogs manifests as a symptom of primary neurologic dysfunction of which the cause is still unknown.” (Davol) “True” epilepsy is only one cause that may trigger seizures in dogs; “Epilepsy may occur secondary to many diseases such as distemper, brain tumors, liver or heart failure, diabetes, or as a result of exposure to toxic substances or trauma.” (Davol)  Lilly had her first seizure when she was two years old, which leads me to believe that she has “True” epilepsy.  “Seizures can occur at any age, however, true epilepsy does not usually present until the dog is around 2 years or older.” (Davol)

The Seizure

  There are four basic stages to a seizure: Prodome, Aura, Ictus, and Post Ictus. (Mitchell) The Prodome may be visible to a pet owner who has been diligent in observing their pets’ behaviors. It is the first sign that a seizure may be coming and can last for hours or even days before the actual seizure. It can be spotted by a change in mood or behaviors. The Aura is the step which happens just prior to the seizure; this will be much more noticeable to the pet owner because it can involve nervousness, trembling, drooling, or even affection. I have never noticed Lilly acting out the Prodome phase before, but I have seen her in the Aura phase. Three times over the years, I have noticed that she was directly beside me when she started her seizure; actually touching me. The one time that she couldn’t reach me, because I was in the shower, she had lain directly in front of my the actual seizure itself and may last 45 seconds to 3 minutes. (Mitchell) During the seizure the dog might experience loss of consciousness, thrashing, drooling, vocalization, feet paddling, and uncontrolled urination or bowels. Most of Lillys’ seizures have lasted from two thru eight minutes with the exception of one. This particular seizure lasted almost two hours and is the only time she has lost control of her bowels. Since doing research on this topic I have learned that she had a Status Epilepticus seizure. Status Epilepticus: Status can occur as one continuous seizure lasting 10 minutes or more, or a series of multiple seizures in a short time with no period of normal consciousness, this may be life threatening. (Mitchell) The final stage to a seizure is called the Post Ictus; this stage occurs immediately after the seizure and sometimes includes pacing, and the dog may appear blind or deaf and eat or drink to the excess.

How to Deal With a Seizure

  My personal experiences with Lilly and her seizures have always led to me laying on the floor with her; holding her head and comforting her until the end.  I always talk to her and let her know that I am there with her, whether she realizes it or not. I know it makes a difference; as I have learned: “Remain by your pet's side; stroke and comfort your animal so when he comes out of the seizure you are there to calm him.” (http://www.justlabradors.com) A very important fact to remember is that if the seizure lasts too long, “more than 10 to 15 minutes, you should call your veterinarian” (Miller) I have only had to do this the one time Lilly had a Status epilepticus seizure, which ended with a hurried trip to the vets, a shot of valium, and them spraying the bottoms of her feet with cold water to bring down her temperature.

Treatment

  There are several anticonvulsant drugs available for treatment of seizures in dogs, some of which are Dilantin, Phenobarbital, Primidone, and Valium. Lilly has been on Phenobarbital since she first started treatment for her seizures and it has been very effective. There has been lapses in between her seizures that have lasted for months and her doctor has lowered her dosage in hopes that the new dosage would be sufficient; only to lead to a future seizure. Lilly is on Phenobarbital because it has the highest efficiency rate and the lowest disadvantages:

Phenobarbital

indication uses: generalized major motor seizures
advantages: high efficacy, rapid action, can be administered by several routes, most effective drug in status epilepsy
disadvantages: long-term sedation, restricted drug, increased thirst and urination, irritability and restlessness (Davol)

Although Phenobarbital inhibits seizures by decreasing the activity of neurons. (http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com), it also has some long term side effects sedation, lethargy, excessive urination, excessive thirst and excessive hunger, hyperexcitability, ataxia (loss of coordination or hind end weakness) and restlessness.  (http://www.canine-epilepsy-guardian-angels.com)

My Hopes for Lilly

  The most important thing that I have learned through my research is that I have been giving Lilly the best possible care that is available. Sure there has been a few mistakes made along the way, but epilepsy and seizures are still being explored to this day. My hopes for the future are that she lives a long, happy, and comfortable life with as few seizures as possible. “Epilepsy may be self-limiting and many animals achieve remission (freedom from seizures) with appropriate treatment.” (http://www.canineepilepsy.co.uk)

Isearch-The Search

  I actually began my search for information about labradors with epilepsy years ago when my dog Lilly was first diagnosed, so it was a natural choice to make this the topic of my Isearch paper. Years ago, my search mainly consisted of talking to my veterinarian and taking suggestions from him about how to deal with her issues. I also tried to bring up the topic with anyone who had dogs, or seemed remotely interested in the topic. I felt that getting feed back from other people dealing with this problem could only help me to better understand what Lilly was going through, and possibly even help to improve her situation.
  When I started with the research for the paper I began in the obvious spot, the internet. Google brought up a lot of interesting sites that touched on the topic and also some that went into great detail about the different medications that are offered to treat her seizures. Medications and treatments are one of my biggest concerns, because I have learned that all of the drugs offered for her illness have side effects. I did find a couple of sites that offered a natural approach to dealing with her epilepsy, but this route doesn't seem to the best fit for her situation.
  Again, during my search on the internet I did find a lot of useful information about how to handle her before, during, and after her seizures. This has been another one of my major concerns, if I can't stop the seizures, what's the best way to make her the most comfortable. I do know that not all of the sites that I have been to are written by approved veterinarians, and I also know that not everything on the internet is the truth. But, everything that I have read so far has pointed me in the same direction as to dealing with her from the onset to the end of her seizures.
  I did manage to get an interview with Lillys old veterinarian.  He was very helpful by giving me some key information to start my research, like different drugs that are offered and some insight to the number of dogs that he actually treated on a normal basis for the same issues. He no longer is practicing full time unfortunately, so my access to his knowledge is very limited. I am however very lucky to have a good friend of mine who is a Vet Tech at the same animal clinic and I have been making phone calls to her on a regular basis to look into Lillys files for tests that she has been given over the years.
  The internet overall has proved to be the best source for information about my Isearch paper. I have found that there is an endless amount of information and theories about labradors with epilepsy but choosing the most credible sources has been the issue. A lot of the sites start out sounding like a very integral part of my paper but as I read on, I find that they are just quoting from another source and in the end want me to buy their product.  I feel confident to say that I have managed to find enough factual information about epilepsy in labradors throughout my internet searches, and I also have the knowledge of my friend to help me out too.

