Potting Time!

Seedlings, the quinticensial start to Spring! Unfortunately my Basil was really the only that stayed alive after the animals had their was, but they started great!! Today I restarted the ones I lost - we'll see how it goes!

Vinnie, Corley, Torque after a morning of planting and fun!

Don't you like my new Aloe plant!!!??

Stevia - just for Dad...We'll see how it grows

The other side of my porch. Not everything is planted, but I'm expecting that maybe I'll get some seeds today. I have all the pots filled with soil (I did great estimating how much I'd need), although I do think I'll need some more planters. At least I'm started. I got several different sizes and some big round ones too. I can't wait! I hope everthing grows!

They Haven't Taken Me Yet!

I'm watching Julia's two little dogs for the week...I may not make it.

I mean don't get me wrong I love her dogs, but Torque is a butt head, and Vinni is well - the mafia dog. Corley is so sweet, but Torque harasses her. Lets just say within the hour of my being home last night the squirt bottle got used no less than 30 times. Oh - and yes, Torque lifted his leg on the couch to mark it as his, which I can hardly blame him for it seeing as Mr. Mafia was being a bit possessive.

I'll try to get some pictures.

My seeds should come this week - I'm SO excited...and due to unforeseen events I'll probably be replanting at least some of my original seedlings...thank you cats and dogs.

Torque's pack should also arrive - YEAH!! I'll take pictures of it on him. I'm hoping it gets here before tomorrow so that I can take him hiking with it on. How fun!!!

More later!

Pot Garden

I am rather excited. I ordered a bunch of seeds from Seed Exchange today!! I'm going to have the rocking est garden ever if I can get them all to grow. I've decided that in case I move pots are my best plan. My porch is about a week away from an over haul! I'm going to try veggies as well as herbs, and if I get really inspired I'm going to do my best to save my seeds for next year...but that is a lot of work. I would like to make one raised bed so I can have cucumbers, potatoes, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts (I'm so excited!)

On the ground using the porch as a trellis will be beans and peas. I also got some butterfly weed seeds so I can have a flower - in a pot of course. Then I have or will have seeds for:

rosemary
sage
basil
tomatoes
black cumin
st. john's wort
beets
carrots
corn (I'm not planting this season)
kale
2 types of lettuce
bell pepper
chives
cilantro
dill
hyssop
lambs ear
lavender
lemon mint
thyme
garlic (doesn't get planted until fall)

How fun is that??!! We'll see how it all goes, but I'm going to motivate myself this next week to go get everything I need at the store so it's ready when my seeds get here. I do have some of the seeds started already. I'll try to get some pictures from my seedlings that I've had growing - and that the animals have continuously try to destroy by maiming/eating. At least it won't be my fault if I never get any plants to grow! ;p

Training on the Trail

Today was a great day for a hike! I figure that since Torque's new pack is on the way we should get a little more serious about it. I also realized how woefully un-conditioned I am to hike 10 miles. We did about 5-6miles today and I thought I might die on some of the hills. Granted there were a lot of hills.

Torque loved it though. However, we'll have to work more on following me, and not having me correct him 1/2 the trail because he wants to pull me along

Some girls from work came with me, and brought their dogs - it was a blast!

Once he is 18mo old we can start adding weight to his pack, but for now we'll just try to train empty. To train you're suppose to start with 5lbs of weight in the dogs pack, and increase by 5lbs every week until you're 20-30% of their body weight. Every week they're suppose to do 1-3miles/day with at least one of those days wearing the pack. You're trying to train to 3-4 times a week they wear the pack on the 1-3 mile hike. THEN...after 1 month you should be to doing at least 1 trek with they're pack per 2 weeks. The trek should be 2/3s of the event distance (usually that means 6-7 miles).


We did 5-6 miles today with no pack, and I think we're both a little beaten. I should have eaten breakfast before going not just drank my coffee, but I got into a cleaning frenzy and forgot. I think that would have helped my energy level. I also joined the city meet up club for hiking, so we can get in on some good hikes, and find out where the best places to hike are. Woot for getting out and doing cardio NOT on a treadmill!

In the coming week I'll try to photograph my assembling of a Bivvy pack for my bag - I am going to train with that on, just like a real hike. Yeah for blogging again - sorry I've been gone for awhile - it's nice to be back!!

WMI

I just got back Saturday from a week long trip to learn Wilderness Medicine from NOLS/WMI (National Outdoor Leadership School/Wilderness Medicine Institute). It was one of the best courses I have ever taken. There are lots of different types of classes for every level of education. The class I took was for medical professionals, and it was great. The commrodery was fun, the hands on learning was top knotch, and the teachers had year of experience both in the medical world as well as actually doing wilderness medicine. I wish I had more pictures to share, but I do have one.

