Mekka Mekenna

In the late summer/early fall of 1999, I saw a puppy that one of Kendra's friend's had recently acquired. He was so cute and adorable that I had to get one of my own. So, my sister and I set out to the place they were selling these puppies...the Walmart parking lot in Sherman. They only had two left, a male and a female. I remember it vividly...the male was overly hyper and Mekka was just standing there, wagging her tail. They were tied to the bumper of a truck. We decided on the female. She vomited in the car on the way home, she was in the floorboard of the front passenger seat. I guess she got car sick or was just overwhelmed by the new surroundings/new people. Kendra and I went back to that SAME Walmart and bought a lot of stuff for her, including a new tag. We decided on the drive back to Sherman, to name her Mekka, after a character in a short lived animated show on MTV. I just liked the name Mekenna, and so it fit...Mekka Mekenna.

I remember having to take her out at 5am while my dad was getting ready to go to work. I remember one morning, when my mom knocked on my door, Mekka was soooo protective that she stood on my bed and barked ferociously, then saw my mom open the door and urinated on my bed. This was probably because #1 she needed to go and wasn't let out soon enough and #2 she saw it was my mom.

Fast forward to November 1999, I was involved in a single car accident. By all accounts, I should've either died or been seriously injured but came out unscathed. That exact same night, Mekka began showing symptoms of Parvo. She spent a week in the hospital but recovered. I remember going to pick her up...she was, literally, "bitching" at me the whole way home.

Her "bitching" is a running theme throughout her life, she KNEW how to let us know she was upset and she was ALWAYS accommodated. If there is an art to manipulation, she was the master.

Years went by, my relationship with Mekka grew stronger and stronger. I can remember a time when I began to finally accept myself and had no idea how my family could possibly accept me for who I was/am. She was there. I would tell her that I knew she was my friend and that I knew she loved me unconditionally, she was on my side. She never let me down. She was always there.

(At this point, I just need to say that I KNOW this is a dog, but still)

I met someone, a person that I knew was meant to be. We decided to live together and I left her behind. I missed her, I even stayed overnight at my parent's house one night just for her. I knew I couldn't take her with me. She was a dog that was used to running free on 5 acres of land, living in a house...happy. I couldn't possibly remove her from that to live with me in a small apartment, regulated by a leash and collar. It just seemed cruel.

Days passed into months and months to years. She was always happy to see me. She "bitched" when I would come home. It quickly became apparent that she was getting older, but her tenacity for life was always at the forefront. At Thanksgiving dinner one year, we decided to give her a mild/safe sedative to allow her some form of "ability" to deal with all those people arriving at my parent's home. She didn't react well to that medication. She seized, her heart stopped. Fortunately for us, my aunt Christy, an RVT, was there. We applied compressions to her chest, she came back to us. After that day, she looked older...almost immediately. Mekka never would give up, she continued to provide companionship for a few years.

Mekka eventually succumbed to arthritis. She'd previously endured Wobbler's syndrome, but seemed to make a decent recovery. She became less and less able to walk normally. She was put on medications and seemed to adjust to it. She lost her friend Chase, our Australian Shepherd, on February 18th of this year. At that time, we thought Mekka was deteriorating exponentially...but the evidence left behind were actually those of Chase. After he passed away, she expressed her sadness, as witnessed by my parents. Mekka, wasn't doing as poorly as we thought however.

Days became only months. Almost 2 months, to the day, Mekka was ready to go. Well, I should say, her BODY was ready to go. My sister picked her up at my parent's home and brought her to DVSC. We all knew it was time, but that doesn't make it any easier. I sat with her this morning for a while, mostly trying to calm her down from being "Mekka" aka scared, "bitching". She could no longer walk or hold her bladder. She was a shadow of the dog we once knew...but she was STILL Mekka.

I thanked Mekka today for being there for me when I wasn't sure any one person could. I thanked her for being a best friend and I apologized for leaving her behind. I still feel guilty and will always. It was never my intention to leave her but I felt she would be more happy at my parent's home and WITH my parents...I think she was. She was, and will always be, a good pup. I dread going to my parent's home now, because I cannot imagine going there without hearing Mekka "bitch" at me and giving me that smile.

She's running around now, free of pain, with Chasey Boy and she's happy. I miss her though, always will.

