Back to nature

This morning bright and early at 7am Torque and I met my friend Julia, and we went to the farm where she boards her horse. She usually rides every morning, but I showed up after her ride to let the dogs have some fun! Torque loved running through the meadow with the other dogs, and he got all wet and muddy in the pond. I think that this will turn out to be a great tradition!!! Hey, it might even get me back to riding ;-) I won't protest to that!!

Hope that you're getting out, and enjoying your summer! I'm sure you must be since everyone has been so quiet on here. Enjoy the sun, and get some living done!!

The simple pleasures of summer

Who wants the office?!

I know that you guys are all sick of listening to me trying to find a new place to live, so I wanted to put your mind at ease. I have found the perfect place, and there is even enough room for you all to visit...I might even let WOT and SFL stay on a more permanent basis.

"...real estate website Redfin recently posted a sales listing on Mr. Obama's current residence - the White House...Redfin had the 55,000 square foot presidential estate listed at $10 million and as being "For Sale by Owner." I actually find this enormously hilarious. Who actually owns the White House, but the American people who technically could sell the house if they wanted to not to mention find a new occupant, which is what part of Redfin's statement insinuated..."Its description adds this: "Not for sale in a strict sense but available for the right person every 4 years with the proper combination of credit, charisma and drive. Special consideration given to applicants with an Electoral College rating of 270 or better." Hahahahahahahaaaa

This news story really made my morning...that and the fact that the story was followed by a story of the President visiting the gulf oil spill, and that he would be returning home (i.e. to the White House) later today. I guess that he'll only return if the property hasn't sold...I wonder if he'd be game for a house trade like in that movie The Holiday? Just wondering!!

Poo

I wish I could say that I had been so swamped that I couldn't post, but that wouldn't exactly be the truth. Granted I have been plenty busy, however the main excuse has been sheer laziness.

I've hit up the dog park almost every morning again this week it's been great! Today after the dog park I've run to the grocery, gassed up the car, and cleaned the house before WOT gets here. The realtor wants to show the house, which at least she wants to do before I am busy this afternoon. My friend Lori is also dropping her old Lab Charlie (the girl) here for the weekend, so as you can tell this weekend is going to fly by!

Since I can't manage to do much else I'll post another picture of the monster!! He is 38.5lbs and will be 16 weeks old this next week - Happy birthday Torque!!!

Learning the ropes

Ah - Life at the dog park!

Oh hey lets play!

I'll get you!!!

Haha, Rocky is so tall he just jumped over Torque.

Nice block Rocky!!

Mom - I made it home!!

Summer time!

Well this week has flown by! I forgot to mention; mainly because I forgot it was happening, that my sister's fiance's sister (that wasn't confusing now was it) Sarah was coming to live with us for at least a couple weeks if not until August. She is great, and so far so good, but still it has been strange having another person in the house especially one who is home a lot more often than the sis has been. It is all getting evened out though.

The puppy keeps getting bigger by the second, and I wish he would sleep more. One of the girls from work who has been going to the dog park in the mornings with me agreed after she saw him play for about 2 hours and still wasn't tired enough to nap...She said "most 14week puppies still sleep a lot, even in the dog park they usually conk out after awhile" - yeah, no, not my beast haha. He still goes to town. At least she commiserated with me, and how I'm tired because he never is!! Along with the fact that an awake puppy usually equals a puppy getting into trouble.

On another note our house's owner is still trying to sell the property. I still think he is asking to much for it, but we'll see. The realtor is going to try to find an investor who would let us stay in the house, which would be awesome!! Pray that we get a great landlord!

Well, tonight is puppy class night, and the rest of my day is filling up. Right now though I'm sitting here enjoying a sunrise and savoring my coffee...Mmmm life is a-okay...;-)

Music Monday!

I know this is a late posting, but I was having some computer issues earlier in the day. I hope that you all had a fun and sunny Memorial Day!!

This is my 13 week old boy, and he is getting so big! He was 30.5lbs the last vet visit, and they say that he can grow as much as a pound a day - talk about growth spurts!!!! Anyway, thought you might all like an update!

Since it's been awhile...