I got to be demo girl for dressing wounds. It's amazing how realistic a sharpie will seem. At first I didn't think it looked like a wound at all, just a red line down my arm. But when we did the dressing it looked just like one - it was sweeeeeet. The only down side was that when our teacher Jason when to trim the steri strips with trauma sheers he accidentally nicked my arm too. Haha I told WOT the maiming had begun. I never told Jason, I didn't want him to feel bad over it - I mean really it barely bled, and didn't hurt - and I mean heck - I already had an awesome dressing over it! ;-)

Playing Catch Up

Since it's been about a month since I posted, I should really catch you all up to our happenings. I took almost two full weeks to visit the parents, and brought the fur child with me. On the drive up we stopped to see my grandparents and cousins/aunt/uncle which was so fun!! As you can see below Sadie and Torque had a great evening of play when we got out of the car - he was tired of being pent up!

Speaking of catching up - Torque turned a year old on the 22nd. Isn't that crazy! It's been the longest and shortest year ever. He is about 27 inches tall at the shoulder, and 105 lbs. Over this next year he'll fill out more, and hopefully he'll get a brain ;-). Right now he's still all brawn no brain. Dispite that fact we're testing for his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) tonight!! We'll see if he passes. I hope he does so that we can do the next level of obedience classes. I think we're also going to try some agility just for fun, I'll let you know how that goes.

When we got up to the parents house we got to enjoy all their snow! We had so much fun!! We did a lot of goofing off and hanging out. I convinced them to go bowling one evening, which was a blast, but dad and I got wooped by the Dominator (mom) as we called her the rest of the night. It was shamefull...We also went to visit the Museum of Western Art on the weekend because it was free. What a well done exibit!! There were about four floors of western art from old as well as contempory artists, and everything from painting to a collection of old period guns. How fun!! I should have done better and got pictures, but oh well - we were there, I swear!

Sunday we went cheese and wine tasting! We go to visit a goat farm and taste their wonderful cheese. The owner was so sweet she even let us look at the barn, pet some goats, and see two babies that had been born that morning. It was so cold that day that she had placed them by the store furnase until they were dry so they wouldn't freeze to death after they were born. It was a great place. We also checked out a dairy farm on the way to lunch, they had some REALLY sharp cheese, wow. For lunch we went to this Austrian bestro called Dano's, it was spectacular. Unique, homemade, and we had the whole place to ourselves with a wall of glass to look out through the snow and down to the lake. It was a special treat, we all loved it.

As for the wine tasting we only went to two wineries, but they were fun. We also got to check out a local distillery - it was unique and definately worth going to. We had a blast!!

Also - as you can see my flowers have survived snow and cold all winter - amazing!

Indian Summer in January?

Dear Father Winter,

Has Mother Nature wrapped you around her pinkie? What is the temperature doing in the 60s when February is a week away? Not that I mind or anything, it's just that I'd rather have the snow back. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Earthling

*****

On a totally separate note. This is Torque's new cart!! It is almost finished, and will be fun to use. He can't start pulling it until this summer when he is 18mo, and his bones have finished growing. I'm hoping to get some pictures of him standing with it soon.

Making Ourselves Known

Obedience class went mostly well. After his tail knocked over a whole section of ring divider (it's a short wooden expandable x fencing), he jumped on a little husky dog to play while I was fixing the fence earning a nasty glare from the owner, and decided to pitch a little but loud barking argument while the instructor was welcoming us (at least that got a couple of chuckles and a "any questions" comment).

Then he mostly settled down. It didn't help that it had rained all day, so I didn't get him good and worn out before class. Anyways, we're definitely the biggest dog in the class, with a Doberman in close second. Which is always hard because people don't understand that he's still a puppy, so he really should get a little le-way. The assistant to the class was cracking up when she brought Torque back from the "out of sight" part, because he had spent the entire 3 minutes away from me trying to play with her (they aren't allowed to do more than pet their head for the CGC test). He is a nut.

It will be interesting to see if I survive the class - haha, we may be repeating it. Actually I think he'll do well, it will be a great learning opportunity for him and me! More updates later!!

Mmm, on a quick side note - if you never went to check out the Atlanta IHOP podcast on the Glory of Marriage I would encourage it. It's great weather or not you're married, it's not the normal sermon on marriage. Check it out! http://ihop-atlanta.com

Oh snow, where art thou!

Now that all our snow has melted I thought that I'd take a walk down memory lane. I was thinking about singing a dirge relating to my sorrow at the loss of our snow, but that did seem slightly over kill. Alas.

Our first level 2 obedience dog class is tonight. I'm sure I'll make a posting about how we were the most disobedient pair there. More will come on this.