Process Essay

  Every year, about this time, comes the much anticipated and exciting job of cleaning out the pool so we can enjoy it for the short few months of summer here in Maine. I look forward to this process because I know that all of my hard work and diligence will be rewarded with the cool, sparkling water to enjoy on the hot summer days to follow. Cleaning the pool for the first time in spring is quite a process though, digging all of the necessary equipment out of storage, and the expense for the chemicals, then comes the three days of faithfully cleaning the traps and checking the chemical levels. To be truthful, by the second day, I usually am asking myself if all of this work is actually worth it.
  The first step of this process is always the hardest because it involves my husband.  I have to basically set up an appointment with him to haul the extremely heavy filter system out of its winter storage spot in the closet. I have attempted this process myself only once because it's no small feat. I actually got it onto the dolly, but I couldn't maneuver it over the first threshold of the spare bedroom. Anyway, after HE gets the filter out there and into place, it's my turn. I find all the hoses and my trusty screwdriver, and go to work. The hoses all fit nicely unless a screw or clamp has rusted over the winter, but that's not much of a problem. When everything is secure and to my liking the hose goes in and the fun part begins.
  The next step of the process is definitely the most labor intensive, especially since my husband did all the heavy lifting earlier. Flip the power switch, (that's the easy part) and be ready with the skimmer because all of the leaves are coming off the bottom.  I am still very excited about the process at this point because I haven't been man handling the skimmer and leaves for hours. Now it's time to put that flimsy piece of screen at the end of a pole and my muscles to work. I walk around the pool for hours with the skimmer head in the water until it's full, then flick the dead leaves off onto the lawn for the mower to take care of later. Skim and flick, skim and flick, for hours.  Usually, by about hour number three I have made a refreshing cocktail, and slowed down on the trips around the pool considerably. The majority of the winter laden leaves are on the lawn and I can stand at the intake for the filter and let the water do most of the work for me.
  The end is in now in sight, although maybe a little blurry, either due to lack of chemicals or the cocktails. All of the pieces are put together correctly and not leaking, and most of the leaves are dried up on the lawn. The only things left to do are to hook up Wanda the Whale, (the automatic floor vacuum) and dump the issued amounts of chemicals in the correct order into the water. I usually wait to do this until the next day so the sand and what few leaves that are left have fallen back to the bottom of the pool. Wanda does a great job, she travels along the bottom of the pool seeking out and eliminating anything in her path. The only thing left for me to do is check the skimmer basket periodically to remove any debris that might be blocking the water from getting to the filter. Day three is finished now, I just set the filter timer to run over night knowing that when I wake up all I have to do is collect a water sample for the pool store to process and all of the hard work will be rewarded.
  Although cleaning the pool in the spring time is a lot of hard work, the benefits definitely out way the toils. We entertain often pool side, and I feel very proud of my sparkling accomplishments even though nobody else understands what I had to go through to get to this point. My daughter and her friends spend countless hours either dipping their toes or lounging on floats to improve their summer tans. We all benefit from the cool, clean water of the pool in the summer, even my husband, when we enjoy our after hours dips.

Hair Example Essay

  It's a well known fact that kids shouldn't play with scissors, and if they do usually something bad is going to happen. Talking from experience, when little girls get a hold of a pair of scissors it usually means a short, unsightly hair cut. I've had the pleasure, along with a good chuckle, of witnessing a few of these beauticians in training right after the completion of their first masterpiece.
  The first little hairdresser to be was my daughters friend, Jocelyn. She was three years old, with the cutest Shirley Temple curls that fell slightly past her shoulders. One morning while dropping my daughter at her pre school, Jocelyn came running up the sidewalk as usual, excited to see her friends. In place of the bouncy little curls that usually adorned her head, there was a hodge podge of misshapen curls with patches of near baldness. At her forehead where there was once a variety of ringlets, was a tuft of hair cut at a 60 degree angle. I know she saw the surprised expression on my face because her eyes went directly to the ground, and a small pout came to her lips. All I could push out was a slightly stern, "Jocelyn, did you cut your hair?" There was a brief moment of silence before she squeaked, "Yes," without ever lifting her eyes. I knew then that she had already heard a "mom speech" that morning, so I left it at that.
  The next little Edward Scissorhands I had the pleasure of dealing with was my own daughter. It was two weeks before Christmas and she was soon to turn four. Her hair was long and straight, well past her shoulders because I had never cut it. I had been wrapping Christmas gifts at the dining room table as she played with some toys on the floor near by. I remember having to tend to lunch cooking in the kitchen, when I returned she was not playing where I had left her. It was too late when I found her in the bathroom. She was perched on her stool she used to brush her teeth with, the scissors still in her little hand and a huge clump of hair in the sink. She turned and looked at me with a big, proud smile, like she had just done something wonderful. I couldn't be mad at her at that point, I just told her again about the dangers of playing with scissors and tried my best to fix her new bangs.
  My third example of little girls trying to play beautician includes my sister-in-law. This one was quite a shocker to me, for sure, because she was eight years old at the time. Usually if girls are going to attempt to cut their own hair, it's when they are little and trying to imitate what they've seen their mother do. I think that Rose just wanted a hair cut that day and didn't want to wait for someone else to do it. She has always had short hair, but she definitely made it shorter that day. I didn't see the immediate results of her with scissors in hand but the aftermath that she was left with when her mother tried to fix it was atrocious. Her bangs were straight but only about a quarter of an inch long, and they started way past her temples. There was no way to make the back straight because she had chopped clumps of hair out in various spots all around her head. Her hair took a long time to grow out to a point where it was worth while to see a real beautician to have it fixed.
  Little girls cutting their own hair is a normal occurrence, some might even call it a rite of passage, the first little step that a young girl makes to show their independence. Even today, if I saw a toddler with a bad haircut, it would bring back all of these memories of the girls I knew as children and their bouts with cutting their own hair. I would just chuckle and give her mom a look that I know she would understand, and probably wink at the little girl, knowing that she was just doing what comes natural to all girls, making themselves look pretty.

Example Essay

   For years myself and my friends have noticed that I have displayed small idiosyncrasies about certain things in my life. Over the past ten years these idiosyncrasies have transformed more into obsessions that I can't seem to break. My family sees me do these odd things, like check three or four times to make sure that I've turned something off, or put the cover back on something, and they are used to it. But when others notice, I laugh and say "Oh, that's just my touch of OCD" and they laugh, and all is forgotten. I know it's not a laughing matter to those that suffer greatly from this disorder, but it is my way of taking the attention off myself. Honestly, they think I am making a joke , but in reality it's the truth. I do believe that I have a "touch of OCD" and here are some examples why.
  Thinking back, the first time I noticed that I was acting a little out of the norm, we were camping at a remote site that friends and I and my daughter used to frequent often. This place is set 13 miles back in the woods and a four wheel drive truck is necessary for access. We were running low on ice and nearing the end of our stay. All of the coolers were strategically placed in the shade to avoid losing any of the precious cold stuff that is necessary when camping. I remember walking to the coolers and pushing down on each cover to make sure they were closed tightly. I then went about my business, satisfied that nothing else could be done to prevent more ice loss. Five minutes later, I find myself back in the shade checking each cover again, knowing that I had just done this very task. Throughout the rest of our camping trip, I obsessed over those coolers. If I saw someone even near them, when they left I would have to go check to make sure they were all closed tightly. 
  I also have a "touch of OCD" when it comes to making sure that my truck is locked. It was my daughter who brought this one to my attention, and she is correct. Every time that we go shopping; the grocery store, mall, and even the movies, I have this overwhelming fear that I haven't locked the truck correctly. I make sure that everyone is out of the vehicle and doors are shut, then I push the lock button. The truck honks at me and flashes its lights, telling me that the job is done, but after about 20 steps away I want to push that button again, just to make sure. I even have found myself making up excuses to push it. Well, maybe that was someone else locking their vehicle at the same time and I heard their horn, or maybe the button isn't working right. I have even tried locking the truck, walking around to check each door, then zipping my keys in my purse and telling myself, "it's locked you stupid ass, now leave it alone!," but I still had the tugging urge to dig the keys out and lock it again.
  It's most noticeable to me and my family when we are leaving for a vacation. This year for example; I made a list of everything that I needed to do at the house before leaving, like unplugging appliances and locking doors and windows. I thought that if I made a list and checked off things as I went I would feel more at ease being able to see that I have checked them off and they were done. So not true! An hour after diligently finishing my checklist, I found myself, list and pencil in hand, going back through each step and checking them off again. Even after all of that checking and rechecking, I still asked my daughter while on the flight to Florida if I had unplugged the water heater.
  Even as a teenager I was known as the worrier in the group, making sure that we had a plan for what ever adventure we were headed on. Maybe all of the craziness started back then, the need to make sure that everything is done and done correctly. So far, my little idiosyncrasies don't have much of a negative impact on my life. (maybe just a little annoying to my family) I don't believe that if I were ever clinically tested that I would be diagnosed with OCD, so for now when someone notices, I will continue to just laugh and say "Oh, that just my touch of OCD coming out."