I know that we haven't had Music Monday in quite awhile - sorry about that...it goes along with the whole "my life is crazy right now" deal. That said - Sis and I saw the new Robin hood last night and thought it was awesome, and warranted a Music -ah- Wednesday.

P.S. movie theaters should be jailed for the ticket prices...I'm just saying...I'm going to open my own theater and I would guarantee that if prices were lower more people would come i.e. you would sell more tickets and ultimately make more money - also people might actually buy snacks...but then again no one asks me.

Starting to settle out

At least we're getting into a routine -

4:45 am - rise and shine

4:50 am - stumble out the door to let Torque potty

The next several hours are spent getting us both some breakfast, playing with toys, and hitting up a good walk.

Somewhere between 8 and 9 am the pup will get atrociously grouchy and need a good 1-2 nap where I usually read or nap too.

The afternoon is a bit of a rinse and repeat with bathroom breaks every 4 hours at least. And another nap in there.

Whew. I mean I feel like I'm always tired, even though I'm hitting the sack by 10pm at the latest!! I'm telling you - after this kids would be easy ;p I have a little more experience with kids anyway, puppies are more challenging.

Anyway, I hope that explains my absent blogging. I really want to, but my time is less, and my energy is low ;p.

The Rubber Meets the Road

Let me just say that I'm so glad Monday is here! Work was really good this weekend, albeit exhausting, and the puppy left me poopy messes in his cage twice. Today has started well though, and I've buckled down with the puppy's crate time. I had just been letting the puppy nap whenever he felt like it, but he wasn't sleeping that much, and he was just getting into trouble. That said I've been giving him two hour crate times every couple of hours. It's so nice to feel like I get my time, he isn't grouchy, and there have been no messes in the house yet. Woot!! I'm just saying - enjoy the small victories! He also starts puppy classes Wednesday which will be amazing! It will be so nice to let him socialize, learn, and burn some energy.

I would write more, but I'm so tired - so while the puppy naps so will I!!!!!!

Music Monday Returns!

I know that you've all been dying for another Music Monday seeing as I haven't posted one with the whole "trapped in Europe story". Anyways, I know this isn't exactly my normal post, but considering the circumstance I think it's a good one!!

NOTE: Quotes are from an article entitled "We Are Nashville" by Patten Fuqua. To read the complete article, you can visit www.section303.com (Note- I have no affiliation with that site, nor do I know the author personally).

Nap Time

I am forcing myself to sit down and write some on the trip, because with the puppy craziness I'm never going to have time to. The fur baby is napping on the couch beside me, so I'll try to put some down. ;-)

Maybe I'll just start with a list!

My favorite things:

1) Food!! Their bread is of course amazing...

2) I think all the walking was a love/hate relationship - but it was nice to get a good workout every day.

3) How great we all got along - I couldn't have asked for a better group of girls to go with.

4) Getting to see all the beautiful scenery. I think Ireland was the most pretty country, but England and Scotland had more quaint houses and streets.

5) Getting asked to present the eurcerest (?spelling) at the Irish Catholic church we attended Sunday...we tried to explain that not only were we in jeans, but we weren't Catholic, and had no idea what to do.

6) The memory of almost missing our train from London to King's Lynn. At the time it was stressful, but once we were on board it was hilarious. I think people might have been worried that I was going to die after running so far, I was huffing and puffing worse than the Big Bad Wolf.

7) Meeting Flo's friends Rebecka and Sarah, and eating dinner with their Aunt Sarah and her husband Miles.

8) Watching some strange European telle

My Least Favorite:

1) Walking for miles on uneven cobblestone roads...talk about an ankle workout.

2) Almost 16 days in hostels - the last 3 nights we were in Ireland we broke down and stayed at a hotel so we could have our own bathroom.

3) Public transportation was also a love/hate relationship - sometimes is was obnoxious, other times it was helpful.

4) Having to take two buses and a ferry to Dublin (mainly because its a motion sickness nightmare).

5) Not having easy phone or Internet access.

6) A giant ash cloud making me use my vacation days

7) The horrid exchange rate, and how expensive everything is.

Yeah for some great times - at least the list is a start. There was so much we saw and experienced that it's hard to write it all down!

Good Morning World!