Marriage isn't just for the married

This the first part to a marriage series by Billy Humphrey at the Atlanta House of Prayer. It's great!! I recommend it - and if it won't play on here than go to http://ihop-atlanta.com/

Enjoy!

Snow Day!

I think one of my favorite things about getting snow in the South is watching how people act in it and about it. That and because it shuts everything down it is like a holiday!! The dogs are loving it! Torque and Daisy play some, Torque is still obsessed which can be annoying, but it's a good training opportunity.

Hearing some chaos outside the house I went to look out the window, and both my neighbors and I got to watch a man in a big truck slide sideways down the hill in front of the house. I think he was trying to go up the hill, and hit some ice. Stupid people - if they tried not to spin their wheels they would do better; but instead they spin ice patches into the snow covered streets...thanks...a lot.

I wish that we did have plows, because I would love to go with Julia and go hiking with the dogs at the farm, but since there are so many hills by us it could be a bad idea...I don't really feel like getting stranded. I'll try to post more!!!

Something To Save My Sanity

And Then There Were Two...

More appropriately titled; And Then She Lost Her Mind.

This is Daisy. Torque thinks Daisy is a new toy that runs, hides, plays, and smells AMAZING. Yes, Daisy is spayed. Yes, Torque is a butt head.

I have a blister on my hand now. Why? Might you ask. By the way, thanks for asking...a mother's pain just needs to be recognized now and then *pause for emotional crying moment*. Oh. Right. Blister. Torque spent all after noon bouncing, and jumping, and generally trying to get to Daisy. While I spent all afternoon holding Torque's leash. Use your imagination.

Torque loves other dogs, I'm starting to think to much. I'm going to brainstorm with Julia tomorrow when we go hiking in the morning before Yoga. I neeeeeeed yoga. Torque makes me need yoga. WOT says I sound like a mother. I think that I agreed with her when I threatened to ground the dog. I am starting to think that I really do need to just get married and have a bunch of kids to yell at, I will feel more legitimized then.

There will be more pictures and stories later I'm sure. Daisy is here for a week. Heaven save us all....


P.S. This is not a perminant eddition - I'm dog sitting.

Christmas isn't quite done yet

To: Mom, who needs a little winter snow along with her homemade bread ;-)

Erbs or Herbs

I feel that this may be another one of those Tomato, Tomaato conversations, alas we are not here to discuss how to pronounce said Herbs. If you would like further imput please consult My Fair Lady. That's all I have to say...

I wanted to post the pictures I promised you off all the books WOT got me for Christmas, so that I could learn how to keep her fit and beautimous forever!

I think I'm getting squeemish...

There are really a whole handful of things that I could write about, dang my procrastinating self. I actually would like to take some pictures and post about the box of books my mother gave me for Christmas, and after that I will be accepting applications for someone to build me another bookshelf seeing as she seemed to have forgotten that I already own too many books. That said - maybe that can be my plan for tomorrow - a massive blogathon!!!!!!!

Here's where you cringe and remind yourself not to check back here for another six months. It's okay, I understand.

On a more pressing note.

I am signing myself up for a Wilderness Medicine Institute course. What? Might you ask. Yes, I know it sounds odd, but since my parents see fit to only drag us through the wilderness on family vacations I thought knowing some serious EMT type first aid training might come in handy. The course looks amazing; in depth, but amazing. There is just one area where I am feeling the palpitations starting. Please, continue to read...

"...risks may include, among other things: Strenuous physical activity; slipping and falling; pinches, scrapes, twists and jolts; sprains, strains, broken bones; collision with fixed or movable objects; weather conditions; falling objects; water hazards; exhaustion; exposure to temperature and weather extremes which could cause hypothermia, hyperthermia (heat related illnesses), heat exhaustion, sunburn, dehydration; and exposure to potentially dangerous wild animals, insect bites, and hazardous plant life; rope burns; being struck by rock fall or other objects dislodged or thrown from above; equipment failure; and improper lifting or carrying;
my own physical condition, and the physical exertion associated with this activity; the condition of roads, terrain, or highways and accidents connected with their use; other participants’ and/or my own negligence; and emotional stress."

Oh that? I'm not afraid!!...Well, maybe a little. It gets better I assure you.

"Physical activities include running (ah I hope you me a fast walk?), hiking, repetitive lifting and carrying. Certain activities will require travel by foot and other means, over unimproved roads, hiking trails and rugged off-trail terrain including downed timber, river crossings,snow, ice, steep slopes, slippery rocks and other features. These travel risks include falling, drowning (like in love?), becoming lost (well, that's nothing new)and others usually associated with such travel, including environmental risks.Environmental risks and hazards include flowing, deep and cold water (I think I'd only do it if it was non-flowing deep and cold water); insects, snakes, animals; falling and rolling rock;lightning, falling timber, and unpredictable forces of nature, including weather which may change to extreme conditions without notice. Possible injuries and illnesses include hypothermia, frostbite, sunburn, heatstroke, dehydration, and other mild or serious conditions..."

