I'm sleepy this morning. I worked hard trying to find work this week, so I was already tired when I went to bed. My cat Savannah is epileptic and had a seizure about midnight last night. She was in the guestroom, and the commotion awakened me. I got up and put her in the carrier so she couldn't hurt herself dashing around. Then I got up at 3:00 and let her out. Earlier this month, she had started to have cluster seizures, one every few hours. That's dangerous, so I took her to her doctor. After a very expensive test, her doctor had increased her phenobarbital dose, and she was doing well - until last night. This morning, I added a little valium to her meds to keep her from having a cluster of seizures. I'll probably give her the valium this evening too.
The most amazing thing happened. She is afraid of Charlie, so she never comes to sit in my lap. This morning, I sat down on the bed to watch the news, and she not only came in, she sat on my leg and went to sleep. Charlie behaved and went back to sleep on his pillow. I felt so badly for her, I sat there for over an hour so that she might learn again that it's OK to join us. That's why I'm very late getting to the Friday Forum.
The news always seems bad these days. This morning, I've learned that a fire engulfed a hospital outside Moscow, killing 36 patients and two staff members; a building housing garment factories collapsed in Bangladesh on Wednesday, killing at least 230 people, according to CBS, and many more are missing; and the explosion in West, Texas still weighs on our hearts and minds.
I have so many thoughts about these industrial tragedies. So many are preventable. In the United States, our regulatory structures are ignored in the name of profits. I think we are culprits in foreign garment factories, reminiscent of the industrial revolution, when safety was second to profits. Those overseas garment factories are making cheap clothing for U.S. brands. When will they take responsibility for ensuring that their contractors provide safe workplaces?
We can't change other countries, but we can ensure that our own workplaces are safe and that our U.S. companies police their foreign contractors. I used to work in occupational health and safety, in the days when our regulators weren't hamstrung by bought buffoons on Capitol Hill. We must hold U.S. brands accountable for their outsourcing. Apple got the message. When will clothing manufacturers? Some of the clothing manufactured there was headed for the U.S. The world has to do a better job of establishing ethical regulations and monitoring compliance. Don't even get me started again on West, Texas. If those first responders rushed in without knowing the explosive potential of that facility, what happened and why? Too many tragedies. It has been such a month of sad news. OK, rant over...for now.
For those of you looking for an alternative to Google Reader, which is being ditched by Google, and Hellocotton, I think I can recommend an alternative. Feedly allows you to build your own set of favorite sites. I joined, but could not find a badge to add to my site. What I have discovered is that Feedly members can select the sites the want on their personalized pages, and their feeds will update automatically. I have to admit I haven't tried it yet, but many recommend it. I plan to give it a workout this weekend.
Don't forget this week's giveaway contests. AVEENO is giving away a wonderful prize to one U.S. reader. I love those hair care products, and I'm really surprised there aren't more entries. I am giving away Urban Decay's Naked Flushed palette. The deadline for both contests is tomorrow, Saturday, April 27, at midnight. Just comment to enter.
I'll be back soon with more new Tom Ford and Guerlain goodies.
Photos courtesy of sierrapotomac.org and WWD
Hi CG,
ReplyDeleteHope Savannah improves. I lost my beloved kitty last year. I spent a few late nights w/him @ the 24 hour animal clinic (thankful that we have one.)Although it is very hard,I know it is something we must do for our treasured pets.
Also,I know what you mean about the news - it gets so overwhelming. I turned it on for the headlines, then had to turn it off.
Poor Savannah! I hope this is just an isolated seizure and not the start of another cluster. What an ordeal those frightening things must be--for both of you. She obviously loves you and trusts you to keep her safe so that's wonderful that she was able to sleep peacefully beside you.
ReplyDeleteWe all studied about The Industrial Revolution and how it impacted our lives and psyche. Well, now we have The Communication Revolution with which we must contend. It has certainly brought us closer, but it also means that we truly live in a world without borders when it comes to the sharing of news, knowledge, and information. We are also able to bring a world of information, good and bad, into our homes and into ours lives in a way that is intense and immediate. We have to monitor our senses and learn when it's time to turn it off.
Looking at the Alber Elbaz' mascaras, it looks like Lancôme is hopping on the color trend for mascara but they're courting a younger client than the typical Chanel gal. Elbaz' tube designs actually remind me if something you'd see from MAC--cute, young, and fun. They're not my cup of tea as I prefer plain black mascara, but I'm sure they'll be wildly popular.
