Happy New Years, May You Be Less Sick Than Me

Since I missed Music Monday this week due to being sick, I am making up for lost time. I liked this video best, but couldn't embed it in the post so here is the link and a close second for a video!! It so is applicable for today ;-). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APxgIaRES3o&feature=related

On a side note:

On the first day after Christmas I got a stomach bug.

and feelllttt reeeeaaalllyyy rough.

The second through the third day I didn't eat much

but back tooooo work I went.

On the fourth day after Christmas I got a bad migraine

and spent it throwwwingggg up

On the fifth day after Christmas I went to see the doc

and found my heads a litttttle off.

On the sixth day after Christmas I have to go to work

and I'm feeling a cold cominggggg

I know its not the best song ever, but I had to try. I've decided to boycott Christmas next year. Haha, I hope that you all have patience with me, as I haven't even cleaned my house, or gone grocery shopping since I've been home.

Music Monday!!!

I had to get you in a dancing mood for my SECOND music video!

Merry Christmas everyone!!! I hope that you have a wonderful time with friends and family! I have another great video for next week, but I thought that I better at least do ONE Christmas song! ;-)

Have fun with all your Holiday traditions, and eat lots of food for me!!!

WOOOOOT!

I know that I'm probably the only person excited about this, but my breeder sent me an email today to let me know that Nibblet the mommy dog went into heat on Monday! WOOT!!! I think she said on Thursday she takes her into get tested to see if she's prego. Keep fingers and toes crossed, and hopefully the puppies will be ready to come home by May! Haha, is it sad that I want to go out and get a collar? Here is a picture of the puppy's daddy, he's from Switzerland I believe.

Music Monday Time!!!

It is such a gorgous day outside, it seemed a little hard to post a Christmas song, so here's just some fun! Happy Monday!!!!!

Fun in an Igloo

It has been unseasonably cold here this week! I wish that we had some snow to go along with the temperatures in the 20s, but oh well. I'm back on night shift hopefully for the last rotation, and will be starting my straight weekend shifts in January! I am really looking forward to having some stable day shift, and so is my body!!

I'm still waiting for future puppy's momma to go into heat, and I feel bad that the breeder Molly is so aware of my wait. Poor thing, you can't make it happen! I mean I like the fact that she isn't just breeding to breed, but it does mean that I just have to wait. God knows the perfect time, but I do occasionally ask him to hurry those things along ;-).

I just got some oil paints today!! I'm excited to try them out!!! I will let you know how it works. I like having a little bit of everything around, so I can just do whatever I'm in the mood for. I need to look up some of the Joy of Painting videos online, and follow along with the 70s hair, hehe.

Also, WOT wants to get into the radio business Ham style. Haha, poor SFL underestimated his children by thinking we would not be interested. I mean come on! Who doesn't want to learn Morris Code! I think that it would be fun, and different, and to get your basic licence doesn't take that much. It's not like you have to spend thousands of dollars, technically you can get your licence and not even have a radio, although that would be a little stupid. Haha, hello? Come in? Calling SFL!

Missed Music Monday!

This is sooooo the story of my life right now! Baby Gack has knocked more things over this week, I am getting better at not leaving things that can be knocked over...He did however manage to swat my library book off the counter and into the toilet!! Talk about Lysol coming in handy!!! I was so grossed out.....Anyways, I thought this song was very applicable.

I'm back to night shift, but I'll try to post here soon!!

Family Woooove

Ah, yes. Family togetherness is always a fun thing. Around Christmas it usually involves driving to see Christmas lights while singing at the top of our lungs (SFL purposefully off key) as many carols as we can remember until with dissolve into rolls of laughter over the made up words, off key tunes, and generalized frivolities.

Needless to say, we've had a very fun time with SFL and WOT. As a special bonus WOT gave a limited time approval for a family photo to be posted (/e waits for the gasps of surprise). Please remember: you have never seen said picture, WOT is not in any picture, I am an alien by birth - thus my parents have never been photographed. My disclaimer is complete. Thank you.

OH! Last but not least, little kitten (who is now a big kitten) Gack has now come to live with us once again, because no matter how much WOT loves Gack, he is a little rough with her other cats. Polly though whacks him in the head, putting him in his place. She is definitely top cat around here, but I think that they will love playing with each other after they become reacquainted. Upon WOT's request, pictures/video clips of Gack and Polly will be posted in the coming months so WOT doesn't miss him too much.

And This is My Father....

I know that it's not Monday yet, but I'll post another music video then - this song was just to perfect!!

Gobble, gobble, gobble!

Happy Celebration of Survival!! You know - Thanksgiving is the celebration that the pilgrims hadn't all died off in the new land....sort of...

I know so many people who will bash on holidays of any sort; saying that the history is all off, and it's just a mindless ritual. Aren't things what you make them to be? I think God loves holidays. Why?? Because God gave the Israelites TONS of celebrations and holidays, and had them set up pillars in remembrance of important days in they're lives. How cool would it be if we all had personal holidays. What if we actually took time to specifically remember and celebrate the good things that God has done in our lives? Just like the fact that Thanksgiving is a great time to look back at our blessings, and enjoy family; there are times in my life where I could look back and see what I've come through!!

I hope that today is a wonderfully fun day for you all - that you feel blessed, and that you can thank the Lord for many lessons learned, blessings received, and hope for the future.

Bordomness

This is what I have been up to in my spare time. Granted It's not all that great, but it'd been fun! Yea for cheap paints, and days off!!

Music Monday!!

This week's edition of melodic Music Monday comes from something I heard on the radio. Actually the band was talking about this song and how it was their question to God about their lives/ministry. I just really love the words. How easy is it for us to loose our purpose as we walk through life. Things pull us down and trip us up, but may our heart's song be that through all the pain we would remain in Christ's arms; giving our life a beautiful ending.

Activities for 2011

1. Jess 1 you TOTALLY have to come to Scotland with meeeeeeee!!! We're going to have so much fun! I needed a date for our trip anyway, I don't know why I didn't think of you as my perfect friend!! So yes, you're coming and I'll give you details as I pull it more together.

2. SFL. I found you a Punkin Chunkin video, start building your weapon of mass pumpkin destruction!!!

3. I think we should rent a plane for our Scotland trip ;-)

Any other fun ideas? ;-)

Time to break out the recipes!

Hey gang - I had promised I'd post this recipe, so here it is! Enjoy!!

Cranberry-Cheese Bread

2 1/2 Cups Flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 packed brown sugar
3 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 tbsp vegetable oil
1 1/4 cups milk
1 egg (unhatched) - hahahahaha I had to throw that in
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (6 ozs)
1 cup cranberries (we use a can of chunky cranberry sauce)

Heat oven to 350. Grease 1-2 nine inch loaf pans. Mix all ingredients, and pour into pans. Bake about 65 minutes, or until a knife comes out clean. You can freeze the bread, BUT I suggest that you cut, spread with butter, and eatttttttttttttttttttttt!!!

