Monthly Archives: March 2017

Uncategorized, Weekend Coffee Share

WeekendWeekend Coffee Share: Introducing Manny Pacquimeow

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If we were having coffee, I would tell you that

  • We have a new cat in the house. His name is Manny Pacquimeow. My daughter wants to call him Sir Manny Pacquimeows A Lot.
  • He hasn’t really adjusted yet. He wants to be loved and then immediately claw our faces off.
  • I’m taking Manny to get neutered this week. Hopefully, it will help with the aggression.
  • I’m not sure how to get him into the cat carrier without getting scratched. Manny Pacquimeow is a fighter.
  • The kids and I went to the Humane Society yesterday to get a voucher to use at the veterinary appointment. They let us go into the rooms and pet all of the cats. I think between the four of us we fell in love with about twenty cats.
  • Honestly, I almost left with one named Peanut Butter. He smiled at me. How can anyone resist a smiling cat? 
  •  H0wever, I had to leave without Peanut Butter because Manny Pacquimeow is not ready for company.
  • Let’s keep our fingers crossed that going back to get Peanut Butter will be possible soon.
  • Hopefully, Manny Pacquimeow will recover will from his procedure and be a happier cat.
interview, Sex Crime Awareness, Social Issues

Interview: A Voice for The Innocent

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AVFTI

While looking for something else on the Internet, I discovered this fantastic organization called A Voice for the Innocent. They provide support for those who have been victims of sexual abuse. A Voice for the Innocent gives sexual abuse and rape victims a safe place to share their story. Some might say that the one of the first steps in healing and recovery is to tell your story.

This group really deserves some recognition for all of the great things that they do. Bethany from A Voice for the Innocent responded to my questionnaire, which is appreciated.

If you get a chance to go to Warped Tour, please visit the AVFTI booth. Also, please visit their website and find out how to volunteer or share your own story.

 

How did AVFTI come into being?

AVFTI was developed because of Jamie Sivrais. Jamie survived sexual abuse from his father. When he disclosed his story to his mother, she responded in a way that gave Jamie as much control as he could have. This made Jamie comfortable telling his story later on. When Jamie was in a band, he would tell his story and people would in turn disclose their story. Jamie often heard people say “but you’re the first person I’ve ever told.” Jamie sought out to create a space where people could anonymously share their story of sexual assault or abuse and not be judged.

 

What are some of the goals of AVFTI?

AVFTI’s ultimate goal is to eventually not exist. We want everyone to be met with a response of belief and support when they tell their story. Eventually, we want to create a world that does not accept or question sexual assault.

 

What is the most difficult thing about working for AVFTI?

Personally, it’s really hard to hear stories and not focus on the anger or sadness I feel for victims. I want people to feel like they matter, and we often find that a person’s first time disclosing their story they are questioned or not believed. That’s hard. I want to make it right, but I can only do what I can in that moment.

 

How do you stay positive?

Our volunteers and my fellow board members all work tirelessly and have such immense energy at the end of the day. They are some of my best friends. When we started building this community, we created a community of friends who support one another.

 

How can others help AVFTI?

Our site is free, and we are always in need of people to respond to stories. We also are always looking for volunteers to help with various projects in whatever specialty they have. Our application is on our website!

 

How did AVFTI get involved with Warped Tour?

AVFTI has connected with the music scene since their beginning. Warped Tour has been a partnership that’s in it’s 3rd year. Our first year we toured for part of the tour, and our second we toured the full tour. Over that time we have taught classes to several bands on the tour, handed out lots of hope notes, and connected with tons of people across the country.

 

What do you want victims of sex crimes to know?

You are not gross. You are not dirty. You are not at fault for what happened to you and you are not alone. We are here if you need us.

 

Visit AVFTI at

A Voice for the Innocent

A Voice for the Innocent on Twitter

Uncategorized, Weekend Coffee Share

Weekend Coffee Share: The Kitty Funeral

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If we were having coffee, I would be so glad to see you because it has been especially lonely around here. I hope that all of you are doing well.

Unfortunately, our kitty, Lilyrose, passed away. Somehow she got out of the house. She made it several blocks before she was hit by a car. My oldest daughter saw her laying on the sidewalk. Then Lucas brought her body back home.

We had a funeral for her on Thursday morning. My youngest daughter visits her every morning before school and then again when she gets home. It’s very sweet how she asks Lilyrose to protect all of the animals.

Although Lilyrose was with us for a short time, she was the most loved kitty in the world. I remember the first time I made coffee after she came to stay. She was extremely curious about the coffeemaker and the interesting noise that it made.

I will miss her trying to help with the dishes and  trying to catch the cursor while I was writing blog posts. Her favorite show was the pointer finger on Netflix. There was a toy horse that she also loved or hated. It was hard to tell.

Lilyrose was also a fan of the Kim Kardashian Hollywood game. Don’t judge. It’s very can be very addictive. She resembles the cat in the game.

She loved popcorn and cheese. She had a baby blue color because I thought I would have time to buy her a pink one. Our time with her was too short.

lilyrose

 

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Weekend Coffee Share at Nerd in the Brain