In regards to beauty, this has been my week for Tom Ford. I have everything except the nail lacquer and have been been phenomenally pleased with every item I purchased. I love how these products blend to create the ombré of a sunset. TF's entire collection has lived up to his inspiration. There's nothing gratuitous or throwaway. All the products support and enhance each other. Although TF's color palette might not please everyone, I wish more brands would take a lesson from him in constructing cohesive, clearly defined collections. As you pointed out, Charlestongirl, too many brands just group a bunch of disparate products and call it a collection.
I hope everyone is having a great Friday and the weekend will bring the air of spring into your lives.
Times like this make us pause to reflect. It's not always a welcome awakening. Change is difficult and I believe change is imminent and n ecessary for many countries. The pursuit of profits has become our very own nemesis. Sad that it's brutally difficult to run a profitable small business in today's world.
ReplyDeleteWe're in the midst of a major expansion in our farming business (certainly a passion and not remotely a wealth generator..lol) and today I'm pooped--there's some serious irony in that statement since this weekend we need to spread manure on our fields for fertilizer prior to planting--oh the glamorous life I lead. Fortunately both our tractors have cabs and air. We're organic and this is just another necessary step and not really as bad as it sounds, but thought I would share we are also knee deep in sh-- . *grin*
I was so excited to receive a few of my Tom Ford items yesterday only to discover that during the course of delivery, someone had helped themselves to one of my products in transit. I was so ridiculously upset over such a minor thing, but it happened at the wrong time with the wrong collection. Since I cannot directly ship TF items to Canada, I have to go through an intermediary.. long story short, somewhere between there and here, one of my cream shadows went MIA with a ripped open bag to prove it wasn't accidental. Anyhow, happy to see I could still order a replacement through Neiman's. Hoping like crazy my other items are not pilfered along the way. Jeez.
Hope everyone has a good weekend. No guests expected here this weekend. teehee
p.s. Sorry to hear about your cat CG and hope the meds help to prevent further seizures. Our animals mean so much to us, don't they?
So sorry to hear about your kitty. Our cat started to have these weird episodes where her paw would just stop working, so we took her to the vet and they think her heart was throwing blood clots to her arm :( Luckily, we were able to determine the cause and she's now on an aspirin regimen. It seems to be helping. When I was younger, our family dog had epilepsy and she was also on phenobarbital. She looked like Bambi on ice when it happened. It's just so hard when you want to do everything you possibly can to help your pets, and sometimes there is nothing you can do. Hopefully, Savannah is just going through a rough patch, and it will just pass on its own.
ReplyDeleteI really can't believe it's 2013, and there are still safety issues with factories. Did anyone not learn from the Triangle Shirt Factory or the many other instances where safety was overlooked? I just don't understand how companies can just disregard a human's well-being for profits. The factory may not be in your own backyard, but in the end, you are still responsible for what happens. It's not enough to say, I have no control over it since it's not in the US. Pretty unbelievable.
Thanks Anonymous.
ReplyDeleteI know what you went through at the 24-hour clinic. I spent many a night lying by the cage of two different cats - as they left my life (for now anyhow). It makes my cry to think about it. I'm sorry. There are so many cats who need homes, I hope you adopted another.
Hmmmm . . . I was just reading a bit more about Elbaz's collaboration with Lancôme and I guess the only thing colorful about the mascara will be the tubes. I had erroneously assumed from the promo pictures that the mascara would be colored along the lines of Chanel. I stand corrected :-) It's Lancôme's black mascara ("reworked", whatever that means) and packaged in a bright and cheerful tube. The eyeshadows I glimpsed also come in adorable cases. I'm still not planning on running out to get any of the items unless there is a shadow product I can't live without, but I can think of any number of young women who will flock to the counter to scoop up Elbaz's humorous and happy creations.
ReplyDeleteHi Wwendalynne,
I got a laugh out of your manure situation. I used to keep horses on our property and I joked with co-workers that after dealing with sh-- all day, I got to go home and shovel the real thing :-D. My hat's off to you and all you wonderful farmers. It really is a labor of love--lots of hard work, but there is little more rewarding than watching life emerge from Mother Earth. We should thank all the organic farmers like you for leading the way towards safe and sustainable farming.
Oh, Charlestongirl!
You just made me cry! Every single one of God's creatures that has shared my life has enriched me in mind and heart. And, their pain and passing is no less significant because they are pets. They are so much more than a dog or a cat or a horse or bird or a . . . They are our companions, best friends, loyal partners, and life long loves.