I would also suggest that for the next ah - week and a half you avoid the grocery store. There tends to be a large amount of psycho people looking for all their Thanksgiving supplies. Just take it as a friendly hint!! ;-)

Monday Munchkin Music!

Happy Monday morning!!! I thought everyone might need some chipmunk fun to get you going today ;-). It's also in celebration of my planning a Scottish trip for 2011, I mean come on, I had to find a good song with an accent!! Enjoy!!!!!

Thanksgiving!

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner!! I hope that you all have wonderful plans of eating good food, and enjoying good people.

*********

(by Lizelia Augusta Jenkins Moorer)

Let us give thanks to God above,

Thanks for expressions of His love,

Seen in the book of nature, grand

Taught by His love on every hand.

Let us be thankful in our hearts,

Thankful for all the truth imparts,

For the religion of our Lord,

All that is taught us in His word.

Let us be thankful for a land,

That will for such religion stand;

One that protects it by the law,

One that before it stands in awe.

Thankful for all things let us be,

Though there be woes and misery;

Lessons they bring us for our good-

Later 'twill all be understood.

Thankful for peace o'er land and sea,

Thankful for signs of liberty,

Thankful for homes, for life and health,

Pleasure and plenty, fame and wealth.

Thankful for friends and loved ones, too,

Thankful for all things, good and true,

Thankful for harvest in the fall,

Thankful to Him who gave it all.

Monday music video!

I love me some you tube! Say what you will, but one must have one's musical horizons expanded!! ;-)

Release

I had an epiphany last night. It was rather interesting, because I had been in a bit of a "blah" mood all day. I struggle so much with making decisions; wanting to make the best choice, and not wanting to disappoint. Last night though I finally made some decisions, one of which being that I need to be happy where I'm living now, and I'm not going to rush to move. I know that I'm here for a reason. There will be days I'm sure where I may regret these choices, but ultimately I felt like a giant burden was lifted off my shoulders. It was wonderful, freeing, and I know hard as it is that I made the right choice.

This was our fun Halloween day. Some girls from work and I went to a pumpkin patch, and enjoyed getting lost in a corn maze, freezing on a "hay-less" hay ride, and talking for over an hour to the 85 year-old owner of the 400 acre farm. We had a blast!!! Then we went to a little restaurant that I didn't realize was local favorite. You have to wait almost two hours for a table if you don't call ahead. I'll try to make a post about Mr. Gentry soon. He has an amazing story!

I hope that you're all having a wonderful Fall, as Thanksgiving is fast approaching!!

5 Ways to Beat up an Old Man

A friend of mine found this article the other day, and I thought SFL would have a hay-day with it. Haha, enjoy!!!

I am a baseball player. But if there is one thing the game has taught me, it's not a lesson about competition or sportsmanship or being a man or anything like that.
It's that you might have to fight an old person at a moment's notice.
Game 3 of the 2003 ALCS ... did I go to the park that day expecting to fight Don Zimmer? Not really. But then one thing led to another and I had to throw that 72-year-old man to the ground.
Live and learn.
Now I'm ready to kick an old person's ass at any moment. And you can be, too.

- - - - -

5 Tips for Fighting the Eldery -- by Pedro Martinez
1. Speak softly and carry a big stick -- Literally. Old people are, like, almost deaf. If you talk too loud they'll hear you coming. But just in case you're about to jump the rare old person who has good ears, you'll want to keep some distance so they don't hear you. Hence, the big stick. A baseball bat works nicely. Stand about three feet away and swing with all your might. The fight is ON!

2. Use your superior strength -- You may think you can just beat up old people easily. Not true from my experience. The only distinct advantage you have is your superior strength. Old people are crazy weak. Yet they have lived so long they have picked up all kinds of tricks.
I once fought a guy at a nursing home when I was on the Mets. He was in a wheelchair. Only had partial use of one arm because of a stroke. But I let him get too close to my body and he knocked me out by pinching the side of my neck with his pinkie and thumb. Really. I was out cold. Apparently he learned it in Korea or something. That taught me a lesson. You can't screw around. So when I came to, I hit him over the head with a metal folding chair that was put out for his visitors.

3. Target your blows -- Yes, it's fun to punch old people in the face. Their glasses break. Dentures go flying. Toupees. Wigs. Hearing aids. It's awesome. But fighting old people is only partly about fun. You want to win, too. So make sure you punch their bones. These people are pretty much made of dust. For example, a nice shot to the hip will shatter it instantly. Goodbye center of gravity, pops. And bonus points for the crunching sound your punches create. It always makes me feel like I'm in a movie or video game.

4. Stay alert -- You never know when one of their kids or grandkids or a nursing home staffer could pop in. Then you're outnumbered. Trust me, you don't want little Johnny to walk in and see you wailing away on his PopPop. Enraged 10-year-olds are better fighters than you might think.

5. Pull the plug -- Every great fighter has a great finishing move.

New Material

Since B and SFL have been harassing me, and since I finally have a couple of days off of work now seems as good a time as any to post.

I am a sucker for games.

I realized this after an hours worth of attempts to conquer the Cracker Barrel triangle game (I'm sure it has an official title). You know the one with the pegs that you have to jump over? Yea, well, I can get it down to two pegs. I think that gave me the title of "smart", however my friend was peg challenged, which was the title of "ignoramus". I was nice and didn't rub it in, seeing as I can't get one peg for the life of me.

To be fair we did tackle checkers outside, and I got repeatedly beaten...badly! At one point I had one piece left, it was surrounded by at least ten other pieces. I cry.

I guess I should stick to those simple games that involve wood. i.e. bowling (wooden pins), hockey (wooden sticks), baseball (wooden bats), etc. Feel free to suggest other appropriate games that I'm not likely to be bad at, and won't kill me...

Don't ask me the background story.

I am now going to call SFL "Pig in a Blanket"

I think it had something to do with him and his Carhart winter suit.

Carhart is the bomb-diggity

And I'm getto....

Just saying....

Ah, the story of my life!

Drafting Trial

This past weekend I drove down to Alabama to meet the breeder and see a dog drafting trial. We had some rain on Saturday, but overall it was a blast!! Everyone was so nice, and I got to help with the event. The picture is of my puppy-to-be's grandfather in his cart. In a drafting trial its all about the dog safely hauling their cart through several events including an obstacle course. All events are off leash with only verbal guidance from the owner. It was great to see the dogs up close, get to pet them, and observe their personality. Let me tell you, I can't WAIT for my puppy.

To whom it may concern...

In the light of my recent bout with the flu, and the fact that I have figured out how to kill myself were life to ever get "too much" (i.e. ingesting 28 of my mom's sticky buns) I was told that I should have a Will. This is difficult for me, because I don't really have anything of intrinsic value; well, maybe my favorite pair of flip flops. However, WOT was very pointed that if I don't have a Will then when one of my patient's bites my head off the court can assign my assets to a third party like a bank who can charge fees, etc. That all said here goes...

To Whom it May Concern:

I'm dead/dying/or you're contemplating pulling the plug. Its ok, don't feel bad - say eeeeettttt.