Last night the city had so much rain that there were records broken; like the 13.79 inches of rain that fell, and the height of one of the main rivers at 50.1 feet. The ER and basement of the hospital flooded while I was a work, and everyone was worried about their families and homes. Fortunately our house didn't flood, but there was a woman in our neighborhood who was trapped by water in her house had to deliver her baby there, and was rescued by canoe! Needless to say I was so glad to make it home safely - and the puppy was happy too. Sis has been keeping him well occupied, but he's always excited when someone comes in the door. This morning's picture is so him. He grabbed his soft ball toy took it to the front door, and plopped down with his feet hanging off. He loves to lay like that, and is always stretching on his belly. Potty training is going well, and hopefully we'll start working on peeing outside and not on the paper now that he's had his shots. He is full of energy, and is so strong that his puppy biting is very painful. He doesn't realize how strong he is, and being only 9 weeks old he is just a 30lb infant. I'm hoping that this week is relaxed so that I can settle in with him, and avoid an further natural disasters!! Happy Monday!

Torque's first day home

OMG....

Can I just say that I feel like I have Jet Lag x10? Not only is my body a little thrown off schedule, but the puppy woke me up about every 3 hours last night. That said I woke up with a nasty neck related migraine, and spent the first several hours of the morning throwing up while Torque whined from his kennel. I finally made it to the chiropractor which helped, but I'm still tired, and I can feel the tightness in my neck. I just hope that work this weekend is okay, and that Torque survives. Fortunately right now I'm sitting on the couch with Torque laying belly up next to me. After his immunizations this morning I think he is poop tired poor boy. Maybe I can catch some zzzzs with him too...well I'll post later, I'm off to attempt a nap!

Home again, home again!

After 16 days, and I don't even know how many hours we arrived home to the USA. I'm a bit tired, and I woke up this morning at 2am with my jet lag catching up with me since my body has been 6 hours ahead for the last two weeks. I am sorting through pictures, and spent all this morning running errands. I have to go get Torque this afternoon, WOOOT! So, things haven't stopped since my feet hit the ground. Hopefully soon I'll go through our whole trip on here, posting pictures, and talking about all that we saw and did. I can't wait for you guys to get to see some of what we did. It's so good to be home!!! When the Immigration officer stamped my passport and said "welcome home" yesterday as we went through customs I could have hugged him and cried...hahaha which on a second thought may have gotten me arrested...It was just so nice to be back to some normalcy. I promise I'll post more later!

Good news...and bad news

We'll first off there is some good news on the whole "escape from Dublin" project. We had to be at the American Airline's ticket counter at the airport this morning by 7:30 to check on our flight now that the skies have opened for flights.

Bad news. We only got it moved from the 29th to the 27th...so it's a good thing that the four of us girls like traveling with each other because we're stuck for another week. The other bad thing is that it is so expensive to travel here. It is worse in Ireland than it was in England or Scotland where the pound is currency. It's somewhere like 2-3 US dollars for 1 euro. For anyone not sure - that is a horrid rate...

Over all we're having fun though, and staying safe. I have a new and wonderful love/hate relationship with Europe, and many things about it I'll miss. However, I can't wait to be home! I can't wait to talk on the phone to my family, go to the grocery store and not have to pay for bags, take a shower and not have to pay for a towel, eat dinner for under 12 dollars, and sleep in my own bed. Sigh. It will be wonderful!

Until later - keep me in your prayers as I continue the journey home to the USA ;-)

Stuck in the UK

I finally got a minute to pop on here and update.

So when we left for London little did we know that this giant volcano was going to start erupting ash into the sky, which in turn would leave the skies over the UK strangely void of puffy white jet trails. The airports look like grave yards, with the scattered people still turning up to check on flights while most have relinquished the wait to more permanent accommodations. Crazy I know! God has watch over us though! Since we were here before the eruption started most of our trip has been unaffected by it all. This last part however has been a bit difficult, and yet we have always had the right person to help us at the right time - its really been awesome - thank you for your prayers!!

I don't think I could possibly do justice to all we've seen and done (I'll try to post pictures if we ever get back). It's been amazing! We have all gotten along, had fun, and seen so much. There definitely is a bit of a dark feeling here in general, but I still really love it, and my friend Stacey who is on the trip too have joked that we'll just move here. I know right - nutts ;-).