I hope Kitty feels better so "mom" can get some rest. Thank you for the lovely giveaway and either one would be wonderful to have - have a lovely weekend.
ReplyDeletetheprimroselane at yahoo dot com.
Poor kitty, but Valium and Phenobarbital usually work well in combination. The world is like hell, yesterday I saw " made in Bengladesh " on a garment and I didn't purchase it. I purchased " made in China " which is not better and should be avoided. I am trying to buy from local places, and from my country or Europe. I don't eat meat anymore, I never take the plane and I recycle as much as I can. Simple things make the world better, it will never look like Eden but if everyone takes action then YES WE CAN !
ReplyDeleteI hope Savannah feels better now.
And you too.
Oh your little Savannah......it's always scary when an innocent animal gets sick. She's so lucky to have such an attentive Mama, though.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was quite a week in the world. My heart goes out to all those people in Bangladesh who are suffering. And to think the factory owner knew the building was about to collapse! The whole thing is so unsettling.
Thank you for all the gorgeous swatches this week. You have had me lemming these Tom Fords. That lip lacquer in particular is up my alley. I do have a MAC Enchantress which seems similar, so that is keeping me quiet for now.
Have a restful weekend.
Sorry, I flaked out with comments today. I will be back in the morning with comments. Just took a two-hour nap, and next I'm giving up and heading for bed. Hopefully a long night's rest. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a strange co-incedence. My 15 year old chihuahua started having cluster seizure a couple of nights ago. She had 3 in 2 days and had to go to the emergency vet for a stay-over-night and a Valium drip. Now she's back home and on medication. She's also diabetic so poor girl is having a time! It's so hard when she seizes as all we can do is comfort her and wait for it to end. It's a pitiful sight.
ReplyDeleteI too had an epileptic cat, who I left with my friend in the Philippines after I moved to the US. It was very scary to see the cluster seizures and him being such a prisoner of them, but I always tried to think CALM to myself hoping that he could sense it. He's also on pheno now, and I've had him for more than 7 years. He occasionally gets them back and so like Savannah, his pheno gets upped. Lucky her to have you to care for her. I hope things calm down for both of you.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your cat. I certainly would not know what to do and I'm glad you have some knowledge on what to do.
ReplyDeleteAround the world, it was sort of a difficult couple of weeks and we need to remember to be grateful and attract happy and good things to everyone.
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteYes, it's all black mascara - in dorky tubes. He explained his rationale for the designs, but I think it's lame. I also believe that Lancôme is targeting a younger customer, which can be a huge risk (turning off your base).
Savannah came back to my side in bed this morning. Cool! Unfortunately, I couldn't stay because I had an 8:00 hair appointment.
I cry when I remember my former pets. I miss them to this day and really hope to see them again wherever I go when I pass away. I hope they understood that I did my best for them.
Wwendalynne, Customs! They are well-known for theft. I'm sorry that happened. I hope you called NM to report the that your makeup was not as ordered. They have insurance.
ReplyDeleteSpreading manure? Someone has to do it! God love you.
OMG, Virginiaisforluvrs, your cat has cardiomyopathy. Mosby, my grey tabby years ago, had it and died soon after diagnosis. She was on a drug much stronger than aspirin, and she didn't make it. She did throw a clot, and it killed her. Sad times. I had to make a decision when they told me she would not make it with paralyzed hind quarters.
ReplyDeleteThe Triangle disaster was only one of many, and I believe that the answer to your question is no. Lessons learned from these tragedies seem to be lessons lost when there's profit at stake. Very sad.
Hi theprimroselane,
ReplyDeleteShe is better - at least for the moment. Thanks!
Hi Anonymous 5:28,
ReplyDeleteThe problem with valium in cats is that it can cause liver or kidney failure - can't remember which. The probability is low, but we've been trying to avoid it. I am now weaning her back from it to see if the phenobarb will work on its own at her increased dose. Thanks!
Thanks also for being a friend of the earth!
Hey there, Lovethescents,
ReplyDeleteYou really need to get your hands on Fire Lust. Really.
Meredith,
ReplyDeleteYou wouldn't believe how many cats and dogs get epilepsy. I hope your dog is better now - and stays that way. The diabetes is a complication she didn't need. The two diseases together will mean careful monitoring.
Hi Mai,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that. I hope the phenobarb continues to work, but there are other options if it doesn't.