The point is you will have to be making decisions about the junk that fills the house. Personally, anyone who wants it can have it. If you'd like to press DOT into responsibility you can make her sort through it all, otherwise I'm sure WOT will have at it. If there is no family around, then please find the local jail and let someone there decide what to do over leaving me in the hands of a lawyer.

As for my health care. Use your common sense, don't get too attached this world isn't all its cracked up to be ;-). Please shave my legs if I'm unconscious for weeks, believe me it wouldn't be a pretty sight. Feel free to donate my organs if you want, I won't be there for it.

The End

Me

*** Any other suggestions?

The Great Pumpkin...

I need to post a picture of my recent visit to SC, but until then I will give you a picture of the conversation my parents and me had this morning...

*****

Dad- So, your sister wants a Fall themed wedding. I'm going to go dressed as a Giant Pumpkin, with suspenders to hold it up.

Me - Hey we could glue pumpkin seeds to the suspenders, and you can wear a green body suit, and we can make leafy shoes that look like the pumpkin foliage.

Mom - Don't encourage him!

Me - Oh, and you can stand outside the reception holding a side. "Reach inside for a treat"

Mom - You're not helping...I think Dad's genes were passed down too well

Dad - I'm going to walk her down the isle in that, I'm even going to build a flap in the back as a gas trap...and the suit will drop candy from the back as I walk!

Me - Haha, instead of a flower girl we'll have candy Dad. Dad, you will make it worth going to a wedding...

Dad - I'm wearing a cowboy hat, chaps, and a stick pony to your wedding.

Me - I don't quite like when the shoe is on the other foot.....

Hahaha, there was more, but you get the idea. For more wonderful wedding ideas, please see SFL - he is always available!

Back to nightshift...

I have realized that I hate swinging back and forth from day shift to night shift. I actually despise it. I hate feeling crappy three days of the week, every six weeks. Also, I think I may attempt some graduate school in January. That said, I emailed one of the assistant managers to see if I can start working straight weekend days. Yes, every weekend will stink sometimes, but at this point I think I'm okay with it. I will update you later!!

Saying Goodbye

This morning I took Velvet to the vet for the last time. She just was looking worse, and it wasn't fair to her. She was such an awesome dog. She had 14 amazing years, and was the most peace loving dog you would have ever met.

When I was ten our friend found this little black puppy dumped of in a park called The Elks in northwest Pennsylvania. We begged my mom to keep her since our friend couldn't, and mom finally gave in. We still laugh about how I was convinced that she was part lab or something, dad called her the lowest common denominator, or Eve of the dog world. Shortly after we got her she was dehydrated and sick, and so we gave IV fluids under her skin twice a day at home per the vet, because we couldn't spend the money to have the vet do it. She lived. She got Pancreatitis several times also, but still lived. Actually mom was convinced that the dog would never die, and she'd be vacuuming up loads of black dog hair the rest of her life.

Girth (as dad affectionately called her in the later years when she was fat) was a survivor. She came and lived with me my senior year of school, and has been my faithful buddy for all these years. When she was younger I got her Therapy Dog title, and we visited nursing homes. While she could be obedient she often chose not to be. She loved to chew Victoria Secret underwear, and once she stole multiple pairs out of my dirty clothes, chewed them, then put them back into the pile....I was sooooooo mad when I found them as I pulled the underwear out of the dryer only to realize that they were not intact. From that day on I was convinced the dog was a deceptive beast...haha. For all her faults though she was a good guard dog, and friend. I remember this one time - she use to hate any physical contact between humans - so my dad would purposely come home hug mom, and kiss her in plain sight of Velvet who would bark and carry on till they stopped. Well one day my dad surprised mom, and she started squealing, we were giggling, but Velvet didn't think it was funny. She came up behind him and nipped him in the leg, hahaha it worked, he stopped. I know that you don't care about the poor dog, but I guess I had to vent somewhere, and I wanted to be able to look back and remember her. The house seems really lonely right now, and yea I've used enough Kleenex to take stock in the company, but I am glad for the memories, and I'm even more glad that God gave us such wonderful companions who always listen, and never break your heart until they aren't there anymore.

Still Around!

I apologize for my lack of posting this week, but I've been busy! We've had a house showing, but I don't think anything will come of it - they haven't told us that there has been an offer. I've also been putting off taking the dog to the vet for the last time. I almost thought I would have to Saturday night when she tripped, fell, and bashed the tumor. It dripped blood all up the walkway and onto the porch - on second thought perhaps the fact that it looks like someone was massacred on our porch might put off any potential buyers....Muahaha!

Anyways, I have work the next couple of days, and will try to post some more!!

The case of the possible eviction!

I had a second or two at work - surprising I know, but I thought I'd try to fill you in on the phone call I received a couple days ago. I was all settled after the whole car buying drama; ready for a little peace and quiet. My radar was void. A nice black circle with no green blips on the screen. Then my landlord called.

Now my landlord doesn't own our house, he is hired to rent it out by some gentleman I've never met. Unfortunately, the owner of the house has decided that he wants to sell all his rental properties (he has several), which means that we could either buy the house, or face the probable sale. Now based on how our lease goes, we would have a little bit to find a place when the house does sell, but I've recruited WOT's fleet of angels to prevent the sale. ;-)

I've debated on creating some sale hindrances; i.e. parking our cars on the roadside in front and behind the sign, loosing a herd (or is it posse) of mice in the house, or changing the telephone numbers on the sale sign. Hahaha - no, no, I'm kidding I'm not going to do any of the above. I did warn the realtor that I'm not keeping my house in perfect condition. Although the thought of random people seeing the mess that is my house right now is slightly humiliating...Oh well!!

I will keep you updated on whether we will soon be facing another move. I swear - I'm destined to move every year.....

Stay tuned for tomorrow's edition of "How to throw a Gnome" which will include a video and step by step instructions. I'm excited can't you tell!! You don't want to miss it!

Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Month

Poor WOT. We really don't deserve her especially after SFL (on speaker phone mind you) broke out in song. The poor girl!

Gizmo has a crush

This is Gizmo.

The neighbor's dog.

He dug a hole under the fence and showed up at my back door this morning to see if Velvet would come and play.

I had to shut my yard gate because I was afraid he'd run out into the road. I guess I'll just wait till the neighbor notices that he's gone, hehe.

Actually I contemplated taking Gizmo on a walk, hehe I think he'd like it.

Life is a Highway -

I won't lie - I like me some Rascal Flatts. That's what happens when you've spent the last seven years below the Mason Dixon!

It is hard to believe that the school year is underway again. I'm hoping that this Fall will be fun as the weather starts to cool. It is funny how we tend to look at life by milestones. Birthdays, College, Marriage, New Jobs, New Cars, New House, Babies, Etc. I always think about how excited I get for a vacation that I just rush my way through packing, and driving there that I seem to forget to enjoy the trip. I think that I sometimes focus to much on down the road, forgetting that tomorrow is only a hope, and not guaranteed. Haha, I swear I'm not trying to be morbid here! I was just thinking about it, because I was so excited with my car, but glad to be done with the process.

My first new car!

