Things I like.

Hey All!~

I want a dog!  And a cat, and some goats, and chickens, and my own land, and my own home, and a bunch of other things.  *sigh*  Anyway, my dream is to homestead on a reasonably sized plot of land and to have all of the pets/livestock listed above.  My major trouble with all these is choosing a breed of dog, but since I plan on rescuing one I think it will all work out fine. 

For cats I'm choosing from three breeds: Balinese, Oriental Short Hair, and Javanese.  They all have these great bat ears.

This is an Oriental Short Hair.  I can't get over those long noses!

Next on the list of eventuals is goats.  I've been looking at Pygora goats and Nubian Dwarf Dairy goats.  They are both small varieties, one is known for its fiber production and the other for its milk production.  I think it may be a perfect pairing for a small homestead.

Above are some beautiful Pygoras, below some lovely Nubian Dwarf Dairy goats.

Aren't they beautiful!
Okay, next up, chickens.  I've been thinking about some Barred Plymouth Rocks.  They're a good dual breed for eggs and meat, plus they are one of the oldest domesticated breeds and are supposed to have decent temperments.

Again, what beautiful birds! 

I realize now that I have forgotten the animal that started it all for me.  The one that first made me think that homesteading with livestock may be the path for me.  Angora rabbits!  I was looking for a pet that would allow me to pursue my fiber-centric hobbies and offer that special, hand made, familiarity.  I've been considering an English or French Angora because they shed their coats three times a year and they are smaller than German breeds.

So fluffy! 
I realize that with these pet/livestock choices I'll be spending a lot of my time brushing and tending to the other special needs of these wonderful animals.  I am so ready to start!
Unfortunately for me, I've got a long way to go before I can realize my dream.  Right now my dream consists of a mason jar full of pennies labeled House Fund.  It's alright though, I have a start and a great idea and a developing plan.  I look forward to seeing where life takes me.  *sigh*  Some day!

Lent!

Lent is coming!  Despite being a non-christian I think Lent is a great way to observe some of the rites of spring.  It's the perfect time to break yourself from the hibernation mode of winter and shake loose the cob-webs.  I've just been reviewing my ideas for this years Lent.  I try to chose things that make me healthier as a person and that have some basis in tradition.  With that in mind I've picked three things.

1. No Alcohol
2. No High Fructose Corn Syrup
3. No Meat

I've been giving up meat and alcohol for the last few years.  I want to branch out this year and get really crazy.  Hence, giving up the corn syrup.  I love soda, so this one may be tough.  Plus, I'm a condiment junky, so I'm going to have to get creative, but that's the whole idea.  To kick off my Lent time fun I'm going to go on a juice fast until I reach my goal weight.  I'm only five pounds shy, so I don't foresee this being a huge ordeal.

I've been interested in fasting for some time now and as I see it this is the perfect time to try it out.  I'm already giving up a bunch, and by starting with a fast I can kick some of my nasty food habits and feel like I'm gaining a lot when I go off the fast.

I've been trying to convince my boyfriend to celebrate Lent with me.  He continues to ask me what he should give up.  I'm sure I annoy him by continually saying that he has to pick something for himself, but that's kind of the point of the whole thing.

Is anyone else celebrating Lent this year?  And none of that "I'm giving up Lent for Lent" stuff.