Mmm, we did get the chance to try some Haggis and Black Pudding, but I couldn't do it. The girls said the pudding was gross, but the haggis wasn't bad. I'll leave you all to look and see what they are if you don't know.....I've tried other stuff though, and I've drank enough tea and coffee to float me home! ;-)

Anyways, more later - enjoy the update - sorry no music for tomorrow! Instead leave me notes!!!! Love and miss you all!!!

Music Monday - See you in ten days!

I found some music that I think SFL won't stick in the Shlock category, but then again he always surprises me. I wanted to get in at least one Music Monday since I will miss it next week. When I get back though I will have to put a bunch of pictures up!! We leave this morning for Europe - I have that mix of nervous excitement. I'm all packed though, and I weighed my pack and it's only 10lbs, so I think we're good!! We can only carry 15kg on the Scotland to Ireland flight, so we had to keep on the light end of things. Stacey said that it's suppose to be 40-50 degrees out, but I hope she told me in Fahrenheit haha. I'll give the full update when we get back on the 21st. I hope that you all have a great week, and enjoy Music Monday!!!

Welcome to the family

Today I got to go pick my puppy!!! This will be Leo/Torque - and he is/was the yellow puppy in the litter. He is a super sweet boy, and I got to hang with all the boys and Molly the breeder for about two hours. We played and Molly and I talked over all things dogs and showing. I can't wait, and in about three weeks we'll have a new family member!

Celery Ice!

It only took Kristin and I about 2 hours to get the entire dining room painted, and I don't think that it's going to take another coat. Now I'm going to start decorating. I've already got some pictures hung today, which amazingly makes it feel so much more like my house. I love it!!!! I also got some pumpkin spice color (a dark orange) to try out on the book shelves.

The pale green we put on the walls really open up the space and just brings so much brightness in. I really want to copy-cat a picture display idea from my friend Flo. She got an old abandoned window with peeling white paint, and centered pictures in each pane of glass. It looked so neat, and I need something big in the living room on the back wall. I think it could be great with some flower close ups that I've done, and then change it out each season....now to find an old window...unfortunately I'd be arrested for taking a window out of an occupied house, darn...

I need to get packing, and print out all my documents and conformations. It's hard to believe that Monday is around the corner!!!! I get to see the puppies tomorrow, and then I'll work Friday and Saturday. I got off Sunday so I had a little extra time. Hopefully I'll know what puppy I'm getting, have all my stuff packed, and be ready to go by Monday.

I wanted to get all my flowers for outside, but with the heat I was afraid that 10 days would kill them if they didn't get water while I was on my trip. Sis isn't the best about keeping up with stuff like that - heck I'm just hoping she'll remember to feed the cats ;-).

Mmm did I tell you guys that they took the for sale sign down for the house? I know right - so exciting!! Maybe I'll at least get another year or two out of the lease. Anyways I'm sorry I've been a little scattered today. I need to stop procrastinating!!! Okay - more later!

Back to Music Monday!

I know this is a bit cliche, but it's a beautiful day, and I wanted a fun and sunny song! If you think about it, the song is a great reminder. I love the part where the lyrics talk about seizing the day because tomorrow things might not be the same. How true is that! Every action has an equal or greater reaction, so why not make an action in someone else's life even if it's a simple as letting them over on the highway. I hope that your Monday is amazing, and you make waves around you ;-).

P.S. If I get more puppy pictures, I'll post them later today!!

It's My Birthday! April Fools!!

No really.

I do turn a quarter of a century old today...

I couldn't have asked for a nicer birthday! Today it's suppose to be 80 degrees outside, and I'm having breakfast with my sis and her friend then lunch in the park with one of the girls I work with. All in all I think it should be a very fun day! There are almost to many people wanting to do stuff with me. If only they wanted to do things on days that I'm bored! ;-)

It is really strange to look back at this year. I can't really believe that its been that long already, I kind of feel like it flew by!! Last year I had just been through the worst winter ever, and was truly hoping that Spring would make a difference. Standing on this end of things now, I am just glad to be alive, well, and finally a little more sane! This year is going to bring so many family weddings, and with the puppy I know that the summer and Fall are going to fly by.