I have to admit, all the hassle of buying a new car has definately made me want to avoid the process. However, I am glad that I am now the proud owner of the vehicle below! Ain't it cute?

What'cha think?

When I'm not stressed I'll get into the car buying story, until then I have two videos for you to listen to. The first on - sorry it wouldn't let me embed the video onto here, but please if you get the chance check out the link before you listen to the song below! Don't skip ahead ;-).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-sNIWi2fLs&feature=channel

What did you think? It's funny - if you watched the first video would you believe that there is this whole debate on whether Flyleaf is a Christian band or not? Some people are offended by the first song, while they support the second. I enjoy both songs, and think that its great that Flyleaf can have a wide music audience. I chuckled when I saw a comment to the first song from a nonreligious person about how that song could not possibly be Christian based because of some of the descriptive language. Can I refer them to Song of Solomon? It's really sad that the Christian world has mostly cut off any picture of romance and God. I found it interesting....Haha, I needed a break from the car market! Post your comments!!

Updates

This week has been full; last week was miserably busy.

I ended up taking the dog to the vet for the tumor in her mouth, and because she will be 14 this year there is really nothing we can do for her. The surgery would most likely have to remove part of her jaw, and probably return if she survived the anesthetics. So, poor Girth - she is living out her remaining days enjoying getting to eat wet food. I'll have to upload some fun video I took of her, and I'll let you know where to ship donations of Kleenex for when her time comes.

I'm also looking for a new car this week to try to take advantage of the Cash for Clunkers program. I am not really looking forward to having a car payment, but I should be able to pay it off rather quickly, and hopefully move back to full time saving for a house. I'm just lucky to have a good job! More updates, and pictures coming!!

Look how he's grown!

Aww, its the baby! He is growing so big. He is looking so Siamese, isn't he cute! SFL and WOT love him, can't you tell he loves them back by the way he is lovingly gazing at SFL as he takes the baby's picture?

Just one of those days

First off - I must apologize for my annoying and repeated use of the word "so" in my last posts...it was obnoxious when I went back to re-read it.

I am usually not opposed to work, and for the most part don't mind going. However, there are some days/nights/shifts where I just want to leave, go to my bed and sleep for the next 24 hours. Tonight is one of those nights. I was in a grouchy mood, and I just didn't feel like having to deal with my sick patient. Work, while rewarding can be very demanding, and if you can't fully invest in your patient's care it can make the night doubly hard. On a positive note - only four more hours to shift change. Can I hear an "amen", "wooooot", or some exclamatory phrase? Hehe...

I've thought of doing some health/procedure/equipment education. I think it would be fun to do some research on some common things I see at work. Hmm, I'll have to think about it. If any of you have a question you're dying to have answered let me know, although I don't promise to have the answer!

No work tomorrow!!! YEAH!!! Cough, cough. Okay, now back to work...

Btw

I don't know any of these people....but if I did I don't think I would hire them to do any hit job for me. Well, except maybe the really hot one in the back on the left, he has a good side profile... ;-)

Back Again!

Whew. It is good to be back! Between my poor car fiasco, visiting the family, almost missing my flight home due to airport delays, and spending the last three days working I not been able to force myself to post.

When I woke up today though, I cleaned my house which was SO needed. Then I decided with some dinner in my belly that I could and should attempt to get on here for an update!

The vacation to my parents was SO much fun. I got to see some of the cousins and grandparents also. I even made it to a Civil War Reenactment, which I'll have to get the pictures from my friend Jess, and then post a couple on here so you can see them. It was the nicest weekend for it. Partly cloudy, 80s, and low humidity. I must admit that I enjoyed every minute! ;-)

The Kitten and my parents cats are doing amazingly well adapting, so we'll see! Hopefully, they will settle in. I do miss the bugger a little, but Polly (DOT's cat) is glad that he's gone. Not to mention - I have a puppy to look forward to around Christmas. I heard from the breeder yesterday that the mommy dog still hasn't gone into heat yet, but as soon as she does we'll hopefully be hearing the good news that "we're expecting"!

My car is repaired and back to normal, WOOT!!! It is so nice to have it back...

I am so ready to be back on day shift Sunday - it has been an exhausting six weeks, and I think I will need to sleep 24hrs a day just to catch up on all my sleep ;-).

I had to renew my CPR/BLS (basic life support) this week, which was no big deal aside from having class all afternoon then going and working all night. The 5th of August though I have to renew my PALS (pediatric advanced life support), and I'm a little nervous because its a very hard class/test. I can't work without it though, so I'm studying a bit for that, and I'll let you know how it goes.

Speaking of CPR. Funny story. At work this morning around 0600 (am for those of you not on military time), my patient started coughing. Now, she liked to drop her heart rate from a normal rate of 100+ beats/minute to a heart rate in the 60s (bradycardia) whenever she coughed or you messed with her ventilator. This wasn't a good thing, and technically we do CPR on all pediatric patients with heart rates <60bpm,>

Ok, sorry for the length of this post, but I promise I'll be posting more soon!! Stay tuned!

Lighten the moooood

Because I know you're all Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus fans ;-) I thought this might make you laugh. A friend showed me this video, and if you don't know what the original looked like just do another search for the Hannah Montana movie; it makes this remake even funnier. After the day I had I needed a laugh, and after reading my post I'm sure you all need one too!!

Finally an answered question...

You know how when you're young you have so many questions that may be trivial, and usually aren't answered? Well, I had one of those questions answered today.

Question: How do all those giant orange free standing road construction signs get all scrapped up, you know - with the corners bent and such?

Answer: People hit them! People like me.

The true story is that today after getting gas at the station pretty near my house my car wouldn't start. So, after eliminating several possible problem, and even attempting to jump start it just in case I called AAA who graciously came out to see what was up. A solid thump to the under belly of my car while I was turning it on allowed my car to start. Hoping to not have to be towed, I opted to try to drive it to my auto repair place after the AAA guy diagnosed it as a probable fuel pump failure. Well...I almost made it to the dealership...About two exits from the shop I felt the pump fail and the car start to coast. Knowing this might happen I was already in the right hand lane of the highway, and threw on my 4way blinkers as I went to break.

Sheer dread mixed with panic when I realized that I was breaking and the car wasn't stopping. Not only that, but I was approaching an orange highway sign. I still calmly decided that I'd coast around the sign then back onto the shoulder since the car was still moving. My adrenaline was defiantly going at this point. I went to gently steer the car around the sign to find that my steering wheel was locked. I calmly FREAKED. It was all an internal freaking that included my repeated hitting the breaks, shifting the car into neutral, trying the break some more, and ultimately hitting the giant sign. Let me just say that those things a pretty big up close. It bashed in my right mirror shattering the glass, and at this point I wasn't sure what it did to my paint. I could only imagine an orange streak running the length of my car (shudders). I'm still coasting, although I've slowed down quite a bit, and I see another sign up ahead. I know you shouldn't do this, but please I didn't know what else to try; I threw the car into park, but STILL it kept rolling, so back to neutral I put it thinking that this might be one of those times like in the movie Speed where I cut a hole in my frame and lower myself out of the car. Finally, I managed to get the parking break up, and we stopped. It took me a minute for my hands to stop shaking, haha - don't laugh - yours would have been too!