All this for a family vacation? Sheesh! ;-) Last but not least:

"...unwelcome touching while acting the role of patient in a
scenario; and emotional distress in response to training scenarios..."

Haha to think I could inflict emotional distress as I lay bleeding on some rock (fake blood of course). I'm just saying, I may be a new kind of me after March 11th...Stay tuned for the next installment entitled - Wanted: To Get In Shape Before March, So I Don't Look Stupid In Front Of A Bunch Of EMTs.

Merry Christmas to All!

I'm rather uninspired to write something long and drawn out today, but I wanted to say a quick Merry Christmas to you all, before my weekend of work.

I hope that whether you get to be home and with family or not, that your holiday is a blessed one. Find some ways to be with the ones you love, and to remember the greatest gift of all.

One of my favorite memories about Christmas was that dad would read the Christmas story to us. We would go to Christmas Eve service, and then once we were home we'd settle in with glasses of egg nog, and listen to dad as he read. We weren't serious often, hehe but when we were it was special.

Even this year, when we can't be together we've still found ways to enjoy the holidays as a family. I got a call last night from the parents as they were doing one of our family traditions of driving to see all the neighborhood Christmas lights. Normally as we drive we think of all the Christmas song we can, and attempt to sing them. Dad sings off key on purpose, and mom harmonizes...even amidst dad's racket ;-). Usually the sis and I would just end up rolling in laughter in the back of the van. We even make up words to the songs to fit our jokes. Such was the case last night. I got the full description of lights as they drove, and we even had some carol singing over the phone. It was so fun!!!

That said - Merry Christmas!!! Thank you for being a part of this blog for another year. May Jesus bless you, keep you, and bring you closer to him this next year!

I'm walking through a white Christmas...

This is Torque's first snowfall! When I opened the door initially he was completely unsure if he should go out in the stuff, but after that it was pure joy. He LOVED it, and so did I.

All this joy and love however, came after the beginning of my night...

Heading home from work at 1930 (military time obviously) there was already a lot of snow on the ground, and it was still coming down. I wasn't worried about the highway drive, but I figured that I could have some trouble on the hills close to home. It turns out my fears were well grounded. Aside from the general icy conditions, the real issue came when I fell in line behind 3 other cars a a stop sign. Unfortunately there is a hill on the other side of the stop, and there were cars in all the lanes having trouble.


When it was our turn to try (after waiting forever) we didn't even get up the hill when we started spinning our tires. Long story short, I ended up pulling the car partially off the road; knowing it might get hit, so that I could hike the mile home and decide what to do. Poor Torque had to pee, and I had to get some better clothes on.

The walk home in thin scrub pants, with snow up around my ankles was not the most pleasant experience. I trudged through the heavy snow on the side of the road, and when the road was empty we (there were others doing the same) walked on the road. Thank you Jesus that mom had always taught us to make sure you at least have in your car clothes that would be helpful if your car broke down. That morning I had specifically put a scarf and my heaving gloves in the car...they turned out to be very helpful...



Once I got home I let the dog out, changed into my
snow pants, boots, and head gear, and prepared to trek back the mile to my car. AAA although helpful had a delay until 3am to get someone out to help, I decided to try it myself.

My little backpack had my craftsman flashlight, camera, wallet, and extra scarf. I had Torque's leash in my left hand, and my container of salt in the other. By this point it's almost 10:30.

The hike back while more tiring because I was carrying a load, was at least warmer!


The walk was so pretty. Snow everywhere, and that winter quiet when the world is insulated by the falling flakes. I wish I had had a better camera to capture some of the sights, but oh well - just know it's all in my head!

When we got back to the car most of the chaos had stopped. Most people had just left their vehicles. This was good because I had more space to work. I took me a bit of maneuvering slowly, but I got in a good position at the bottom of the hill and tried. No luck. A guy and his girlfriend were very nice and offered me a ride if I couldn't get up the hill, but I was determined. I will fess up that after about the 20th try I DID say a cuss word...but if it's consolation I hadn't really eaten much since 12 that afternoon, had walked 2 miles, and had worked a 14 hour day. That said my next words were asking Jesus and his angels to please melt the ice enough so I could get up the hill. I backed up pretty far to see if I could get a rolling start, salted in front of the car to try and get some traction, down shifted and started up the hill. The salt was helpful, and I think worth while to keep in the car.