**I thank my mom and dad for taking care of her in her last years. Without them, she would have given up a long time ago. I also have to thank my sister...Kendra was there at the last moment when I couldn't possibly bear it. Kendra was the last person to be with her and I think that's what Mekka would have wanted.

Japan

So most of us have read, seen, heard about what's going on in Japan. It's a terrible, horrific tragedy and, as Americans, we must do our part to help in any way we can.

That being said, I've continued to think about one thing...what if? I mean, Japan is an industrialized nation and, in more ways than one, more advanced than the US. So...what if this happens to us? What if some natural disaster wipes out half the US? I realize many of you may believe that it was some anomaly or fluke incident, however, we keep hearing how Japan is accustomed to earthquakes and has precautions in place for tsunamis. It's been said that the people of that country are educated from birth to expect/prepare for the worst case scenario. So, apparently, this natural disaster has come as a sobering reality...not only to them, but to us. What I'm getting at is this...what if and WHEN will this occur to the USA? What will the people of this country do/react to when half the country is wiped out by natural disaster and we must now rely on foreign assistance? It seems strange...IMO...primarily because we've witnessed major natural disasters in, mostly, un-industrialized countries.

I saw on CNN recently an interview with General Honore, the guy from New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, and I kept wondering, "WHY are they talking to him?!?" While I understand the comparison of destruction of New Orleans following Katrina and the flooding from the storm surge...there's a distinct difference. We are talking about a country, almost HALF a country...NOT a city...being destroyed by a natural disaster. A country that endured an earthquake (8.9) AND a tsunami...the comparisons are minimal. THIS interview got me thinking, if the United States endured something on a comparable scale...what would be the response?

It is my hope that when something like this happens in the United States, not only will we welcome the assistance but that we are as fortunate as others to have such assistance offered to us.

My thoughts go out to the citizens of Japan, I cannot imagine the toll this is taking on you and yours. May you find some solace in knowing that the United States and it's people are here for you and doing what we can to help.

Chasey Boy

Chase, an Australian Shepherd, came into our family about 6 or so years ago. He was an obnoxious but super sweet little guy and we all loved him almost immediately. Although his "obnoxiousness" could be tiresome at times, he was ultimately a good pup. We "rescued" him, I guess you'd say. There was a family in Coppell that decided they'd rather have a pool in their backyard than a young dog. So they looked for a home, found one but that person wanted an outside dog. Chase, being used to living indoors, would sit outside and cry wanting to come inside. We took him in and, at first, it was a trying experience. See, we already had an indoor dog, Mekka (dalmation). She wasn't uber thrilled at first but she adjusted and grew to love him as well. Best friends.

A little background...as a kid, we always had dogs really but they always lived outdoors. I guess maybe my parents didn't know how to deal with an indoor pet or just weren't willing, either way it was just the way it was and it was ok. After I graduated from HS and after a year in college, we got Mekka (the dalmation), my mom and dad were hesitant at first to have an indoor dog but we all acclimated nicely and she became a HUGE part of the family. A couple years later, here comes Chase...again, he quickly became a member of the family. I moved out several years ago and felt it inappropriate to bring either dog to an apartment. I mean, let's be honest, if you're accustomed to running around on 5 acres of land only to be stuffed into a small apartment, walked on a leash, etc...you'd be unhappy...right? So they live with my parents in Gunter because I KNOW that makes them happy. It's their home afterall.

So fast forward to present day. Mekka is aging, she's going on 12 yrs, which is really rare for a dalmation. She's suffering from arthritis and, essentially, a degenerative disc disease. The meds have not quite helped her as of late and we've been preparing ourselves to make THAT decision. However, I got a call Thursday afternoon from my mom saying Chase wasn't doing well, he was sick.

For those who don't know, I work at a veterinary hospital. I have heard from our clients regarding symptoms running the gamut, from severe to slight. Some even waiting DAYS after those same symptoms begin to even call the vet.

So, my mom tells me that Chase has been vomiting beginning that morning. He's lethargic, drinking water but not eating. So I tell her he needs to see a vet because of possible dehydration and since I'm an hour away, it would have to wait until the morning. I asked her to check all the usual things...temp by touch of ears, nose, gums, etc. He seems to be in not much distress at that point, to me anyway given my experience. My aunt Christy, an RVT, stopped by that night to check him out. His temperature was normal, only slightly dehydrated and not feeling well. So my dad will be bringing him to my hospital the following morning for evaluation, fluids, etc.