Sorry for the long story, but in the end my car was safely towed I was picked up by my sister, and there was only a tiny scratch from hitting the sign (aside from the broken mirror). WOOT! Unfortunately, I'm suppose to work tomorrow through Tuesday before I leave to see my family. My car won't even get looked at until Monday, and depending on whats wrong I may or may not be trying to get a new car...Oh the joys....

The nice AAA lady was so sweet and when I called the second time she was like "Awww, sweety you're just having a bad day aren't you!" That was the understatement of the year...It could have been worse, and I've been able to laugh about it, so I guess it could have been worse. I will keep you updated on whether or not my car is getting repaired or if I'm getting a used car...

Exausted

This is why when I started night shift two years ago (wow it doesn't feel like it's been that long) I decided to try to keep on a night shift schedule on my days off, because getting four hours of sleep 1-2 times a week in order to switch back to day shift when you're off just stinks!!

Night shift this time around has not been quite as bad, but it has definitely been a lot more exhausting than day shift was. Fortunately I have gotten much more use to switching back and forth which has made my night sleeping so much better. Usually though I end up sleeping four hours the morning after I work, getting up and trying to stay awake so that I can sleep that night. Then when I sleep at night I'm soooo exhausted from all the four hour days that my body wants to sleep for 14 hours. Haha, it's definitely feast or famine around here!

There is the possibility of working straight weekend day shift. Which I am seriously contemplating. I think I might give it at least one more rotation to see, and then pursue it. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers as I've been trying to sort things out. I have felt so much better than I was. We're keeping on keeping on!!

I'm leaving for my parent's house one week from yesterday, and I can't wait!! Although, I know I will miss the kitten when I have to leave him ;-) WOT and SFL will have a ball of energy on their hands, and I expect updates!!

Note to you...

I am too tired...

too tired to type...

too tired to think of something to type...

not too tired to think about how much I want to be back on day shift...

this is all I have for you, while I sit at work...

perhaps when I'm trying to recover tomorrow I'll think of something genius to post...

until then...

too bad.

Pre-fourth Fun

While most people are stocking up on burgers, hot dogs, chips, drinks, and everything that makes your 4th of July a wonderful celebration I am at work.

I usually don't mind working my holidays, but as funny as it sounds I've never had to work the 4th. Somehow I want that burger and to watch some fire works; I think I may miss it more than I miss working Christmas...That is sad I know. Please eat tons of yummy food for me, as I'll be sleeping my way through the festivities, and try to hold off of the fireworks until after I wake up, thanks!

I'll post more later - I have a screaming child to wrestle ;-)

Other funny kittens!

My friend Jess suggested this video after my latest posting about the grapes. I suppose that I'm glad that Gack isn't like that about grapes.....

Guilty pleasure

I am feeling slightly guilty about the fact that I have not posted pictures of the other two animals on here, instead I've flooded the web with photos such as this....

Is he not the cutest!! He fell asleep yesterday like this, and my hand was the only thing keeping him from falling off. He was still breathing through his little mouth, poor man. Today though his nose is free and open, and he is playing a 100miles a minute. I'll have to post something else later, but I thought the cuteness was to irresistible to wait!

Let there be grapes!

I had a nice bowl of grapes this afternoon for a snack, but the kitten decided to maul them. For some reason he likes them. I tried moving them, and even moving him, but he kept coming back. I don't think I'll be eating them....I think he is feeling better. He still can't breath with his nose, and huffs and puffs through his mouth, but its cute. I'm just keeping and eye on him, and hopefully his nose will clear up soon!

Random entertainment for those who DON'T read my blog ;p

Who doesn't want some fun music videos! Just think - I'm saving you a trip to youtube, hehe.

Here is a video that is more SFL's style - poor man has had too much of the chick-flickish music...I promise to do better with my compilations. Just think - I'm expanding your horizons!! If you have any requests let me know.

OH! Who wants SLF to make some guest posts on here, hehe? Anyone? Okay, so no one else reads this...but I still think its a good idea!

Snot, wonderful snot, glorious snottttttt

I wish I had a picture, but sometimes those memorable moments are a) unexpected, and b) over quickly. I suppose that I could have pushed pause let the snot dangle as I ran for my camera, but at 11pm it didn't cross my mind.

I will tell you though that there was a giant sneeze then shaking of the head, and the looooongest string of green snot dangling from his nose.

Grossed out yet? (WOT is I'll guarantee).

Well, I leaped out of bed, grabbed a Kleenex, and did a clean up on isle 3.

I really need a picture....

This will have to do - he is giving the snot flinging wink!

Lets hope its just a cold...

The kitten spend most all of yesterday sitting in my lap. The poor buddy has this sneezing/coughing thing going on. At first we didn't think it was a cold, because he has not had any discharge from his eyes, and he's still eating and drinking. However, last night he just looked worse, and neither he nor I got great sleep. I woke up this morning and took him to our Emergency Clinic that we are so lucky to have nearby, and they gave him a shot of antibiotics, some antibiotics to take for the next several days, and if he gets worse I can take him back in. Poor buddy is sleeping next to me right now; he has had a stressful couple of days. Oh - as a side note he weighs exactly 2lbs, or for those of you in Europe just under 1kg - he's a little guy!! What is sad is that I have patients his size....

The nightshift rotation has actually been going quite well, although I have not gotten much sleep especially the days that I've been working. I think this past week I got a two hour nap before work, then that morning when I got home I slept for about 5 hours, and then the next morning I slept 3 hours so I could get back on a day schedule on my days off. No wonder after two years of doing that, and missing sleep I felt like I was crazy! Hopefully, the rest of these six weeks will go smoothly dayshift will be here before you know it!

Oh, I almost forgot. This schedule I was also asked to precept/orient an experienced nurse who is new to our unit. That means that we take a patient or pair of patients together so she can learn what we do. She is a great nurse, but like with anyone new to working in a PICU she is a little daunted, and I can't blame her I was the same way. I realize now how hard precepting is! You not only have ultimate responsibility for your patients, but you have to give the orientee the opportunity to do things, and learn. Not to mention explaining stuff constantly, and trying to remember to point things out that they may not know. Whew! It has been fun though, haha although I don't feel like I know enough to precept. Teaching is the best way to learn, so woot woot for education!

Gack and his "Hack"

I told WOT that I'd post another music video for her. I don't think you've seen this one, but it's one of my favorites, so enjoy!

As for Gack, I think SFL cursed him, because he's been "hacking" all week. I don't know if he has a hairball that he can't get out, poor boy. The vet wasn't too concerned, soooo we'll see. Today I'm sure the beasts will be unhappy with me, as Polly got dewormed again, and Gack got his second booster shots and dewormed. Of course the baby doesn't cough the whole time we're at the vet, and then within five minutes of being home starts hacking. I may got get some hairball stuff today and see if that will help him out. I'll let you know how it goes!! Poor baby!