I don't know about you but every year for my birthday I always like to jot down thoughts about the past year, and look ahead to the next. I guess by now it's just a habit. I see birthdays a little like the pillars of stone that in old times were erected to commemorate something important. (I'm sure SFL will make something with this analogy...)

On a slightly different note, I always liked how close my birthday was to Easter. Although I pretty much love all the holidays, Easter is something special. I love how the earth is coming alive! The grass is growing and green again; flowers and trees are blooming, and their smell is amazing; birds are back and singing in full force. Everything about Spring screams rebirth and new starts. I think that while Christmas is full of joy and wonder as Jesus came to live among us, there is such a growth and maturity of love that is expressed at the cross. Not that God's love somehow changed, but more so how the expression of that love was displayed. Easter is about the ultimate sacrifice of that love in death. That then destroyed the chains that held us. Over the years there have been so many analogies relating to this. You see it in books, movies, and songs. The idea that there is an unexpected love so strong and powerful that it not only looks past our failings and weaknesses, but that is wipes them away, and we find who we were meant to be. A love that shouldn't exist, a love that is not even separated by death. It's the stuff stories are made of - it is the ultimate story. It is what we are all looking for, and can't find in anything or anyone. There is a reason that Jesus describes himself as the Bridegroom, if only we realized that more.

Okay, enough of my babble! ;-) Thank you again guys for loving me, and reading my wacky blog!! I love you all! I hope that you enjoy the 1st of April, and can enjoy the wonderful Easter Weekend ahead.

P.S. Enjoy the baby pictures I included!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

What a wonderful day!!! I've been sitting on the front porch in the rocking chair in the sun; rocking and reading, and listening to some music from my open window. The trees are all starting to bloom, and daffodils are in full stride. I guess that is sucks if you have allergies, but lucky for me I can sniff pollen all day ;-).

So, I think that I've decided to stick around with this house for a little, but take on some redecorating. I'm so tired of plain white walls, and no decor, so I'm taking it my own hands! Hopefully some of the painting will start next week!! I want to get at least a little bit done before I leave for my trip, and before the dog comes home.

Ah - so much to do, so little time! I love the spring!!

Monday Night Party Music!

I know SFL that this is shlock, but oh well!! ;-) Sorry that this is so late, but I've been out and about all day - so I'll post something more exciting and interesting tomorrow!!

Only 4 more weeks!

Can you believe that its almost time for our England trip?? I can hardly believe that its also about 4-5 weeks away till the puppy comes home! ;-) Hope you like the pictures!

Rainy Monday

We need a funny video this week. Work was rough and sober over the weekend, so I'm all for something entertaining!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJulhGUh8vU&feature=related

Music Monday - Kick it up ;-)

So, I'm going to save my Easter Music Monday songs until it gets a little closer. I know that SFL will think this song is schlock, but I like it, and I think that the band has a great sound...personally the version I posted on here is different than the link, because WOT and SFL need the lyrics. ;-)

I am going into work every morning this week to do some education stuff, which is great for some extra pay and extra experiences. While we've been making some changes in practice at work I have been reminded about how so often we have a conscientious choice regarding our attitude. Whether you have to learn something new, change something old, or just give something up altogether the concept stays the same. You can choose to have a good attitude about it (whether or not you agree - and it doesn't mean you can't express your opinion), or you can walk around complaining, and tearing others down. Just because I'm at work and not in church doesn't mean that I'm "off duty", and can act any way I want to. Unfortunately, too many people don't make great choices...I'd like to think that through it all not only will I be a happier healthier person, but that I will also have influenced others for the better. */e gets off soap box now.....

Anyways...back to the whole having to get up early...I do know that not getting to sleep past 6am for like eight days is making me slightly sad....its okay, I know I'm shallow. All that said; I neeeeeeed to clean my house today, and then I have a dinner date with the sis which should be fun!

I hope that your Monday is fabulous!!!

P.S. I love the little ah...comments in the previous post...all I can say is WOW, someone has watched a little too much Star Trek and not enough Sesame Street.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueP05bkWVvQ&feature=related

Personalities emerge!