Once I got moving I tried to slowly avoid the major ice patches, and not stop. Foot by blessed foot I crept up the hill. I can not tell you how excited I was! I was a long slippery mile to the neighborhood and the safety of my garage, but I finally made it! It was 11:30.

I was tired, cold, and excited. I had a horrid tension headache, and by legs were red from walking home the first time, but I didn't care. I got Torque some chew stuff me some Ibuprofen, and fell into bed.

Sorry for the long story, but I think it was a good one. It just goes to show, with a little resolve, common sense, and creativity you can break out of the normal box we live in and make hot chocolate out of cocoa.

Vinny - king of the hill

Please bare in mind when judging my appearance that it WAS 24 degrees out, felt like 18, we'd been hiking for over 1.5 hours, my nose would not stop running, and I think my lungs stopped working about an hour earlier. All that said don't you think I look great? Haha. Vinny is one of Julia's dogs, and he loves to jump into my arms. That however, was not good enough today, he wanted top lookout position. It was so hilarious - he sat there for about 5 minutes before deciding to go play with the other dogs.

Guess what!

It's Narnia!! The third movie, and it looks sawsome!! (sweet and awesome). Although I couldn't get the trailer to load on here you should check it out.

Christmas decorating!

Let me add that the tail is a weapon of mass destruction when it comes to Christmas trees...What looks like a serene scene is merely delayed chaos. I hope that all your Christmas decorating is going well, and that you are truely able to enjoy time with friends and family throughout the holidays!

Swiss Family Robinson Reborn!

I'm sure you all remember the famed Robinson family who get shipwrecked on an island, and end up building their own little family house? Thought you'd remember. Anyway, that is our family plan ;-)

Enough land to have fun on, and close enough to enjoy each other's company. We'll let you all visit! Don't worry!! Maybe we'll have a retreat center or something fun - hey we could make Dot and her hubby a recording studio so they can fly people in to make albums. See it's a perfect plan.

On a totally different note I'm letting my obsession with Christmas music out of the closet for another year!! Woot. It's so great...And I am slightly embarrassed to confess that the David Archuleta Christmas album is my favorite right now. Really though, he has a great voice at least. It's okay, you can mock me. Hehe!

On a third and fourth note, I am sitting here with cotton in my ear because I think I have an ear infection which I am wondering if ruptured my ear drum. The NP that I went a saw though was a waste of space. She was so short and then just said she couldn't even see my eardrum or anything. At least she gave me drops, so we're treating me like I have an infection. Unfortunately the whole left side of my face and into my neck hurts. Oh well!! The fourth note is that I'm going to my first yoga class with Julia this morning!! Woot! I have a love of yoga now, and I can't wait to take a class. We'll see if my head feels like exploding with my ear. I'll just have to do some modifications until I get better.

Okay, more updates later!!

NEW E*TRADE Baby -- Solitary

Can I just say HILLARIOUS!! I also thought that since Torque could be the dog in question here that it was the perfect post for me. I hope you enjoy it!

I needed a laugh as I'm getting ready for the work weekend. It was gorgous outside today, so Julia and I took the dogs on our normal 6 mile hike, and then I hung with the pup on the porch in the sun for awhile too. I supposedly was into the 80s, but mainly it was just so nice and not humid. It's weather like this that tricks people into living here!! Lies, lies, all lies. Just wait till summer and you fry your toes off...not so fun eh? ;p

I'm backkkkkkkkkkkkk

So, yeah...The new blog was not such a hit. I'm not sure why everyone raves about it, but I'm back on here. I missed the flexibility of it.

Anyways, things have stayed busy for those of you who didn't even bother to check the other site ;-).

DOT's wedding was amazing, and it took me about a week of sleep to recover! Hehe. Torque is growing like a weed!! We were about 92lbs at the last vet check. He isn't really growing tall as much as filling out. He is having some skin issues, that has him on antibiotics, Benadryl, and a medicated shampoo. We'll see if all that fixes things, or if he gets checked for allergies which I hope it's not!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I'll have to take some fun pictures to share with you guys. Everyone is excited to see Torque...I'm just hoping I survive taking the Beast among all the excitement. It's kinda like taking a toddler to Disney World, sometimes although it seems like a good idea it's more a hassle as they scream, cry, and throw fits. I'll let you know how that goes.