Afternoon thoughts!

This is a great song - the artist's music video isn't out yet, so this will have to do - I suggest driving with the windows down and the music up ;-), just saying!

Along with the song, I found this interesting (I know it's long)...

****

by Leonard Sweet and Frank Viola

Christians have made the gospel about so many things … things other than Christ.
Jesus Christ is the gravitational pull that brings everything together and gives them significance, reality, and meaning. Without him, all things lose their value. Without him, all things are but detached pieces floating around in space.

It is possible to emphasize a spiritual truth, value, virtue, or gift, yet miss Christ . . . who is the embodiment and incarnation of all spiritual truth, values, virtues, and gifts.
Seek a truth, a value, a virtue, or a spiritual gift, and you have obtained something dead.
Seek Christ, embrace Christ, know Christ, and you have touched him who is Life. And in him resides all Truth, Values, Virtues and Gifts in living color. Beauty has its meaning in the beauty of Christ, in whom is found all that makes us lovely and loveable.

What is Christianity? It is Christ. Nothing more. Nothing less. Christianity is not an ideology. Christianity is not a philosophy. Christianity is the “good news” that Beauty, Truth and Goodness are found in a person. Biblical community is founded and found on the connection to that person. Conversion is more than a change in direction; it’s a change in connection. Jesus’ use of the ancient Hebrew word shubh, or its Aramaic equivalent, to call for “repentance” implies not viewing God from a distance, but entering into a relationship where God is command central of the human connection.

In that regard, we feel a massive disconnection in the church today. Thus this manifesto.
We believe that the major disease of the church today is JDD: Jesus Deficit Disorder. The person of Jesus is increasingly politically incorrect, and is being replaced by the language of “justice,” “the kingdom of God,” “values,” and “leadership principles.”

In this hour, the testimony that we feel God has called us to bear centers on the primacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Specifically . . .

1. The center and circumference of the Christian life is none other than the person of Christ. All other things, including things related to him and about him, are eclipsed by the sight of his peerless worth. Knowing Christ is Eternal Life. And knowing him profoundly, deeply, and in reality, as well as experiencing his unsearchable riches, is the chief pursuit of our lives, as it was for the first Christians. God is not so much about fixing things that have gone wrong in our lives as finding us in our brokenness and giving us Christ.

2. Jesus Christ cannot be separated from his teachings. Aristotle says to his disciples, “Follow my teachings.” Socrates says to his disciples, “Follow my teachings.” Buddha says to his disciples, “Follow my meditations.” Confucius says to his disciples, “Follow my sayings.” Muhammad says to his disciples, “Follow my noble pillars.” Jesus says to his disciples, “Follow me.” In all other religions, a follower can follow the teachings of its founder without having a relationship with that founder. Not so with Jesus Christ. The teachings of Jesus cannot be separated from Jesus himself. Jesus Christ is still alive and he embodies his teachings. It is a profound mistake, therefore, to treat Christ as simply the founder of a set of moral, ethical, or social teaching. The Lord Jesus and his teaching are one. The Medium and the Message are One. Christ is the incarnation of the Kingdom of God and the Sermon on the Mount.

3. God’s grand mission and eternal purpose in the earth and in heaven centers in Christ . . . both the individual Christ (the Head) and the corporate Christ (the Body). This universe is moving towards one final goal – the fullness of Christ where He shall fill all things with himself. To be truly missional, then, means constructing one’s life and ministry on Christ. He is both the heart and bloodstream of God’s plan. To miss this is to miss the plot; indeed, it is to miss everything.

4. Being a follower of Jesus does not involve imitation so much as it does implantation and impartation. Incarnation–the notion that God connects to us in baby form and human touch—is the most shocking doctrine of the Christian religion. The incarnation is both once-and-for-all and ongoing, as the One “who was and is to come” now is and lives his resurrection life in and through us. Incarnation doesn’t just apply to Jesus; it applies to every one of us. Of course, not in the same sacramental way. But close. We have been given God’s “Spirit” which makes Christ “real” in our lives. We have been made, as Peter puts it, “partakers of the divine nature.” How, then, in the face of so great a truth can we ask for toys and trinkets? How can we lust after lesser gifts and itch for religious and spiritual thingys? We’ve been touched from on high by the fires of the Almighty and given divine life. A life that has passed through death – the very resurrection life of the Son of God himself. How can we not be fired up?

To put it in a question: What was the engine, or the accelerator, of the Lord’s amazing life? What was the taproot or the headwaters of his outward behavior? It was this: Jesus lived by an indwelling Father. After his resurrection, the passage has now moved. What God the Father was to Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ is to you and to me. He’s our indwelling Presence, and we share in the life of Jesus’ own relationship with the Father. There is a vast ocean of difference between trying to compel Christians to imitate Jesus and learning how to impart an implanted Christ. The former only ends up in failure and frustration. The latter is the gateway to life and joy in our daying and our dying. We stand with Paul: “Christ lives in me.” Our life is Christ. In him do we live, breathe, and have our being. “What would Jesus do?” is not Christianity. Christianity asks: “What is Christ doing through me … through us? And how is Jesus doing it?” Following Jesus means “trust and obey” (respond), and living by his indwelling life through the power of the Spirit.

5. The “Jesus of history” cannot be disconnected from the “Christ of faith.” The Jesus who walked the shores of Galilee is the same person who indwells the church today. There is no disconnect between the Jesus of Mark’s Gospel and the incredible, all-inclusive, cosmic Christ of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. The Christ who lived in the first century has a pre-existence before time. He also has a post-existence after time. He is Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End, A and Z, all at the same time. He stands in the future and at the end of time at the same moment that He indwells every child of God. Failure to embrace these paradoxical truths has created monumental problems and has diminished the greatness of Christ in the eyes of God’s people.

6. It’s possible to confuse “the cause” of Christ with the person of Christ. When the early church said “Jesus is Lord,” they did not mean “Jesus is my core value.” Jesus isn’t a cause; he is a real and living person who can be known, loved, experienced, enthroned and embodied. Focusing on his cause or mission doesn’t equate focusing on or following him. It’s all too possible to serve “the god” of serving Jesus as opposed to serving him out of an enraptured heart that’s been captivated by his irresistible beauty and unfathomable love. Jesus led us to think of God differently, as relationship, as the God of all relationship.

7. Jesus Christ was not a social activist nor a moral philosopher. To pitch him that way is to drain his glory and dilute his excellence. Justice apart from Christ is a dead thing. The only battering ram that can storm the gates of hell is not the cry of Justice, but the name of Jesus. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of Justice, Peace, Holiness, Righteousness. He is the sum of all spiritual things, the “strange attractor” of the cosmos. When Jesus becomes an abstraction, faith loses its reproductive power. Jesus did not come to make bad people good. He came to make dead people live.

