Blessed

It's that time of year again where we stop to count our blessings and remember what we're thankful for, something that I really try to do year-round. But sometimes life gets in the way of that and our vision gets clouded with trials, stress and challenges.

This has been a particular rough year for us, and there were plenty of times I just felt...lost. So Thanksgiving is a perfect time to reflect on my blessings and thank God for all he has given me, even when I don't deserve it.

I am thankful for:



....my faith. For the love and mercy God shows to me without ceasing. Without Him, I am nothing.

I am thankful for:



...my family. For an enduring love that has stood the test of time and any challenge ever thrown at it for more than 20 years. For Rob being cancer-free for almost five months now. For my three babies who are growing into such amazing "big people" and are my reason for living.

I am thankful for:





...my fur babies, Sophie and Skippity. For the amazing miracles that brought Sophie back to us when all hope was lost (thank you again, Jane). For all of the doggie hugs and kisses I am showered with every day, especially when I am sick or feeling down.

I am thankful for:





my parents, sisters and grandma. For always being there for me and loving me no matter what. I love them more than words can say and I wish I could see them all more often.

I am thankful for:



my sweet baby nephew, whose adorable face I can't show you out of respect for my in-law's privacy. But, oh my, look at that baby belly! *love*

I am thankful for:



...my amazingly awesome gig as a concert reviewer. I started with a dream of being able to cover shows and just started putting a plan into place. And I MADE IT HAPPEN. Even obtaining plus ones with my press passes. You have no idea how much joy that brings me. "If you dream it, you can live it."

Last but not least, I am thankful for:



.....all of YOU. All of my amazing friends both online and offline, who have seen me through good times and bad. Who love and accept me without judgement, who have been there to support me when I have needed it without ever asking for anything in return. For making me smile, laugh and cry. I would be lost without you.

I am indeed VERY blessed.

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Come Together - DC Blogger Meetup

I sent out a sort-of-joking-but-not-really tweet about a possible DC blogger meetup the other day and ended up finding out that if I organized such a thing....PEOPLE WOULD ACTUALLY COME!

So, I'm gonna do this thing. I need to get an idea of how many of you are really interested, so even if you tweeted back to me, please leave a comment on this post letting me know one way or the other.

Ren mentioned this summer as a possibility and I think that's the best option (June-ish?). But feel free to suggest other times if you'd like, especially if summer is out of the question for you.

I also would love to hear ideas for a name for the meetup. Should I go the vain route like *cough* some people *cough* and make it something like BlondeCon? Or maybe location should determine the name...DCcon? Give me your ideas, please!

Once I get an idea on attendees and a date, I'll start working on a place where we can all exercise our debauchery.

I am SO excited about this. Let's make it happen! :)

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YOUR Voice Needed to Save Animals

IMPORTANT UPDATE/CORRECTION! I just received word from Kendra that Casey was actually rescued 5 minutes before he was to be put down!!!!!! (she had not been aware of this until just now) I cannot express enough to you how much joy this brings me!! But please remember the other dogs out there that aren't as fortunate as Casey when you read this post and please speak up for them. Thank you!

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A few weeks ago, I found out about a sweet dog by the name of Casey who was in need of being rescued:



Lukas and Kendra Jade Rossi had been working hard to get the word out about Casey (Kendra made the video above for him), and many others joined in, including myself. Pleas were made via Twitter, Facebook and other networks, and the Rossis even offered to cover Casey's adoption costs.

Unfortunately, no one came forward and Casey was put down (see update/correction above...Casey was actually rescued 5 minutes before being put down). I was so devastated that I vowed to do whatever I could to help keep this from happening to other dogs like him. No animal that happy, young and loving should have to be put down. It shouldn't have to happen to any animal...period.

Kendra and Lukas run a wonderful group called Rock Star Rescue and have gone above and beyond in trying to save these precious animals.



If that photo above cuts to your heart as much as it does mine, there is something you can do. Right now, there is a critical protest being planned for Saturday, November 21 in Los Angeles to demand a progressive, no-kill general manager for the city. The picket is being organized by Animal Defense League-Los Angeles, but you do NOT need to be a member to join in.

Here is what Kendra wanted to share with all of you about this important mission:

"The general manager of LA Services has big shoes to fill after Ed Boks, who created new relationships with the rescue organizations of Los Angeles. The new manager of LA Animal Services needs to maintain and improve those relationships in order to truly create a no-kill LA.

The city can't do it alone and should utilize those of us that are willing and able to help.

Thousands of happy, beautiful, healthy dogs and cats and even moms and babies die unneccesarily every week in the Los Angeles shelters every month because of lack of cooperation and education.

I believe that every living animal should have the right to live. And if we do not take care of them, and fight for them, who will?

We have a voice, we need to make it heard."

I couldn't agree more. If you'd like to make YOUR voice heard, visit KendraJadeOnline.com (second post down), and/or email rockstarrescue@aol.com for more information. Be sure to visit Rock Star Rescue as well for other ways you can help if you're not in the Los Angeles area.

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DC101 Festivus w/ Weezer

Are you all ready for another fun show?! On December 9, tune into my Twitter feed for live coverage of DC101's Festivus at the Patriot Center in Fairfax.

Thanks to Event Chaser, I'll be bringing all the fun to you from the floor! Weezer is the main attraction, with performances by Jack's Mannequin and Motion City Soundtrack as well.

DC101 Festivus tickets are hard to come by, so click that link or stop by Razor Gator, where you'll find the best concert tickets around! You can also find Weezer tickets for your area if you're not in DC.

My full review will be on Event Chaser after the show. Happy Festivus! :)

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Veteran's Day Tribute

For all who have served, are serving, and will serve this country through our amazing military, thank you. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. Thank you for the freedoms you have given to all of us.

Please take a few minutes out of your day to honor our military. Below is a moving video tribute made by a vet. Watch to the end and be sure you have tissues. Then go thank our troops. Today, and every day.

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