The house is back to being quiet with both of the girls gone now. It's a bit sad, but I'm trying to make the best out of it. Sorry for the long post, and I'll be posting on here for now, so YEAH!! I know you're all cheering! Thanks for missing me ;-)

It's been a year

I did a couple of posts today on the "other" blog, if you get a change check them out.

http://ihopgirl.wordpress.com/

That said I finished Marley & Me tonight...an cried for at least an hour. My head hurts so badly right now, I couldn't sleep anyways, so I figured I pop a post on here - it just seemed right. Hard to believe that Labor Day a year ago I took Velvet to the Emergency vet to put her to sleep. Funny, I hadn't thought about that until I was reading. Dang books! Oh for those days of having a nice quiet dog sleeping at your feet, not having to watch like a hawk lest they eat our walls out, and just the ever faithful presence of a long time friend. Not that I don't love Torque, but he isn't my girl...as annoying as she was a times; a prime example was her eating my Victoria Secret underwear I had gotten for Christmas one year. I wanted to kill her...

So much has happened this year, and Torque has kicked my butt. Gack has grown from this tiny little kitten last Spring to a two-hander, and Miss Polly is the older woman who keeps the boys in line. I know I'm being overly sentimental - blame it on the book - but still it is both sad and fun to think back on where we were a year ago.

I hope that you all had wonderful holiday fun, I know the day here was one of the nicest we have had all summer! I hate to leave the day on a sad note, so I won't. Give the people and animals who make your life complete an extra hug if you can, and have wonderful dreams!!!!

Check out the new place!

So, I'm trying out Wordpress as a blog hosting site...Don't worry I'm not deleting this blog or anything, but if you guys don't mind run over there and check it out!!! See how you like it, and let me know! Here's the new address for it.

http://ihopgirl.wordpress.com/

It takes some getting use to, but I think in the long run I'll love it!

Lets see if I can get this video of Torque de-stuffing one of his toys...he had a blast!

Slump of the week music monday!

Light of Day

This was the sky I stepped out to this morning around 6. Wow...I wish I had had a better camera, so I'm sorry guys you'll have to suffer through it.

It really looked more like a sun set! The details on the clouds were incredible! Just thought that I'd share some morning love with you - Tomorrow morning rise and shine early, but the coffee pot on, and just enjoy the warm summer morning sun rise!

We're Signed Up

Well, assuming work will let me have the weekend off Torque and I are all signed up for our very first dog show!! September 18-19th. Woot! I'm slightly nervous because he can be such a butt head, however hopefully we'll just have fun. Torque's cousins will be there too, so we'll have a fun weekend. I'll have to keep you updated!

In other news we speed hiked about 6 miles this morning in an hour and a half. The dogs had a blast, and Julia and I chatted as we walked. I felt slightly wheezy up some of the hills, but we're going again tomorrow, and perhaps it will be better. I'll try to take and post some hike pictures tomorrow!!! Hopefully I'll be getting Torque his hiking pack soon that he can practice with for his hiking title. Fun times!!!!

It's Clifford!

I'm the ant inside...Clifford the big black dog was having fun patroling the dog park to make sure no one messed with him!

Nap time!

Somehow I can't believe that he can curl into the ball he can, but today the baby and I were able to take a nice nap. Slowly the house is coming together - and a nice afternoon laying on the couch was so great, and made me feel like we're actually home.

Pictures!!

First there was this:

The poor pets were stuck in crates all day! There was lots of meowing and barking...

There was lots of sweating...lots...it was gross...


Finally though we were home, a new home. Everyone is settling in, Torque thought he'd show you the best part of the house! Our new LAUNDRY room!!!!

Nacho Cheese Chips

I'm sitting on the ottoman minus it's cushion (that's somewhere in the garage) the wooden slats that form the piece are sticking into my backside; a bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos in between my knees. My laptop rests on a stack of two boxes making it the perfect height from where I'm seated. The only light that is on is the mellow glow from above the oven, the drone of our new drier a calm backdrop to a house finally bedding down for the night. Having yet to find the cord to download pictures from my camera I was going to postpone an update. However, considering the need I have for a quiet moment in time to call my own...I find myself here.

Before I move on to the story of "The Great Move" as I will from here on out refer to August 16th, 2010; I must make one more statement. I'm pretty sure that I don't want to marry a man who cannot lift more than I can. Now I understand this statement has several considerations; such as (enough with the chips - moving onto chocolate teddy grahams) - ahem, where was I? Oh, yes, considerations. Such as marrying a "vertically challenge", wheelchair bound, or elderly man. Each of those candidates for marriage have potential to bring other more valuable assets to the relationship. I would just like to put it out there for all the guys who don't read my blog, that when a girl can carry more than your fair share of a load you should crawl home and consider doing a push up or two...

As for "The Great Move" it was an 18 hour day for me. Tons (literally and figuratively) of lifting, hauling, and coordinating. My sister's poor fiance hurt his neck really badly two days before, and so was sidelined to help hold doors and get the truck loaded efficiently. There was only me and one other guy who could really do a lot of the lifting...needless to say I am SORE, everywhere. We got most everything moved, and by midnight I was finally falling into bed.