Friday morning comes. My phone rings at 6:28am. It's my sister, who works at a veterinary specialists office. I wake up believing she's going to tell me that she's bringing Chase to me so I can take him in once my hospital opens. The words that came from her mouth did not resonate at first, it was unbelievable. "Chase died" she said. I was in shock. I was upset. Denial. I mean how could THAT be the outcome?!?!? HOW?!?!

It still doesn't quite seem real, I mean HE was the HEALTHY ONE! The one that would be mourning our dalmation Mekka!

I later found out that my mom found him dead in the utility room, where he had been confined so water/food could be withheld. According to my mom, she tried to open the door after calling, "Chasey Boy!", but he was in front of that door. She saw blood from his back end...a lot of blood and knew. So, being in the country, you bury your pets. My dad dug a grave for Chase and he's buried at his home in Gunter.

What I can't stop thinking about...Was he in pain or scared just before he passed? I realize this is a dog, but he was a family member regardless and thinking about those things makes me extremely sad. However, Mekka (our dalmation) probably took it worst of all. As my dad was digging the grave and while he was covered by a blanket...Mekka went up to him and sniffed him, began crying and laid next to him. Whoever says dogs are just animals is wrong period.

It was a sad day for my family. Still is.

There's this girl...

Ok this is a "two-girl" post...meaning there are two people I'm referring to, the sad thing is, I can't really differentiate between the two anymore. To begin with, there's this woman that I do not know, don't care about and never will, but she's wreaked havoc on my family. She's a no good, newbie, biatch kinda girl...the one that doesn't understand REAL LIFE but only takes into account what she knows by the book. The kind that doesn't see the grass for trees, the kind that thinks her crap doesn't stink because she's too busy smelling her own perfume...you get me? This woman has nothing on me or my family, yet she's "in control" (for the time being). I cannot wait until that day she's out of our lives, only so I can draw her back in, berate her and cast her aside like last weeks garbage. Sorry, but this woman is a POS in ever sense of the phrase.

Moving on...

There's this other girl...someone that's kinda close to me. She's nice enough, works hard enough and, generally speaking, should, by all accounts, be an "all-around" type of person. However, she has changed and NOT for the better. I do still consider her a friend, in the work sorta way, but things have taken a turn. See, when you become the "boss' favorite", you take one of two roads...either you work hard and continue to be friendly with coworkers OR you act like you're impervious to any consequence. She's apparently chosen that she's "better". The sad thing is, she's genuinely a good person, but I've come to "think bad thoughts" about her lately because I can't stand people that think they are above you simply because the two-bit, craptastic person-in-charge thinks they are friends. Ok, I digress...how would you feel about a person that decided they should VOTE FOR THEM SELF when it comes to a company-wide vote for a silly little award? Sure, it's silly BUT STILL! What a cheater! I swear, as much as I care about this person, she has gone off the deep end and I'm willing to be the one to let her KNOW that. Sad right? It just irritates me to no end. Cheaters never win! WOOT!

EPCOT Food & Wine Festival 2010

As some of you know, we returned home from a week long trip to Walt Disney World this past Tuesday. One of, the many, reasons I love to go to Disney in the Fall is because of the Annual International Food & Wine Festival. It brings me back to that time I lived in Orlando and interned for Disney, but it's also a "slower" time and the atmosphere at Food & Wine is just, well, amazing. For those who are not familiar with this festival, here's the lowdown... In EPCOT, the World Showcase offers a glimpse into the countries of Mexico, Norway, China, Italy, Germany, the US, Japan, Morocco, France, the UK and Canada, there's also the African Outpost. These pavilions come with restaurants, merchandise, an "attraction" and, even cast members, from each respective country. Each pavilion has been designed by that specific country...just some random trivia...after the Moroccan pavilion was designed and built, the government officials from the country toured it and loved it so much, they paid for it. So, the point I'm slowly getting at is that World Showcase is a culturally diverse and amazing part of EPCOT; therefore, the Annual Food & Wine Festival obviously takes place there. This Festival showcases appetizer sized samples of food and wine/beer from, not only, those countries in World Showcase, but an additional 14 countries from around the globe. They are set up as kiosks throughout the World Showcase promenade. So, if you're a "foodie", this is a MUST! I love trying foods from around the world and the pairing of wine or beer...needless to say, one trip around World Showcase and, well, intoxication is inevitable. That being said and in no particular order, here is a non-exhaustive list of our favorites this year from each country represented...(keep in mind we did NOT hit every kiosk or try everything, since I went with someone who doesn't really understand the concept of Food & Wine, but has some concept of money being spent)...