Dingle

Last night we had a great trip planning/dinner making shindig. I think that we use our get together every week as more of an excuse to hang out, although we do get a lot of planning done!

Last night we planned out Ireland portion of the trip. We're going to see this giant historic jail...excuse me...Gaol in Dublin before driving about 4 hours to the West coast town of Dingle. Haha, we really know how to pick 'em. I think it's going to be a blast. We are hoping to stay at this cute B&B, roam the Irish hills, and even see the town's famous dolphin Fungie. How fun!!!

Today I'm meeting one of the girls to look for a hiking backpack for the trip since we're packing light. I need to clean the house some too, and decide whats for dinner! Haha, oh the boring side of life ;-)

Mu, mu, music Monday!

Hows your Monday going? It's gorgeous here, and I'm enjoying hanging out before I leave for physical therapy. I thought we needed some great "roll your windows down" music, and because I'm a wonderful daughter I even got the version with lyrics for the parental guidances!!

Hopefully later today or tomorrow I'll have another puppy picture to post - The breeder will be out of the country till the 26th; with her friend staying with the puppies, so I don't know when the next batch of pictures will be after tonight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pZ437FddH8&feature=related

Tag 'em

So, I found this super cute site off Pioneer Woman, and think that eventually I should get Torque a tag of his own. I haven't decided what it should say, but oh how cute!!!

http://www.fetchingtags.net/product/super.html

One of my girl-friends is getting a puppy in two weeks, and she was all stoked about our dogs being playmates till I reminded her that she's getting a Westie, and my dog will be double her size by the time he's 12 weeks old...hahaha he's like the hulk!

I hope that this weekend will be a great work weekend...maybe a little less physically intensive than last weekend...;-)

Week two and they are growing!

And we have a tank!! Hehe, I don't think this little bugger has missed many meals in a week! Just keeping you guys updated on the cuteness.

My toes...

Today has been a busy day! That said I skipped out on painting class; I just didn't want to deal with the weird guy in class, and I wanted to go home curl on the couch and eat sugar loaded foods. I ran around all this morning with the sister for her school stuff, and then we had a nice little girls date with some coffee and nail polish. She and I try to hit up this little nail salon every couple of months on a girls date. Victor who owns the shop is this little Asian man, and is the nicest guy ever. We talk to him about his kids, and the weather, etc while enjoying some toe TLC.

I'm dying to see a new batch of puppy pictures as they are growing, but she hasn't taken anymore...so we have to wait!

I hope that your weeks are going well!!!! Just think the weekend will be here before you know it ;-)

Rockin' Music Monday!

Mmm, so I didn't even clock out of work last night until 20:30, or in really people time 8:30pm. *Sigh* One of my kiddos decided to flip out for about, which was what she'd been doing all day while I begged the resident for more sedation medication. I swear I would have been dead with as much sedation as I was giving this 4 year-old, while it didn't even effect her - I was still having to lay on her to keep her from pulling out her tubes. I work with Wilda beasts....

Needless to say, my weeks seem to get more packed! I have a meeting at work this morning about a precepting new nurses; then on to a Physical Therapy appointment; then helping poor sis to study for a crazy pop exam tomorrow; and finally book club at 6:30. Whew, I'm tired just looking at my day! ;-) On that note, I think we need a good peppy Music Monday to get our juices a flowin' and our energy a risin'!!!!

I hope that all your crazy lives go well today! It's a brand new week, with tons to do, and fun to be had!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FK6WRwxCsas&feature=related

Scotland

It's hard to believe that our Scotland trip is right around the corner!!! Last night we had a fun dinner/planning session with the girls and nailed down a bunch of other trip details. There is so much to be sorted, because we are going to a lot of places! We will get to see London, and the out skirts; Edinburgh and some cute towns around, maybe even to the east coast to see the ocean; Dublin, and driving all around Ireland, before we leave for home. There are castles, gardens, tours, hostels, etc all on our agenda.

I think that its going to be a blast once everything is planned. Fortunately we have all the plane and train tickets bought, as well as our British Heritage Passes which we are using to let us see tons off sites in Edinburgh (I know its still part of the British Pass). We still need to plan the Ireland part, so that gives us an excuse to have another shindig!