Example Essay Intro #2

  For years myself and my friends have noticed that I have displayed small idiosyncrasies about certain things in my life. Over the past ten years these idiosyncrasies have transformed more into obsessions that I can't seem to break. My family sees me do these odd things, like check three or four times to make sure that I've turned something off, or put the cover back on something, and they are used to it. But when others notice, I laugh and say "Oh, that's just my touch of OCD" and they laugh, and all is forgotten. I know it's not a laughing matter to those that suffer greatly from this disorder, but it is my way of taking the attention off myself. Honestly, they think I am making a joke , but in reality it's the truth. I do believe that I have a "touch of OCD" and here are some examples why.

Example Essay Intro

  Everyone has an idea of their "Dream House" while growing up, either the small, quaint, charmer on a corner lot with a white picket fence or maybe a huge old rambling farmhouse set out in the country with plenty of room for critters and gardens.  My dream house has always been a log cabin near the water. Something about the natural wood and stone that surrounds most log cabins has always made me feel an inner peace, and I've always been drawn to the water. Even as a young adult, when there was some major crisis going on in my life, I would drive to the lake and sit for hours to think about my problems. Four years ago, my husband made my "Dream House" a reality. He purchased us a three bedroom log cabin with a pond that I can gaze at any time my little heart desires. I love this house! It covers every aspect of what my imagination could ever have come up with, driving by other years ago, and then some.

Reaction Graf/ In Class Essay

  I actually took this graf as a major challenge,,,and I like challenges.  I started it at a time when I knew that I wouldn't be interrupted by the phone ringing, or the dryer sounding off its steady BEEP-BEEP-BEEP. I made sure that the dogs had gone outside and finished their business, then sat down and told myself that I was going to make this happen in less than an hour.  ( I think that you're correct in your lecture, if there's a time limit it doesn't leave time to over think things...and I am definitely guilty of that in all aspects of my life.)  Even after admitting that fact, I will tell you that I read the assignment Saturday morning and knew that I would not be able to write it until Monday morning while alone in the house. That gave me two days to ponder over the topic, while driving or watching TV. (My husband actually doesn't ask me anymore why I'm sitting there with a blank look staring at the ceiling when we are watching television.) When I found that, some more pondering took place about what would interest anyone else besides me.
 P.S.- Thank you for the "freebie", and you made my day with you complement. :)
 
 

Three Items of Annotated Bibliography

"C

            "Canine Epilepsy Network." Canine Epilepsy Network. 4 May 2002. Web. 21 Mar. 2012. <http://www.canine-epilepsy.net>.

   This web site deals in detail about studies that have been performed on dogs with epilepsy, the causes; brain trauma, idiopathic, thyroid issues, and liver function, all being possibilities. It also touches upon different possible drugs for treatments and their side effects.

"Canine Epilepsy Resource Center & Home of the Epil-K9 List." Canine Epilepsy Resource Center & Home of the Epil-K9 List. Web. 21 Mar. 2012. <http://www.canine-epilepsy.com>.
  Here I found a major list of reading materials...everything from diets, drugs, natural possibilities such as herbs, massage, acupuncture, and even aromatherapy. I might take a few things from this site, but it will probably reading material that encounter through them, not from them.

"Pet Health Care | Dog and Cat Behavior Information by Veterinarians." Pet Health Care. Web. 21 Mar. 2012. <http://www.peteducation.com>
  This site actually brought up facts that I had never encountered. The phases of seizures, although the description given here was not exactly as my dog experiences, it made me more aware that the phases are there. It also goes into some detail about what to do during a seizure, the common drugs, and even the treatment for a prolonged seizure. Also, there is a list of breeds that are more prone to epilepsy and explains possible triggers.

Contrast Essay

  In my short 17 years as being a mother to my lovely daughter Devan, I have had the privilege of meeting most of her friends. Not all of them, some were just a fleeting story or two, then never to be heard of again. On the other hand, there are the girls that have been around for a certain season that she has enjoyed a sport with, such as cheerleading or softball. They always had a lot to chatter about and the occasional whispers, but Haylee has always been there. The two have been practically inseparable since the first day of Junior High. Sure, there has been the occasional girlhood bickering, but they always have seemed to find their way back to each other. Now, believe me, I know my daughter. If someone had asked me seven years ago to line up all of Devans friends at the time, and pick who would be the girl that she stuck with through thick and thin, I definitely would have never picked Haylee. These two girls on the outside are the definition of night and day.
   One of the first differences that any outsider would notice between the girls is their appearances. Haylee could be a model in any outdoors catalog such as Cabelas or The Sportsman's. She wears her hiking boots proudly, usually with a plaid shirt, and would be lost without her L.L. Bean jacket.  Devan, on the other hand looks as though she stepped off the cover of Seventeen magazine. Her shoes have to match her outfit perfectly for the day, (even if they are completely unpractical for the situation) and she refuses to leave the house if she hasn't at least put her "eyes on" and completed her hair.  Haylee could take it or leave it, she wears only enough makeup to accentuate her eyes, and wears her hair usually pulled back away from her face. Both are beautiful girls with totally different styles, but share the strength to know that they don't have to look alike to be best friends. 

  Another difference between Devan and Haylee is their love of kids.  Haylee has a huge family, she was raised as an only child, as was Devan, but Haylee has many aunts and uncles that all have children under the age of six.  Devan has a few aunts and uncles too but, they are mostly living out of state and the few that are around this area aren't old enough for children.  Haylee was an instant babysitter for her family and naturally loves little children and they love her too.  You could say that she is a kid magnet.  Devan on the other hand could go without.  She says that wants a baby someday, but as far as I'm concerned it's going to be many years before I am a grandmother.  Both girls love their freedom, but I can picture Haylee having a baby within her first really serious relationship.