I wish I could say I've been lazy-ly ever after, but alas there has been more loading, unloading, unpacking, old house cleaning, errand running, and dog class attending that I have had no time for thinking. I'm hoping the next several days improve.

The dog and cats are adjusting. They had a very long crated moving day too, and have been more than glad to run around. Tonight I took Torque outside to potty, then brought him in his big crate that I set up in my walk-in closet. Was he happy? No. He wanted out, and regressed back to peeing in his crate. I was so upset. That is what lead me to a nice long post, and in that interim the pup has finally fallen asleep in his crate, and I think that it is time I try to get some sleep as well. Thanks for all the well wishes, and prayers!! I hope the next post will have pictures!!!!

New Kid on the Block

So this is the new place! Once we get moved in and settled I'll try to get some cute pictures. Look, we even get a garage, and a fireplace!! I suppose that is some consolation for the whole fact that we have to move. Still in all I'll miss my old stomping ground, and will have to get use to the new locale. I should get back to packing...gah...I did get the linen closet sorted and packed - which is good news. After all "M" day is Monday, so I better get a move (hehe) on!

A little slice of heaven on a shelf

I know that we all have our own definition of heavenly experiences.

I'm pretty sure that I've had several different experience that get that classification, but Sunday night was definitely on of those. Sarah and I found this book store called McKays. OMG! It is wall to wall of used movies, books, etc that people have traded in. You can either bring in a trade that gives you store credit that you can use to get something new, or you can just buy something. Everything is supper cheap, and the variety is awesome! I was transported...I may have to limit myself otherwise I may go overboard. What what a great place - I mean so what you get a book there that you don't end up wanting to read, no problem just bring it back and you get credit to buy a new one!!!! Just saying ;-)

I think we all need those things in life that we can enjoy just for the sake of enjoying them - I hope that you have an experience like that today!

Back home!

Beautiful Heart by Chelsea Lankes

The link that I added is my music Monday song, and it's sung by the daughter of one of my close friends I hope you enjoy it!!

As for everything else - I had a wonderful trip to Michigan, and definitely enjoyed the decreased humidity. Who knows maybe that will be my next local ;-) However, now that I'm home I am so tired, but will be staying busy trying to get moved to our new house. I'll be posting soon - hang with me!!!

Light Up the Sky

I know that it's not Music Monday, but I couldn't resist posting this song I heard on the drive up. It was one of those crank up the radio, roll down the windows, and sing kinda songs!! I'm enjoying some decreased humidity of Michigan, although the mosquitoes are horrid, and has cut down on how much I can let Torque out to play. Poor boy is stuck in his cage a lot, I guess it's still better than the kennel! Things have been good here, although with all the wedding stuff it's definitely crazy. I also went to visit the PICU up here to see what it was like, and that was a fun time. I've decided that Nursing Unions can be awesome! Talk about earning what you should!! Why would anyone work for crappy pay when you can come to places like up here and make almost 40/hr? I'm just saying! ;-) Anyways, I'll try to get some pictures to post, but till then enjoy some music.

Have a Boost!

After the last couple days of house drama, I needed a good musical boost end of the week style. This is a fun upbeat song with some great overlay, that all but SFL will enjoy! ;-) As far as updates go: No house yet, but a couple options may be available; we have to be out of the house by August 26th (it's not worth fighting the landlord over the extra time); I am going on at least part of my vacation; I am checking out other options...I'll keep you updated!!!

My Rant

1. 30 days has never felt so short.

2. I hate the thought of moving into an appartment complex. As in it makes me want to poke my eyes out, and possibly nash my teeth (however you do that).

3. I know in 30 years I'll look back and think how stupid I was to stress about this.

4. I know in 30 seconds I'm going to want to cry, binge on strawberry ice cream, and watch some random chick-flick while ignoring my problems...including my propencity to eat ice cream...

5. There are to many choices in life...

6. I hate making decisions - as in I would rather do anything else.

7. I'm bad about procrastinating.

8. Hmmm is there a good movie on tonight?

9. Who wants sausage, gravy, and biscits?

10. Oh, wait...where was I...oh, yeah procrastinating - it's bad for you - although not as bad as smoking is...just saying...

11. I don't think I even have the energy for 12.

12. Maybe I'll just move to Michigan, or how about move in with the parents? SFL would be excited, then terrified.

Well, I do feel slightly better after that. Thanks for listening.

It has begun...

30 days hath September April May June November..

all the rest have 31

except for February with 28 and leap year which has 29

Ah - the story of my life...As of today we have 30 days to move. Ten days or so of those 30 I was going to spend traveling to see family and SFL/WOT. Personally I'm not a fan of sacrificing my vacation because the house owner has finally after two years got his act together! *sigh*

Where are you going to live you ask? Well, it's like I told Torque this morning as he was whining a throwing a puppy fit. "If you don't hush and lay down for your nap so mommy can look for houses you will be living next to the river in tent city!"