Argentina
-Grilled Beef skewer with Chimichurri sauce and Boniato Puree
-Bodega Norton Cosecha Tardia wine
-Roasted Corn and Cheese Empanada (I WANTED to try this but they were ALWAYS out, which says something!)

Australia
-Grilled Lamb Chop with Roasted Potato Salad and Red Wine Reduction

Belgium
-Freshly Baked Waffles with Berry Compote and Whipped Cream
-Stella Artois
-Godiva Chocolate Iced Coffee

Brazil
Sadly did not visit

Brewer's Collection
-Altenmunster Octoberfest

Canada
-Canadian Cheddar Cheese Soup (this is a CLASSIC, must do)
-Vidal Icewine (portion is extremely small but worth the cash)

Charcuterie and Cheese
Sadly did not visit

Chile
Sadly did not visit

China
-Green Tea Plum Wine Cooler
-the food is standard fair for the Food & Wine Festival, Seam "did not want American Chinese food"

Desserts and Champagne
Sadly did not visit

France
Sadly did not visit (primarily because of the line, however was recommended to try the Creme Brulee au Chocolate au Lait and Braised Short Ribs in Cabernet with Mashed Potatoes) I've already had the escargot in years past, it was ok actually.

Germany
-Apfel Strudel featuring Werther's Original Karamell Sauce
-Altenmunster Octoberfest beer

Greece
Sadly did not visit

Hops and Barley
-Boston style Crab Cake with Cabbage Slaw and Remoulade
-New England Lobster Roll
-Sam Adams 15th Anniversary Festival Beer

Ireland
-Guinness beer
-Did not eat there but was recommended the Lobster and Scallop Fisherman's Pie

Italy
-Moretti Beer
-We were recommended the Baked Cheese Ravioli with Creamy Bolognese Sauce and Melted Mozzarella, however it tasted like Chef Boyardee

Japan
Sadly did not visit, but standard fair for Food & Wine

Morocco
-Beef in a Pita Pocket...it tasted like a seasoned hamburger pattie in a pita pocket, ok but not delicious
-Iced Mint Tea
-Tangerine Mimosa Royale yum

New Zealand
-Seared Sea Scallop with Veggie Slaw and Lemon Oil

Poland
-Kielbasa and Potato Pierogies with Caramelized Onions and Sour Cream
-Golabki...yum

Puerto Rico
Sadly did not visit

Singapore
-Shrimp Cake with Singapore Noodle Salad
-Tiger Beer

Spain
-Spanish Almond Cake (tasted like the filling of a bear claw)
-Paul Cheneau "Lady" Blanc de Blancs Cava wine

South Africa
Sadly did not visit

South Korea
-Lettuc Wrap with Roasted Pork and Kimchi Slaw...yum

United States
Believe it or not...did not try, but I had no desire to eat Bison Chili (?)


As you can see, there is a very eclectic menu and offerings at the Internation Food & Wine Festival. EPCOT is just such an amazing place, this is like icing on the cake. I hope anyone who reads this gets to enjoy every aspect of the Food & Wine Festival...it's just so much fun!



**A post about our trip and pics to come!**

Gravley Heritage

I think a lot of people often wonder about their heritage, who their ancestors are and just where they came from. I've read a lot of information regarding my family and from a very young age. I was able to read about my family as they came to Texas from the Carolina's. The book this information came from described in detail the lives of many of my ancestors. I guess because I've had some access to this information and have had so many great Gravley's to look up to and in my life, I am proud to say... I'm a Gravley. It's not a common name and there are really no amazing accomplishments my family attributed to in the formation of our country or anything like that (that I'm aware of anyway)...BUT, there's a VERY long lineage. I can remember reading or hearing something about my family coming from England...Hertfordshire to be precise. So I took it upon myself to Google "Gravley+Hertfordshire, England" (or something like that). I quickly realized there's an actual village in England named after my family. Graveley, Hertforshire, England. Granted, it's spelled a little differently, but I will never forget reading the Coat of Arms that used to be on my Mammaw & Pappaw's wall (in the hallway, just before their bedroom)...it read that ALL members of the family, regardless of the spelling, are related. So, obviously, this village is a part of my family...right? I mean, I'm no expert and I'm certainly not deluded enough to truly believe this town IS named after my family...BUT, seriously? Coincidence? I think not. It is my goal, to one day, visit this village and see, quite possibly, my family's extensive heritage, in person. Sure, there may be a lot of research to be done to link my family name of Gravley to Graveley, but I'll do it. I dunno, it just adds even more pride of my family name to me...especially since some of the things I've read take this village back to the 12th century!