  The two girls also differ widely about their attitudes for achievement. Devan has always been an achiever in school, don't get me wrong now, there are some classes that she has to struggle through such a chemistry this particular year, but she always tries her best. When she knows that her grades are not up to par she sets aside the needed time to work on the assignments or extras that will bring her grades where they need to be.  Haylee is the absolute opposite. She just doesn't care about school, or anything to do with it but her friends. She is a smart girl, and I know that she could definitely do well, but she doesn't drive for it unless the situation is at its final straw and she knows that she will stay behind.

  Even though there are all of the exterior and interior differences between these two girls they have chosen to remain BFFs. They have a few connecting friends but mostly travel in separate circles in school due the their different class schedules but I can count on a visit at one house or the other every week. I believe that they work off each others weaknesses and strengths to better each other in a way that helps both of them. Everyone needs a BFF that can provide the strength that is lacking within ourselves.

  

Contrast Essay Roads

  As a child my grandmother lived on a dirt road in town called the Webb Ridge road. I always loved that road because it meant I was going to visit Nana. Looking back I remember the muddy ruts and the big bumps and even a few times my mom having to turn around for fear of getting stuck. Last summer, on a particularly warm day, while taking my daughter driving to practice for her licence, we drove down this road. Of course that warm feeling that I used to get as a child wasn't there anymore, knowing that my grandmother was not going to be there in her driveway with her arms open, waiting to give me a huge hug, but everything had changed. As a child this road was fond to me for several reasons, and none of them are present anymore.
  The first difference I noticed was that the road is not dirt anymore, there was a fresh layer of pavement covering all of the bumps and ruts that were so familiar to me. I remember that it amazed me that I hadn't noticed that the town had done this, and wondered really how long ago, because I travel past the end of this road for every visit to my mothers. I understand that with time there has to be change but, I just missed the old familiarity of the ruts and mud and was looking forward to instructing my daughter about where to slow down and which side of the road to stay on as she drove through.
  Elm trees also used to line both sides of this road for the entire second stretch.  I remember often asking my mom to go the long way home so we could drive through what I called the tunnel.  This particular "tunnel" was so beautiful in mid summer and especially early fall before all the leaves had fallen off the huge old elms. Dutch Elms disease struck our small town when I was approximately 25 but I never thought that it would get to those old majestic trees. They are all gone now, leaving just a view of the open fields and the old rock walls. The only thing left of them was the occasional stump poking out from the over grown grass.
  The children that were always riding their bicycles or jumping rope were all missing too. That was another reason I loved this road as a child. The neighborhood that I lived in, I was not allowed to play in the road. The traffic roared by so fast, there was always my mothers fear that I would get hit. Not on Nanas' road, all of the children would meet up and play together for hours.  Sure there was the occasional car or truck, but they were always going slow, trying to avoid the inevitable damage to their vehicle. There were no children playing that day on the road. I'm assuming because now that it is paved, the parents of the children have that same fear that my mother had.
  I was very disappointed with the trip down Webb Ridge Road that day with my daughter. I was so looking forward to telling her some of the memories I have as a child spending time on that road. Learning to jump rope, getting my bicycle stuck in the mud and losing my shoe, rolling my cousin down the big hill in a barrel.... But all I could talk about was what was missing, leaving out the part that what I was missing most was my Nana.
 

Isearch Progress Report

  To be absolutely honest with you, I have let the Isearch paper go to the wayside. It hasn't completely left my head though.  I bring up the topic to new people every chance I get, looking to find someone else with a dog with the same issues,,,so I guess it hasn't been pushed too far back.  I feel I have a strong topic, and something that I have been personally dealing with for a long time. I plan on looking further into the web to find some outcomes of dogs with epilepsy, whether it's a medical site or just personal stories.  I know that I haven't touched on that subject in any of my writings but sitting here thinking about it, it may be a good paragraph (or completely sad ) depending on my findings. I'm glad that you asked for this graf, you've put a new fire under my ass!  Do you want the annotated bibliographies we are using for the Isearch?? , and should I use the site you mentioned in the lecture ( http://www.easybib.com/#sourceList ) to make sure I have them listed correctly,,it has been a LONG time since I have done anything like this..??

Contrast Graf 2

  One of the first differences that any outsider would notice between the girls is their appearances. Haylee could be a model in any outdoors catalog such as Cabelas or The Sportsman's. She wears her hiking boots proudly, usually with a plaid shirt, and would be lost without her L.L. Bean jacket.  Devan, on the other hand looks as though she stepped off the cover of Seventeen magazine. Her shoes have to match her outfit perfectly for the day, (even if they are completely unpractical for the situation) and she refuses to leave the house if she hasn't at least put her "eyes on" and completed her hair.  Haylee could take it or leave it, she wears only enough makeup to accentuate her eyes, and wears her hair usually pulled back away from her face. Both are beautiful girls with totally different styles, but share the strength to know that they don't have to look alike to be best friends.

Contrast Intro #2

  My daughter Devan, has had one true BFF since the first day of Junior High School. Sure, she has other friends that have lasted for the same duration of time, or longer,but not like Haylee. Others have came and gone with the changing sports seasons, or friendships made in certain classes, but the bond that these two girls have formed seems to be one that will last for a lifetime. If you were an onlooker, not seeing the past years that these two girls have endured, you would never put them together as best friends.

Contrast Intro #1

  In my short 17 years as being a mother to my lovely daughter Devan, I have had the privilege of meeting most of her friends.  Not all of them, some were just a fleeting story or two, then never to be heard of again. On the other hand, there are the girls that have been around for a certain season that she has enjoyed a  sport with, such as cheerleading or softball. They always had a lot to chatter about and the occasional whispers, but Haylee has always been there. These two girls have been practically inseparable since the first day of Junior High. Sure, there has been the occasional girlhood bickering, but they always have seemed to find their way back to each other.

Classification Essay

  It is a well known fact that every person in this great big world has to eat, has to feed their pets, needs to have soap and shampoo, paper towels and toilet paper. Jesus, don't forget the toilet paper! We all need the basic necessities that will fill our bellies and overall make the household run smoothly. Due to this fact, every one has to  eventually do the dreaded grocery shopping. Where we choose to do our shopping is the question? In my small circle which I travel often, I have a choice of three stores. The small "Mom & Pop" store a half mile down the road from home. The grocery store which is further away but has the freshest vegetables, or the almighty Walmart, that carries just about anything a person could need.
   I call them "Mom & Pop", others call them "Convenience Stores", and in some parts of the the country they're called a "Bodega". The small corner stores that offer the basics at a somewhat higher price than the larger stores. These stores are usually family owned and run, with a friendly person behind the counter who knows your name and usually your family, and is genuinely interested in how your day is going. I visit my convenience store often, maybe because I am low on milk, or I need the paper. My husband goes usually twice a day, it is part of his morning routine to stop and get his coffee. Chat with Trish about whatever topic may arise, or maybe get some gossip about the neighborhood. Every community needs this type of store, it is a gathering place for the locals to say hello and feel that they have a connection with their neighbors.
  Then there's the grocery store, the larger, lower priced stores that offer the freshest vegetables,( unless it happens to be summer and the veggie stand is open.) This store offers a better selection of products  and lets me feel that I have a choice in my purchase. I use this store for my coupons that I cut out of the Sunday paper to give me the false notion that my husband hasn't worked all week just to feed us. My grocery store is part of a small chain, they are in three of the surrounding towns and have been established for years.  The service isn't as personal and smiley as the "Mom & Pops" but the good selection and lower prices make up for it when I need to fill the cupboards.
  This leaves us with the big box stores, the almighty Walmart. The store that has everything, and has made its mark in my community because of the convenience of one stop shopping. Here I find, unless I know the person, the only reason the cashier is smiling at me (which doesn't happen often) is because they know that their supervisor is watching them. I use Walmart for shopping for such things as shampoo, soap, dog food, and paper products. I will never buy vegetables or meat there, but I have on occasion purchased a few non perishable items because of the convenience. I tend to avoid shopping here during peak hours due to the long lines and pissy attitudes of their patrons.
  Every person has their own preference on where they do their grocery shopping. Each type of store serves it own purpose in any community, catering to the specific needs of the people. I frequent all three types of these stores as often as needed, taking into consideration the urgency of my list and how much toilet paper we have left on the shelf.
 