I'll keep you updated on some of the fun, and when I get back there will be pictures!!!

As soon as I get home I'll be getting Torque the puppy (I think his names going to be something along the lines of Leo's Measure of Torque - we'll see). So much to do, so little time! Really its more like, so much money to spend, so many shifts I should pick up ;-) hehehe...

Puppies have arrived!

I got the call last night that the puppies were born, and are doing great! There were 4 boys and 2 girls; I'll have the first pick of boys. This picture is one of the boys, but of course I have no idea who will be mine yet. I'll definately put more pictures up here as Molly sends them to me! Time to break out the training books again...its been about 13 years since Velvet was a puppy, hehe I need to brush up!!!

Music, music Monday!

I do hope that you Monday has gone well for you, and since it is such a fabulous day I'll include another picture from our vacation trip!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi5fPmINzAM&feature=related

This song seemed appropriate seeing as this is my puppy's birthday! I know that is a slight stretch to the song's intended meaning ;-), but still and all - it is rather perfect.

Snow!

It's been flurrying since yesterday, and I love it! Now I'm sure everyone in DC would not agree, but I'd take it all.

I should be running off to do laundry, or cleaning my kitchen...but my ovaries hurt, and so I'm going to sit on my couch and watch a movie before I have to go to work for a meeting prior to painting class.

FYI - puppies should be here next week!! I know you're all excited ;-) I'll post some pictures when Molly the breeder sends me some. Till then here is another pic from our trip!

For the poor guys who lived through Valentines Day

Music Monday is more like Comedy Monday today! I got to work yesterday, and then went and hung with some of my girl friends afterwards. All and all a nice way to pass the most nauseating day of the year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_K4mAD8xnc&feature=player_embedded

New Mexico or Bust!

Sorry gang, I know you were all so sad that I missed Music Monday this week (;p), but I've been on vacation with the family!! We had a blast, and now I need to sort through the 500+ pictures that I took...That won't all happen until after I finish working this weekend, yawn - I'm tired already.

I did have a bit of a cold this week, but thankfully it wasn't too bad, and the snot has slowwwwed down!

Okay, time for a little chilling before bed!

I finally found a song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzV_O927Vi0&feature=related

Hope you enjoy!!! I love this song - good times!

In the Olympic spirit

Well, I was going to try to find a fun song about the Olympics seeing as they are right around the corner, but...there were none! So, I found this video that was funny, and might brighten your Monday!!!

The next few days for me will be a zoo!! I have physical therapy appointments, meetings, book club, packing for New Mexico, running to Walmart, meeting with the girls about the Scotland trip, painting class, and a Groundhog Day party!! All before I leave for vacation on Wednesday!

I'll have to take some great pictures of vacation!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydZ9jJ4X8I4&feature=rec-LGOUT-exp_stronger_r2-2r-1-HM

Ultrasound Day!!

I almost forgot - but today we find out if Niblet is pregnant! Hopefully we'll have some great puppies waiting to be born in March!! I'll let everyone know when Molly emails me.

Haha, oh one of my friends at work said I should name him "Little Dipper" to keep with the constellation theme. That would be hilarious to have a 130lb dog named Little Dipper...I'm just saying!

Late Music Monday, and Vacation News!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8

Hope you liked the clip - it made me chuckle!! I know that its late, but yesterday I had classes at work allllllll day. I got home around 10:30pm, and went to bed.

As for vacation - I have my dates off work for the vacation!! We're going to go to England, Scotland, and Ireland hopefully the second week of April for 10 whole days! It should be a blast!! I'm going with three other girls from work who I hang out with. My only concern, hehe one of the girls is going to get us a cheap ticket, because her dad works for the airline. However, the catch is that those tickets would be standby seats...which means that we wouldn't have confirmed seats. Now I think I'd be a little more okay with that if it was just me or even just two of us going. I just think it might be a little unlikely that all four of us will get on all the flights together. Hmm, maybe that is part of the adventure and I should roll with it. Maybe we'll just go two and two hoping for the best. I'll let you know!! It's going to be a crazy trip!

I'll have to update you after my first watercolor class today!

Normal?