As you can see I was kind of throwing a fit back...c'est la vie (such is life) - mmm and on a side rant, can I just say that French makes no sense!! They are always writing things one way, and saying them another. I mean if you want to add and subtract letters to words when said why not just spell them that way? "Zat es just not don" *Humph*...I'm going to stop now...And go back to house hunting...and/or practicing my tent pitching skills!

P.S. Thanks for listening to my rant!!

Mumumumumusic Monday!

I apologize for the lateness in Music Monday, but I haven't been feeling well today. I started getting a cold yesterday afternoon, and it's just been getting worse today. I took a Benadryl to make sure it wasn't just an allergy issue (not that I normally have allergies), which only made me more tired. I think my trip to the store for some necessities was a blur!! Needless to say though - here is some Schlock for your Monday!

The case of the leg

What might you ask happened to your leg? Good question I would reply! However, I will not be telling you until next Monday. Until that time please feel free to release you inner creative spirit with some guesses as to the origin of my injuries...

On a side note: no comments on my paleness.

Watch out behind!

When my alarm went off at 4:30 this morning I was regretting my decision to hit the barn at 5:30 for a morning ride. On work days I get up about that time, but during the week I at least sleep until 5:30-6. I threw on my riding gear, fed the pup, and loaded us all in the car for the forty minute drive there. I distance I have to drive to get to the farm is the major downside to this whole arrangement, but it's worth it. By the time we got there we watched the sun rise as we tacked up, and enjoyed the feel of earth waking up for the day. I brought Torque along with me, and he and Rocky (Julia's dog) were in puppy heaven. We weren't sure how Torque would do with me being on a horse. He did great!!! He ran right along with us, and played with Rocky. He had to learn that "watch out" means you're in front of me, and I'm going to run you over; while "Ah Ah Ah - Leave it" means you're too close to the back end. He did end up taking a little kick towards the end of our ride, as both dogs were wrestling, and bumped Skipper my horse in the back. Oh well, no broken bones, and he'll learn not to do that again!! ;-)

Overall we had so much fun! I will confess that I rode English this time which is not my strongest seat, and I looked bad. I will be working on it - definitely. My posting with a trot sucks, because I'm use to Western where you sit your trots. I'm also use to having a lot more saddle under me, haha, I guess that means I'll have to strengthen my seat. It's so nice to be back in the saddle!!! Julia decided that when she adopts her Premarin horse (foals born to mares that are bred to harvest their hormones that women take) I'll adopt my mustang, and we'll leave happily ever after.

Anyway here are some pictures, and next time I'll get Julia to get ones of me on Skipper.

Back to Monday

I must say, after horseback riding for an hour and a half my pelvic bones are soreeee. It was worth it though! Aside from being much to hot it was wonderful to ride through the woods. I can't wait until Torque is behaved enough to run along with us, and Julia's dogs.

Otherwise, I am still looking for a new place to live. The current house remains on the market with plenty of views. It's quite frustrating honestly. We found this place so perfectly that to not have that happen again is hard. Trying to make decisions about buying vs. renting, and staying here vs. moving away sometimes seem overwhelming. However, I think that things will work out in time - we'll just have to see where the dice fall! On that note - enjoy music Monday!!

Love me some House

I felt in a music Monday mood!! Enjoy!

Pee-wee

Step 1: Start peeing on freshly vacuumed floor.

Step 2: Walk down the clean floors dribbling as you go. (I swear it looks like artwork)

Step 3: Finally get to were mom finds you and stop to finish out puddle style.

Thank goodness for paper towel and carpet cleaner...Also, thank you God for a voice with which to yell...I really wasn't yelling at him as much as expressing my frustration. If I do say so my self, I handled it well - I didn't freak out on him. I just took him tethered him in the living room so he'd stop walking all over it, and went to clean it up. I swear sometimes he does it on purpose!

Welcome July!

Since I will be working this weekend, and doubt that I'll have time to get on and post, I just wanted to say happy 4th of July!

The weather has taken a wonderful turn with decreased humidity, and highs in the 80s. If July stays like this it will be the most perfect summer month!!!

The 4th is one of my favorite holidays, and once again I'm working it...I've decided not to celebrate holidays haha. Actually I feel like I've worked almost every holiday since I got out of school. Still and all, I've got to love a good patriotic celebration! It's a fun event where you enjoy family, friends, and great out door food. Not to mention war movies galore...I just can't help myself, I'm a sucker for a good John Wayne movie!! Hopefully, although I will be working this weekend you will be having fun, and eating a burger for me.