Outro to Classification Essay

  I frequent all three types of these stores often, as I am sure most people do. They all serve their purpose in any community, catering to the specific needs of the people. "Mom & Pops" for the kids full glass of milk with dinner,  but watch the dates. The grocery store offers its beautiful fresh vegetables, and almighty Walmart has the 50 lb bag of dog food that is needed for the ever hungry dogs.

Intro #2 Classification Essay

  We all have to shop. Not the fun kind of shopping, say for new shoes or clothes, but grocery shopping. Everyone needs the basics; milk, bread, eggs, butter, meat, toilet paper. Jesus, don't for the toilet paper! The question is where do we choose to shop?  In my small circle, I have only three places to choose from. There's the small "Mom & Pop" store a half mile from my house. The somewhat larger grocery store, a little further away but has a much better selection. Then there's the almighty Walmart, that has almost everything a person could need with one stop. All of these stores have their advantages and disadvantages, it all depends on my needs for the trip.

Intro #1 Classification Essay

  It is a well know fact that every person in this great big world has to eat, has to feed their pets, needs to have soap and shampoo, paper towels, etc.... The basic necessities that are needed weekly or monthly depending upon the size and proportions of your family, that will fill our bellies and overall make the household run smoothly. There are the fortunate ones that love to grow a garden and spend countless hours in the kitchen canning the vegetables and fruits of their labor so they can the spoils of their hard work to enjoy for all the winter months, but even they have to go shopping eventually. I have never been one of those lucky people, so I find myself stopping frequently to purchase a special request for dinner, or batteries for the remote because it has finally told my husband for the last time that they were low. Where I choose to stop is the question. Do I stop at the local mom and pop store close to home, the grocery store in town, or do I fight the crowds at the all mighty Walmart?

Reaction to Sample Classification Essays

  Where to begin?? I understand the assignment of the Classification Essay completely,,what I don't understand is why you want a reaction to other students essays. I thoroughly enjoy your class, truthfully, it is the best mind opening, self exploring, and brain teasing test that I have ever done. I can completely relate to the way you convey your lectures, and assignments except for the reaction grafs.

  Do you want me to give my opinion about the sports fanatics, or maybe the woman writing the essay? To me it sounds like she just needed to release a little steam about her husband, get it off her chest, and feel a little better when she pushed the send button. I can relate to the snakes, snails, and puppy dog tails essay though, she did a great job classifying men. Any woman who has spent any amount of time in the so called dating world should be able to relate to that one unless they are stuck in a rut and always pick the same type of man. I especially enjoyed her outro, she was kind to the guys who might be reading her essay and I hope she eventually found her perfect match. 

  Or should I comment about the structure of their essays, the nit picky stuff.  I saw a few words spelled incorrectly, and some grammar issues, but no laws that I am sure I haven't broken myself. I will admit that I do have a small OCD problem when it pertains to spelling. It drives me absolutely insane to see that squiggly red line come up underneath a word that I have just written, and I will indulge in a verbal rambling of outrage if I observe a public sign with a simple spelling error.

  Please don't take me wrong, I understand completely that you do no want to explain to us ( your students) what to write about, and I respect that. But, why do you ask for a reaction to other peoples essays before we write our own? Would it not be a better learning tool to ask for a reaction graf about our own writing?  Personally, I have found that when I read another students essay about a topic that we are assigned, that my mind always seems to follow their topic, I have to turn my computer off, or start an assignment from another course before I can find my own essay topic.

  

  

Meta Graf/Reaction Graf on Cause Essay

  "Jesus Christ, this man wants me to write a detailed, five paragraph essay on why I do something!" Generally, I do something, or anything because I want to, (besides paying bills, that's because I have to.) I have absolutely zero time left, my plate is full with trying to organize two 17 year old girls and a husband to go on vacation. Gotta get the dogs to their destination, clean out the refrigerator, go to the dump, fill the truck with gas, tell the credit card companies we are leaving so they don't shut the cards off half way through, verify that people will feed our five cats, AND pack! "What the hell am I going to write about and when will I have time to do it?" I guess, my only option is to tote along this handy dandy laptop to Florida with me, and figure it out there!
  After finally arriving in Florida, dealing with the incredibly slow counter attendants, weighing our bags, making sure each person had their own tickets, and toting luggage for what seemed miles upon miles, we finally get our car. Me, driving in Portland Maine is a joke to say the least, the trip out of Orlando Florida  airport would have made a first rate reality TV show.  Luggage piled so high that I could not see out the rear view, the girls in the back giggling about the latest gossip on Facebook, and my husband spouting off about some jerk that was in line at the airport, while I am trying my damndest to listen to the foreign lady talking out of my GPS.
  We did, two hours later, make it to our destination. A very nice trailer that my mother has rented for her and my grandfather for the winter months. The familiar sound of her voice and the smile on her face made it all worth while. The kids went about claiming their space, my husband found a couch that I know he had been looking forward to for hours, and I went to our assigned bedroom and pulled out my handy dandy laptop to write about the only thing on my mind,,our family vacations.

Meta Graf/Reaction Graf on Cause Essay

  "Jesus Christ, this man wants me to write a detailed, five paragraph essay on why I do something!" Generally, I do something, or anything because I want to, (besides paying bills, that's because I have to.) I have absolutely zero time left, my plate is full with trying to organize two 17 year old girls and a husband to go on vacation. Gotta get the dogs to their destination, clean out the refrigerator, go to the dump, fill the truck with gas, tell the credit card companies we are leaving so they don't shut the cards off half way through, verify that people will feed our five cats, AND pack! "What the hell am I going to write about and when will I have time to do it?" I guess, my only option is to tote along this handy dandy laptop to Florida with me, and figure it out there!
  After finally arriving in Florida, dealing with the incredibly slow counter attendants, weighing our bags, making sure each person had their own tickets, and toting luggage for what seemed miles upon miles, we finally get our car. Me, driving in Portland Maine is a joke to say the least, the trip out of Orlando Florida  airport would have made a first rate reality TV show.  Luggage piled so high that I could not see out the rear view, the girls in the back giggling about the latest gossip on Facebook, and my husband spouting off about some jerk that was in line at the airport, while I am trying my damndest to listen to the foreign lady talking out of my GPS.
  We did make

Cause Essay #1

 

  Woohoo!!! Cancun, Mexico here we come. My family looks forward to the month of February more than the arrival of Santa Claus most years because by then the built up anticipation for our yearly vacation has reached the boiling point. We are practically exploding at the seems awaiting the day of departure. There are several reasons we choose warm, exotic locations for our get aways, the warm sun on our faces and brilliant breezes in our hair, takes us away from the exhausting cold and misery of Maine winters.