So, without further ado, here are a few pics I've found of Graveley, Hertfordshire... and here's the website!

It's Funny The Things You Remember...

I recently ran across a post on Facebook of a friend that, as an adult, has an ear infection. I instantly had a memory of my mom heating up some kind of oil or something, putting it in my ear followed by a cotton ball and I laid there with my head in her lap. I don't remember the pain of the ear infection but I remember laying my head in her lap and knowing I would be ok. (To my mom: it was in that chair, next to the hallway of the mobile home...LOOOONG before the house was built). Anyway, it's strange the memories I have of my childhood, it's strange the things I can remember but no one else does. Perhaps it's because I was so impressionable at such a young age. Who knows. While many of you really don't care about this, it's something I feel like getting out there. After remembering that incident of an ear infection around the age of 3 or 4, many things came to mind. Here are a few of my earliest memories, not in chronological order and this is not an exhaustive list:

1. Shortly after moving to Gunter (I think), I remember being in the mobile home, back porch not yet built (there were stairs at the sliding glass door). The person watching me/us, Grandad Williams.

2. I remember being in a truck with some family members (not sure who all was there but I do know Cindy and maybe Christy?) and it broke down just south of Celina (near where the Shell station is now?).

3. I remember being in my Dad's truck, I think it was red/white? I was standing in the seat, wearing boots and I got mud on that seat. I knew it wasn't a good thing.

4. My dad sat me in his lap as we were driving down the road and I GOT to drive!

5. I remember when Pappaw would always do something to me I didn't like, like pinch my cheek or something silly, he'd say "I'm sorry, do you accept my apology?" Something to that effect. So one time, he asked and I thought (literally remember this), "What if I say no?", so I said, "No" or shook my head, I remember feeling like I actually hurt his feelings....FYI, he was holding me at the time! Not sure how old I was then.

6. I remember learning to ride a bike without training wheels...I believe it was Fall or Winter, there was no green grass, it was brown. Someone, I think my Dad, was pushing me on my bike between our house and Mammaw & Pappaw's house.

7. I remember wanting to stay the night at Donna & Billy's house and poking my Dad in the eye (not intentionally). It was the house in Carrollton next to the RR track.

8. I remember the day Donna had her aneurysm. We were having corn dogs for dinner, when the phone rang...

9. I remember when DeeDee lived with us and sat outside our door in a rocking chair to make sure we stayed in bed. I also remember when she referred to George Michael as a "hunk" and wondering what that meant while wondering if Boy George was a man or a woman...as she watched music videos in the living room.

10. I remember when my parents built the house, my mom kept saying, "For Christmas, we're going to tie a big red bow around this house." She lied. I literally thought we were not gonna have any gifts, only the house (for which I was truly grateful). However, Santa came to visit...again. Best. Christmas. Ever. lol

11. Speaking of Christmas, I swear I remember one night waking up to SEE Santa. I saw him that night, looking at family pictures (I promise, he was wearing the "uniform" and everything!)....I could SWEAR (to this day) he was there (if it was my Dad dressed as Santa, please don't kill that memory lol). So, maybe that's why I love the holiday's so much...it's not about the money or the hassle, it's about being with my family and that *certain* magic that's continuously in the air that time of year.

As I said before, this list is definitely not exhaustive. Hell, I remember when my cousin Brandi was born, the day Grandad Williams passed and what Nanny Williams wore that day, the green room/the mini-organ/Doublemint gum at Nanny Rhea's....and, of course, holiday's everywhere...Pappaws "film" camera (where is that video BTW? It was made into VHS at some point, I want to copy it!)...I'll never forget it all. I remember so much that, when it comes to these holidays especially, it becomes so sentimental that I try to enjoy every aspect.

I actually remember my childhood and I would not change that for the world.