8. It is possible to confuse an academic knowledge or theology about Jesus with a personal knowledge of the living Christ himself. These two stand as far apart as do the hundred thousand million galaxies. The fullness of Christ can never be accessed through the frontal lobe alone. Christian faith claims to be rational, but also to reach out to touch ultimate mysteries. The cure for a big head is a big heart.
Jesus does not leave his disciples with CliffsNotes for a systematic theology. He leaves his disciples with breath and body.
Jesus does not leave his disciples with a coherent and clear belief system by which to love God and others. Jesus gives his disciples wounds to touch and hands to heal.
Jesus does not leave his disciples with intellectual belief or a “Christian worldview.” He leaves his disciples with a relational faith.
Christians don’t follow a book. Christians follow a person, and this library of divinely inspired books we call “The Holy Bible” best help us follow that person. The Written Word is a map that leads us to The Living Word. Or as Jesus himself put it, “All Scripture testifies of me.” The Bible is not the destination; it’s a compass that points to Christ, heaven’s North Star.
The Bible does not offer a plan or a blueprint for living. The “good news” was not a new set of laws, or a new set of ethical injunctions, or a new and better PLAN. The “good news” was the story of a person’s life, as reflected in The Apostle’s Creed. The Mystery of Faith proclaims this narrative: “Christ has died, Christ has risen, Christ will come again.” The meaning of Christianity does not come from allegiance to complex theological doctrines, but a passionate love for a way of living in the world that revolves around following Jesus, who taught that love is what makes life a success . . . not wealth or health or anything else: but love. And God is love.

9. Only Jesus can transfix and then transfigure the void at the heart of the church. Jesus Christ cannot be separated from his church. While Jesus is distinct from his Bride, he is not separate from her. She is in fact his very own Body in the earth. God has chosen to vest all of power, authority, and life in the living Christ. And God in Christ is only known fully in and through his church. (As Paul said, “The manifold wisdom of God – which is Christ – is known through the ekklesia.”)

The Christian life, therefore, is not an individual pursuit. It’s a corporate journey. Knowing Christ and making him known is not an individual prospect. Those who insist on flying life solo will be brought to earth, with a crash. Thus Christ and his church are intimately joined and connected. What God has joined together, let no person put asunder. We were made for life with God; our only happiness is found in life with God. And God’s own pleasure and delight is found therein as well.

10. In a world which sings, “Oh, who is this Jesus?” and a church which sings, “Oh, let’s all be like Jesus,” who will sing with lungs of leather, “Oh, how we love Jesus!”
If Jesus could rise from the dead, we can at least rise from our bed, get off our couches and pews, and respond to the Lord’s resurrection life within us, joining Jesus in what he’s up to in the world. We call on others to join us—not in removing ourselves from planet Earth, but to plant our feet more firmly on the Earth while our spirits soar in the heavens of God’s pleasure and purpose. We are not of this world, but we live in this world for the Lord’s rights and interests. We, collectively, as the ekklesia of God, are Christ in and to this world.
May God have a people on this earth who are a people of Christ, through Christ, and for Christ. A people of the cross. A people who are consumed with God’s eternal passion, which is to make his Son preeminent, supreme, and the head over all things visible and invisible. A people who have discovered the touch of the Almighty in the face of his glorious Son. A people who wish to know only Christ and him crucified, and to let everything else fall by the wayside. A people who are laying hold of his depths, discovering his riches, touching his life, and receiving his love, and making HIM in all of his unfathomable glory known to others.
The two of us may disagree about many things—be they ecclesiology, eschatology, soteriology, not to mention economics, globalism and politics.

Christians don’t follow Christianity; Christians follow Christ.
Christians don’t preach themselves; Christians proclaim Christ.
Christians don’t point people to core values; Christians point people to the cross.
Christians don’t preach about Christ: Christians preach Christ.

Over 300 years ago a German pastor wrote a hymn that built around the Name above all names:
Ask ye what great thing I know, that delights and stirs me so?What the high reward I win? Whose the name I glory in?Jesus Christ, the crucified.
This is that great thing I know; this delights and stirs me so:faith in him who died to save, His who triumphed o’er the grave:Jesus Christ, the crucified.
—
Jesus Christ – the crucified, resurrected, enthroned, triumphant, living Lord.
He is our Pursuit, our Passion, and our Life.
Amen.

I hope that this video works for you guys, it shows the kitten playing in the chair after he knocked the seat back over onto him. He is under the cushion, just so you know...Hehehe...

Dear Dad...

(I know this picture is a couple years old, but I still love it)

Dear Dad, er SFL,

Thanks for not leaving years ago when the going got tough.

Thanks for video taping all the gore of birth, even when mom wasn't so happy about it, hehe.

Thanks for dressing up in silly hats with your girls.

Thanks for telling us stories about Jesus, and showing Him to us everyday in how you live.

Thanks for being there to baptize me in the hot tub.

Thanks for showing us how much you love WOT.

Thanks for the communal bed, hehe.

Thanks for "wuving" us, we "wuv" you too.

Thanks for working hard everyday; and even when there was no work you did what you had too.

Thanks for pancakes every weekend.

Thanks for fixing our cars, and nagging us to check the oil ;-).

Thanks for letting mom come for two weeks this winter.

Thanks for reading this silly little blog.

Thanks for being the best and only dad I'd ever want, and I know DOT feels the same way.

You are awesome and we love you even if you don't like us to violate your personal space. You have impacted our lives in thousands of ways, and I hope you know that. Happy Father's Day!!!!

Bath Day

This link has nothing to do with what I was going to tell you, but it's a great video clip I think you'll like it.

http://video.msn.com/video.aspx?vid=b7b7576f-400c-4e85-99d4-a0a99c4433e3

***
Also, I changed the way you guys can comment on here, to make it easier. If it's not working for you and you hate it let me know I can change it back.

***
This morning the kitten was using the little litter box by the bed around 5am, when Polly (the older cat) decided to go at him. Well Velvet the dog (who hates conflict), must have known that Polly started it, because she took the kitten's side and dove between then snapping at the older cat. I must say I was proud of the dog...I scooped up the kitten onto the bed in my still waking up state only to realize thaaaaat with the chaos his paws were, ah, dirty. That left me at 5:30am climbing out of bed to give the cat a bath, and try to spray the sheets with cleaner. My poor bed...

The kitten was so pitiful as I gave him his bath in the sink, with the only kids shampoo I had left - Watermelon scented. Yummy. He survived though, and got all wrapped up in a towel. Then I collapsed back into bed with a bundled kitten on my chest to try to rest. His little head poking out of his cocoon we snoozed for about an hour. I must admit he is darn cute. As I type this he is laying on my chest under a blanket, because he was still cold.

I now give you permission to "awww".

Can I have a nap?

Counting Down the Days

I finally have a minute to sit down, which is more than I could say yesterday. You never know what work will be like, but the past several days have been super busy, and not just for me, but for the Unit as a whole. Nevertheless, with my 5 minutes of peace I wanted to do a quick post.

Last night I definitely got a little more sleep as the kitten is growing more independent, and spent most of the night at the top of my pillow sleeping. Poor buddy, he will be so happy when I'm home tonight. It has been nice though to have a sort of trial run before getting a puppy, and I must admit that I'll miss the bugger- at least I know I'll occasionally see him, and he couldn't be going to a better place (SFL is still in question ;p).