  My husband is known as the classic "Workaholic". He owns two scrap metal recycling facilities in Central Maine, where he is needed to be present until all of the material that needs to be bought, processed, and shipped, is in its appropriate locations. During the summer months, he works seven days a week, 60 - 70 hrs total. The winter months are slower, allowing for our vacation in February. He needs the time to relax and enjoy himself, to escape the chaos of his stressful title.

  Another reason we choose to escape in February is the brutal Maine winters. Our vacations give us a break from the usual cold and snow that arrives in Maine starting the month of October. We have a short break that serves as a reminder that warm wheather is still available, and the entire planet has not frozen over into a giant ice ball. For one, maybe two weeks, we don't have to worry about the wood stove, or shovel the steps, or keep an eye on the boiler. We can just enjoy the sandals, shorts, and the sun.

  Raising our daughter to understand that there is more in this world to enjoy than our little 20 mile radius that we seem to adhere to is another factor for our yearly vacations. Our hopes are that since she has had the chance to travel and experience some beautifully amazing places, and do exciting adventures like zip lines in Mexico, and snorkeling off a catamaran in the Bahamas, that as an adult, she will not settle for anything less. She knows that  these places are not out of her reach, and if she works hard, one day maybe she will be bringing her family on beautiful vacations.
  Each year is a new adventure that does more than warm our blood and put a tan on our faces. It creates family memories that will last with us for a life time. It is a reminder that beyond the every day routine of our sometimes seeming, seperate lives we can enjoy life. My husband and I were both raised, if you work hard, you will be rewarded eventually. Our yearly vacations are our long deserved fruitful rewards that we will treasure for all of our days.

Isearch Research Plan

•   We have had the unfortunate luck (more unfortunae luck...where it comes to Lilly) of Lillys long time veterinarian selling his business.  It was taken over by a young couple who are very nice and seem to know what they are talking about, but they don't know my dog.  I had the fortunate luck of having an appointment for Lilly on a day when Dr. Miller, the original owner and Lillys buddy, was there. He agreed to talk with me about my paper and answer any questions he could. I have found five web sites that seem to answer my various questions. www.canine-epilepsy.net "Understanding Your Pets Epilepsy", gave a variety of reasons for seizures, not all of them being epilepsy. http://purelypets.com, this site offered natural treatments for epilepsy and talks a lot about the diet of the dog relating to seizures. www.canine-epilepsy.com, "Living With Your Epileptic Dog", is a non medical site but, it has a lot of different scenarios from other pet owners with the affliction and how they deal with and treat their dogs. www.peteducation.com, "A Cause of Seizures in Dogs" is a site that relays different causes for seizures, from hereditary to head trauma, to liver disease, to thyroid issues (which she has).  I feel that I can find all of the information that I have been seeking plus more about Lillys condition. All of this new found information may even lead into a new form of treatment or at the least more educated questions for her veterinarian.

Outro Graf to Cause Essay

  Each year is a new adventure that does more than warm our blood and put a tan on our faces. It creates family memories that will last with us for a life time. It is a reminder that beyond the every day routine of our sometimes seeming, seperate lives. we can enjoy life. My husband and I were both raised, if you work hard, you will be rewarded eventually. Our yearly vacations are our long deserved fruitful rewards that we will treasure for all of our days.

Intro #2 Cause Essay

  Woohoo!!!  Cancun, Mexico here we come.  My family looks forward to the month of February more than the arrival of Santa Claus most years.  For the past six years we have taken a family vacation to an exotic location that will provide us with sun on our faces and warm breezes in our hair. I start planning for the next year as soon as we get home, spending countless hours at the computer looking for the cheapest prices and the perfect location. This year Mexico's beautiful sandy beaches, mysterious cenotes, and the rich cultural history of the ruins was the perfect match.

Intro #1 Cause Essay

   Every year for the past six years we have planned a vacation that takes us away to someplace warm. I spend countless hours on the computer looking at various different locations, hoping to find the one that meets all of our vacation needs, and offers a new and exciting adventure. This year it's going to be Cancun, Mexico. The beautiful sandy beaches, the cenotes, and the ruins are all part of the rich history that encompasses the area. My daughter looks forward to the month of February more than Christmas I believe.

Place

   Sometimes the waves would be pounding at the small aluminum vessel with a ferociousness that should have sent us all into the drink, taking all of our rations for the weekend to the bottom of the dark, deep blue pond, never to be seen again. The white caps, looking as though they were going to swallow us up with the next curl.  Other days, it was like skimming across a beautifully mirrored sheet of glass, the only ripples were the ones that were following behind us, making the perfect V shape, pointing out the direction we were headed. It didn't matter to me what the wheather was like, windy, pouring rain, or a beautiful sun filled day, I was on the pond. I was happy.

Real Life Research

  I knew that I wanted to go back to school, in fact I always knew that I wanted to further my education, but just how far do I want to go? I am 41 years old, with a daughter who is a junior in high school, soon I will be paying for her college education, can I really afford to pay for the both of us to go to school at the same time?  Tuition, books, insurance, taxes,,,,how much money is this going to drain from our already depleting savings?
  I found myself in a do or die situation. "Take your chance now and don't let it slip away again, you'll just find another excuse not to go." When I was in my early 20's, that was the case, either I couldn't afford it at the time, or something or someone was more important. This was the last opportunity for me to pursue my education, actually work on myself and not work for someone else. In the mail, with the very unimpressive Unemployment Compensation check, was a letter pertaining to the one dream that had been pushed to the far back reaches of my mind, Apply for College,and Take Advantage of the Opportunities, written in big bold letters.
 With the telephone numbers in hand I began making calls, from one very helpful person to the next offering information that could be nothing but helpful. I made the decision to meet with one very capable, informative, and educated woman that actually made my dream happen. She helped me with the first application to a school that turned out not to be the correct fit for me, but she also gave me more phone numbers to people that would give me that much needed push to pick up the phone and continue with the search.
  I am now enrolled in college, fulfilling the so-called "long lost dream." Lifes research has taught me that if you actually apply yourself and learn from your mistakes, just maybe, if you're a hard worker, and you're not too stubborn to listen to those little hints, that might even come in the form of a letter in the mail; you can accomplish your dreams. Just do it, don't worry about the financial repercussions or at what age group society has lumped you into. Don't even worry about the estranged looks that a so-called friend my throw your way. Just do it for you.

What I know and Don't Know

  I do know that there is no cure for Lillys epilepsy. Her lifestyle and state of health is completely up to me. As far as her medications is concerned, the first veterinarian that she had been seing since day one did not put her on any type of treatment. It wasn't until the age of three that I decided to switch vets, from the advice of a new friend, who happened to be a vet tech.  They immediately put her on a twice a day dose of Phenobarb 60 mg. She didn't have a seizure for almost a year and the veterinarian dropped her dossage down to once a day.  This seemed to do the trick for two years until she had two seizures in a three month time period.  She has been back on the twice daily dose since then.  I know that Phenobarb is what they give people with epilepsy and I have not taken her to another veterinarian, so I am not sure if there is another drug that is available.
  The veterinarian says that diet has nothing to do with her seizures. He has told me that the best food for her just happens to be the kind that he sells from his office, but unless I am willing to sacrifice putting food in our refrigerator I can't afford that. I buy the most expensive brand at Walmart, with the first ingredient being meat. The vet also tells me that he has never heard any conclusive evidence that people food would cause a seizure. This is one of the questions that I would really like to find an answer to.  Lilly is a food hound, and I can recall five of her seizures happening the day after she has gotten on the counter and eaten a stick of butter, or a loaf of bread.  The worst seizure she ever had was the day after a family cookout.  All of the food was on a table on the porch, everyone was talking, or in the pool, anyway, nobody was watching.  The table got the full Lilly treatment.  She cleaned it dry, except for the vegetables. The next day, her seizure had lasted for over an hour, she lost bowel control, and the vet finally told me to bring her in.  My opinion is salt, I think that salt dehydrates her, and causes an imbalance that triggers a seizure. I will research this theory further.
  I have spoken to Weston, the person we got Lilly from.  He told me that neither the father nor Lillys mother has epilepsy, and that their dog had four litters and he had never heard from any of their owners of a problem. Did one of their parents have epilepsy? I probably will never know the answer to this question because of the extensive breeding of labradors these days. I will research the question online though to see if there has been any documentation of the such.
  Was she born with the disease, well the word disease is a good clue.  From what I understand about the medical field (which is not much), a disease is something that you are born with.  It is in your body from birth and comes out to be seen at different stages. Why at the age of two though, for both of my dogs that have been burdened with this affliction? I don't understand or have an answer to that yet, maybe never will.
  I know that actions or noises can trigger an epileptic seizure in Lilly. Several of her episodes have been preceeded by a startling noise, or being woken up from a sound sleep.  We have long since stopped waking her at night to put her in her kennel.  She had too many episodes that began half way down the stairs, it was sure to end in a broken bone or worse. I also am certain that she realizes something is going to happen before it actually occurs. Twice that I can think of I wasn't right handy to her, maybe in the shower, or outside. My daughter found her laying next to her bedroom door. That leads me to believe that she not only knows that its coming but she doesn't want to be alone. I am certain that she feels safer when someone is with her.
  I have always sat with Lilly during her episodes, I have never asked the vet if this is the correct way to deal with her.  Maybe it is the mother instinct, or me just being hopeful that she realizes that I am there with her. She looks straight at me if she can during the seizures, and I know that she will try to get up if I have to leave her side at any time, so I sit with her and talk softly, trying to comfort her and wishing the entire time that this will end quickly.
  I don't know how many levels of seizures there are, Lilly began with short, maybe 3 minute episodes. The time before last, (the picnic) it was over an hour and she had lost control of her bowels.  The vet said that he had only seen two dogs walk out of his office after a seizure of that magnitude. They gave her a shot of valium and kept spraying the bottom of her feet with cold water to bring down her temperature. They sent me home with a needle and a dose of the miracle drug, with the warning that it might not always work. It just calms her muscles and lets her get her bearings is the way it was described to work to me.
  I know she remembers that something has happened.  She acts almost embarrassed at times. When she was younger she would slowly get up and get a drink, within five minutes, you would never know that anything had happened. Now that she's eight, it really has an effect. She is lazy and tired for a couple days. I know there will be more to come, but if I am better educated about her seizures, maybe there is more I can do to help her.

Person

  "Oh Shit!, it's Wednesday again, what time is it?" Shit, almost 3:30, maybe he won't be in this week.  I used to dred every Wednesday at 3:45. I knew he would be in, he never missed a week. Never missed a chance to spread his womanizing, degrading, belittling, smart ass comments. What will it be this week, more about his opinion that a woman shouldn't be doing my job, or maybe another slam about my husbands ass crack hanging out when he bends over...I never knew what kind of meaningless, hurtfull, dribble was going to come out of his mouth next. Yup, just like clockwork, here he is.
  I said my normal "Good afternoon Roy." only to get a return of "Jesus Darcy, if your tits get any bigger, you are going to have push your desk out."  That's was it, today was the last day, no more bullshit from this short, little rotund man that reminded me of a weeble wobble I used to play with as a child.  I couldn't hold it in any longer,,"You know Roy, if your belly gets any bigger, you're going to have to trade that belt in for something else.  I know,  I can get you a piece of wire from outback. How long do we need it?"  I happened to have a tape measure sitting on my desk from some project the mechanic had been working on. I smiled the sweetest smile I could possibly muster up, and held out the tape measure. Roys face became a cold, white, blank.  He had nothing to say, he turned and walked out the office door.
  Roy changed after that Wednesday afternoon. There were no smart ass comments, no womanizing remarks pertaining to any part of my body, no cracks about my husbands crack.  He continued to come into the shop at his normal time, Wednesday afternoons at 3:45. We now discussed his four wheeler, or what I had done that weekend. It took him a while, this wasn't instanteous by no means, but Roys trips in were no longer the doom of my day.  If I see him at the grocery store or at the bank, I will actually stop and say hello, not try to hide behind the closest thing possible, trying to plan my escape. I think Roy just needed a challenge, or a slap in the face...but all in all I think I gave him both.

Why

  I chose to research about labradors with epilepsy because I still have Lilly. She has become more than just a dog to myself and my family, she is one of us. My mom chose to put Grizz down after his third seizure. I am not sure if her reasoning was related to the medicine available at the time, or maybe the expense that came with  several vet trips necessary to keep the meds regulated. Lilly still has seizures, they are certainly less frequent than in the past. When they do occur, they are much more intense and last longer. I want to make Lillys time here with me as comfortable and pain free as possible. Some of the questions I would like to find answers to are:

Are dogs born with epilepsy or does something trigger it?
  Does people food bring on a seizure?
    If so, what kind of people food?
  Can the type of dog food make a difference?

At what age do most dogs develop epilepsy?

Is epilepsy considered a heridatory disease in dogs?
  If the mother or father has it, will the puppies?

What is the best treatment for epilepsy in dogs?
  Is Phenobarbitol the only medication that is given to dogs with seizures?
  Does the weight or age of the dog effect the frequency and severity of a seizure?
  Can I over medicate Lilly with seizure medication?
  What does the medication do to prevent seizures?

Can she sense when it's going to happen?
  Can an action, noise, or movement trigger a seizure to happen?

Does she want to be alone while it's happening?
  Does she want to be held by me during the seizure?

How to deal with Lilly when she's having a seizure?
  Should I hold her still?
  If she tries to get up, should I let her?
 
How many different levels of seizures are there?
  Do the seizures get worse as she gets older?

How long is a too long seizure?
  What should I do if I think it has lasted too long?
 
Is it considered worse if she loses control of her bowels?

Does she remember everything or anything about the seizure?
 