I start night shift again on Sunday, so we'll see how that goes. I'm going to really bite the bullet, and attempt on all the days I'm not working to switch back to days. I think it's better for my body. At least I know that it's only 6 weeks before day shift again, and I get to see my folks in another 3 weeks. Whew...

I'd like to mess around with switching this blog onto a domain where I can do more stuff with it, but we'll see how that goes. I think it would be fun.

Anyways, hope that you guys are all having a great day - thanks for all the comments!!

Adjustments

There has been quite a bit of hissing and angry glares the past 24 hours, and the majority of which were from the older cat Polly, who thinks this is her house, her space, and WHY in Heaven's name is there a nasty little creature running around in it??

The little guy just burrs his tail out when she hisses at him, but just keeps on purring. I will say though, they've made strides already, compared to yesterday at this time.

I have felt a bit like I have a newborn in the house, as we've been making sure he eats about every three hours. He is still so nervous that he only eats when you're standing with him, and we need to fatten him up so we can't feel his little ribs. Last night he slept at the top of my pillow the whole time, and then around 3am was hungry, and then again around 6am. I was tired. After the 6am feeding though he wanted to explore my bedroom and play, while Polly sat at the end of the hallway craning her neck around the doorway. He ran around the room tail frizzed, but purring, and poor Polly just glared - it was hilarious!

Einstein: E=MC^2

I did something today that I didn't mean to do...

It's not my fault!

It was love ;-)

Okay, well I knew my mother would fall in love.















Isn't he precious? I don't know why the sound on my camera didn't work, but my sister is there chilling with us, and telling me I have to get rid of him before I want to keep him!!

Since he will be my parent's cat my Dad named him Einstein, which is only technical seeing as any family pet of ours has a million names. We can call him Dr. E; Eini; my dad wants Flash as a nickname; and MC. Hehe, we'll see...We got our visit to the vet over with, and he wouldn't stop purring when the vet was trying to listen to his heart and lungs. We (including the vet) just laughed, and the vet charted "motor running fine".

Poor Polly (our other cat) hates the baby, and the baby is scared of the dog...When they get used to each other I'll be taking him to WOT.

I guess I should tell you how I happened upon him. I had the intention of dropping by the animal shelter to volunteer for a little on my way to get emission testing on the car. The emissions test didn't happen. While working in the cat room I usually don't visit with the kittens because the get adopted so quickly. Today I was petting the adults when a girl left the kitten room commenting about the cute "Siamese one", and I had to take a look. When I saw him I thought of my mother, and before long it was settled, and home we went!

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog

You've heard me mention the possibility of getting another puppy at some point, so I thought I'd show you what kind of dog I'm looking at!

Soon you'll all fall in love!!

Technically it was Yesterday...

I hope that you watched the video - I promise I won't tell if you scroll back up and watch it.

Done?

It was amazing I know, but you might be wondering at the importance of it aside from sheer entertainment.

Well, all our growing up years we would hear my mother and father sing (granted my father was off key) this song. Usually, it would result in everyone breaking out in song. Tonight my sister and I were just hanging out when we just thought of this song as we were thinking about my parents anniversary yesterday; that led to very loud singing from the two of us. I had to find this song and let you hear it!

Enjoy!!

State Capitol

I know I'm posting a bit backwards, but I thought I would do a couple other posts about our adventures while the cousin was in town. One of the days we went to visit the State Capitol. I felt like such the good homeschooler, or girl scout leader, hehe! Honestly though, having the chance to go and experience so many different things was one of the things I enjoyed most about homeschooling. It brings me back baby!

Okay, so that was us on the steps of the Capitol. We got there on the late side of the day, which was kind of nice because it wasn't as busy. I'd like to go back at some point and catch an actual tour; we had to use the informational pamphlet and take a self guided tour, because we missed the last guided tour of the day.

I love the history of old buildings!

There is actually a bullet hole in the wall of the Capitol Building from some fight that broke out over the 14th Amendment (anyone know what the amendment stated? It's quiz time!!). The men opposed came up with this "great" plan. They thought that if they ran away from the vote (which they knew they were out numbered) then the voting wouldn't be able to actually take place, thus preventing the amendment from passing. Genius I know.

Well, unfortunately not voting wasn't really an option, and when the men drew guns and tried to fight their way out of the Capitol building they were stopped and forced to vote. One of the bullets from that fight remains in the wall of the Capitol to this day.

Pretty neat huh?

If you ever want a fun afternoon activity, check out your local political buildings. I know its a little nerdy, but still it was tons of fun!

By the way - yesterday was SFL and WOT's 29th wedding anniversary - amazing considering SFL's brain matter. Wishing them 29 more happy years ;-)!!

My last will...

I was told this week by SFL that my singing and eating Cheerios could result in my death...which technically is true, and seemed to fit perfectly with this little bit of humor I found laying on the desk at work.

This is mainly to make SFL laugh, and I know that you may be insulted, but please look at this in the light of sarcasm, and from the point of view of an old woman (I did slightly modify it for reader censor- you'll see).

*****
I, being of sound mind and body, o not wish to be kept alive indefinitely by artificial means.

Under no circumstances should my fate be put in the hands of pinhead politicians who couldn't pass ninth grade biology if their lives depended on it, or lawyers/doctors interested in simply running up the bills.

If a reasonable amount of time passes and I fail to ask for at least one of the following:

Glass of wine
Chocolate
Margarita
Birds and Bees
Martini
Cold Beer
Chocolate Chicken Fried Steak
Cream Gravy
Birds and Bees
Mexican Food
Chocolate
French Fries
Chocolate
Pizza
Birds and Bees
Ice cream
Cup of tea
Chocolate
Chocolate
Birds and Bees
Chocolate

It should be presumed that I won't ever get better. When such a determination is reached, I hereby instruct my appointed person and attending physicians to pull the plug, reel in the tubes, let the 'fat lady sing', and call it a day!

****
Hope this gave you a morning chuckle - It gave me one yesterday. I don't know who wrote that - it wasn't me - but if I had I so would want credit for it!

Happy Sunday!! Hmmm, I realized that maybe that wasn't a good post for a Sunday. God has a sense of humor right? Hehe!

Hazy Mornings

My drive into work this morning was gorgeous! I rolled the windows of the car partially down, cranked up the music till I'm sure the cars around me could hear, and I ate my dry honey nut Cheerios in between loudly singing.

I'm kind of sure I shouldn't admit that, but really you should try it sometime. It makes you feel that all is right with the world, and how amazing every breath we take is.

After all there is nothing like a deep breath of clean wonderful yummy (can you think of any more adjectives?)...freeing air!

Moving right along, I have been looking into getting a Greater Swiss Mountain (GSM) dog. My earlier contemplations about finding another four legged companion just didn't seem right, and the more I thought about it the more I realized that I've always wanted a GSM, so why not at least look into it? I'll keep you updated.

I will also have to post some more fun pictures we got while my cousin was here, but that will have to wait for my computer.