 
 


 

Background

  I was seven years old and my mom was standing in the front door with a chubby, wet nosed, ball of fur puppy. He was chocolate brown with a black nose and enormously floppy ears. I couldn't believe my eyes, this was my very first puppy. She gave me the normal mom speach,"Now you have to feed him and water him every day, if he needs to go out, it is your responsability. You will have to clean up his messes until he's trained and make sure that he's hooked to his house before you go to school."  Anyone who has ever had a pet at a young age has heard this speech before, I'm sure you all know what I'm talking about.  I never shrugged my responsibilities with "Grizz", that's what we named him, because he looked like a little bear with all that brown fur.
  Grizz grew over the next year and a half. He went from a small bundle of cuddly fur to an oversized clumsy doofus. He was still my dog though, he would come with me to feed the chickens, sitting patiently outside the pen until I was finished. I no longer had to clean any messes, he had outgrown that finally. In the mornings before school, I didn't have to drag him to his house, he would trot along beside me, sniffing at whatever smell at that moment caught his attention.  He was a normal, happy go lucky, goofy dog with his oversized tail, and a tongue that never stayed in his mouth very long. It usually hung out the right side with a snot like trail of drool dripping from it.
  One afternoon, as I was shutting the gate to the chicken coupe, I turned and Grizz was not sitting his normal spot. I did a quick scan of the backyard, thinking that something had caught his attention, which happened on occassion. I saw under the big pine tree, laying on his belly with his back legs stretched out to the maximum length and extremely stiff
. He had pulled his front legs up to a position where he was balancing on his elbows and his feet were pounding at the ground. He was looking straight at me. His eyes were glazed over, completely brown with no white around the iris.
  I walked toward him, calling his name softly. At first I thought he was scratching his belly, although I had never seen him do it quite like that before. As I got closer I could see that it wasn't the normal train of drool dripping from his tongue. It was a white frothy, almost bubbling drool, oozing out of the corner of his mouth.  His feet began pounding harder and his neck went into a stretched out state, that made his head weave from side to side, all the while still looking straight at me.
  I went barrelling to the house, screaming for my mother the entire way. She met me at the corner, checking for a sign of blood or other life threatening matter that could only make me scream in that fashion. I turned and pointed at Grizz. He had managed to turn his body enough so that he was still looking straight at me. My mom had never seen him, or any other dog act this way before. She told me to stand back as she crept closer to him calling his name, trying to comfort him. He focused on her from that point, watching and still pounding the ground with his front feet. I remember feeling relief that he wasn't starring at me any longer, trying to get me. Was he trying to get me, looking like a rabid dog, crazy eyed, frothing at the mouth. Or was he just trying to get to me?
  I never really had another dog of my own, until one day many years later.  My daughter. Devan, who was eight at the time, came home from a day out with my mother. She walked through the front door with tears streaming down her face. I knew there was something she was trying to tell us, but she couldn't quite get it out. Finally, she releases in one long sentence; "Weston has a puppy mom, it's a black lab and it's the only one left and it's there all by itself and he sold the rest of them for a lot of money but he said that we could have this one for free and if you let me get this dog I promise I will take care of it you won't have to do anything, it's free and we won't have to pay any money PLEASSSSEE!!!???" My husband and I both initially said "NO", with the explanation that she has her friends and she would lose interest. The tears continued even harder, which turned into an eight year old little girls version of a full blown fit.  My mother stood there shaking her head, explaining that she had tried to tell her.
  The next day, after discussions with my husband. ( I had changed my mind already, I just had to change his.) We sat Devan down at the kitchen table, remembering the Mom speach. I had decided that I was going to make her put this "Contract" in writing. She wrote a two page contract in her own words why she wanted this puppy and how she was going to care for her.  After she signed and dated the new document titled My Puppy, we got in the truck to go see if he still had this dog.  There she was, laying in the yard all by herself. She was about seven months old, a black lab, looked to be in perfect health. When she saw the truck pull in, she sat up, wagging her long sleek tail, just sitting there, smiling as if she knew what was about to happen.
  Devan picked her name, "Lilly".  She was her dog for the first few months. Me making sure that she had performed Lilly's daily needs. As time passed, I found that Lilly was spending more and more time with me, laying at my feet as we watched TV, looking to me when she needed to go outside. I didn't mind the attention, or the need to be needed. My daughter was getting older and not spending as much time at home, or needing me as much as she had in the past.
  Lilly grew to be a beautiful labrador over the next year and a half. She also grew to be my dog. She would come to bed with me at night, until my husband had finished watching his shows. He would yell her name and she would happily trot down the stairs, straight to her kennel, where she was content to spend the remainder of the evening.
  Life was spent in this happy little routine until Lilly reached the age of two. One evening Jason, my husband, yelled her name as usual. She jumped from the bed in her normal spring form action, and went down the stairs. Shortly after, I hear Jason, in a frantic voice, "Darcy somethings wrong with Lilly!"  I had just been sound asleep with Lilly, what could be wrong? When I reached the foot of the stairs, I see my dog, laying on her side. All four feet curled up under her belly, resembling an arthritic elderly in their late stages of life. Her tail tucked between her legs and her neck stretched out straight from her spine. All of her extremities were heaving in a pattern that I couldn't understand. Her eyes were glazed over, with no white showing, and staring straight at me. I had seen this look before, Grizz, was this the same problem?
  

Object

It says in big bold, fancy script "TEXAS". I know for a fact that Nana had never been to Texas, and I surely had never been there. It has a picture of a cowboy riding a bucking horse with a barn and fence in the background.  Our family likes horses, I even had a pony as a young child, but we're not huge horse lovers. It is about the size of a softball, but flat on the front and back. The edges are molded to give the appearance of wood bark, and the color is a soft chocolate brown.  I have carried this piggy bank with me everytime I have moved since 1998, April of 1998 to be exact. That is the date that Nana passed away, April Fools Day, 1998. Believe me, nobody in the family was playing practical jokes that year, and I don't recall too many since then.  I spent a lot of Friday nights with her, she would pick me up on her way home from work. Friday was pay day. I would get my piggy bank, and she would get her coffee cans. She would empty all of her change from her broken down purse out into a big pile on the kitchen table. We would  put all the silver into a large Folgers coffee can, replace the lid tightly, then place it carefully back into her hiding spot on top of the fridge. Time to sort through the pennies, this was my favorite part. Who could find the most wheatie pennies? Her little dog, Tammy, would jump everytime I would yell "I found one!!" We would inspect it to make sure it really was a wheatie, check the year, and talk about any odd marks or colors. Only after this careful inspection would she let me drop it into my bank, "Pallunck". As the years passed, Nana and I stopped doing our special Friday night change inspections. Only because I had gotten older and friends and fun had become more important than silly wheat pennies. I still went to Nanas on the weekends, but it was Sunday afternoons to get a free home cooked meal and my laundry done. One Sunday, she reached above the microwave and pulled out my little "TEXAS" piggy bank. She wanted to show me that she had put a band-aid over the plug. On that band-aid, she had written my full name in her ever so neat penminship. Looking back, Nana knew she was sick then, and that was her way of telling me that she had loved our Friday night rituals as much as I had.