Well, my neck is "normal". I think I'm slightly disappointed that there wasn't something visibly wrong, that gave me a reason for the issues. However, I guess on the same note it is great that I don't have arthritis or something else going on. So, we're going to try some physical therapy to strengthen my neck so I don't have to spend my life and life savings at the chiropractor and massage therapists.

I went this morning and got all signed up for my first ever watercolor painting class!! I'm excited! It's every week on Tuesday, and it starts super basic. I'm hoping that there are classes every semester, because I also would love to take the book making class. There are all sorts of options, and I'll keep you filled in!!

Thunderstorms

If only it was a touch warmer! I'd be sitting outside enjoying the thunder and rain, but it is still a little on the cold side. Instead, I'm sitting on the couch talking to you.

So I gave my sister's boy a painting of waves like he'd asked me to make for him, and if I do say so myself it was awesome for my first wave attempt. However, haha he wants another one that "isn't as bright". He wants a sepia colored wave painting. Now...I told him that brown waves will be ubber hard to accomplish, and I'm not even sure how I'm going to do it - actually it might end up looking like there was a code brown as SFL likes to call it. I'll have to keep you updated!!

On a new note, I went to the Dr. today about my neck issues - mainly because poor little SFL doesn't ask for much, but he did ask for this...soooo fineeeee. Now I think my Dr. is awesome and he listened to me, and was very sincere. Being in the medical field though, I know he must have been thinking "she is retarded". I did get some x-rays done though, and I'm very curious to hear how they looked tomorrow. He wanted to see if I had some arthritis, etc going on.

Oh!! Guess what! I'm loving me some day shift - and this weekend will be my first full weekend. Earlier last week I worked last Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday then I turned around and worked Sunday day shift. Ah, but now its onto something new!

Delay to Music Monday

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M405DDtLLqQ&feature=player_embedded

I just got back from an awesome day in the mountains, where we went Go-Karting, Miniature Golfing, and Jamming in the car with the music blaring. I had to celebrate my final transition to day shift weekends - I mean come on now I get to be a normal person!! WOOT! ;-) To further that celebration I'm going to sit back watch a movie with a giant plate of lasagna and a glass of apple strawberry wine.

Poor SFL

Little SLF is sick with a cold. He would appreciate extra doses of love and affection during his illness. ;-) He'll thank me later.

Since he complained so much about the new music Monday song version, I thought that I'd post the original for him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZGMVKaLLOI&feature=related

Mmm, I'm starting to try and get packed for my vacation trip with the parental guidance's in a couple weeks, and due to the rock hunting nature of the trip I got some heavy duty clothes. My new awesomeness overalls dooooo make me look slightly like an abominable snowman as WOT describes it. However, it does give me permission to wear overalls!!! WOOT! I'm just saying - I'm hoping for an ice age so I can wear my overalls all the time...;-)

Music Kung Fu Monday!!

I wanted a little more video from the Kung Fu Panda movie, which is super cute, but this clip was the best I found. Enjoy!!! I hope that your Monday is awesome!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EV6ZxdpdPjM

The Final Countdown!

Two more weeks till night shift is over! Can I hear an amen? WOOT! Yup, in a couple weeks I start weekend day shift, and my body is excited.

I'm actually starting again to look for a new house...gahhhhhhhh. I'm not very excited about it, but it doesn't hurt to look. I do have to remember too that by the Fall I'll not longer have a roomie at all, seeing as we're marrying off DOT. We'll see, I'll keep you updated.

Yesterday I went for a walk...and slightly regreted it. It's been in the teens for temperature, and with my cold I've been cooped up in the house for over a week. Sooooo, I went for a walk. I needed some air!! All bundled up I felt like a mummy, but by the time I got back to the house my legs were on fire, and I couldn't feel my cheeks or nose. Haha, sad times! Actually, I love it being this cold I just wish I had a fire place, and we had snow!!!!!

Okay, off to a 4 hour work in service about some new cardiac support for heart transplant patients, and also on infection prevention....Time to actually get dressed!!

Music Monday!!

Rise and shine all my little bloggers! It is a freezing morning I know, so I thought I would find you something to warm you up. If you get to spend the morning curled up on the couch then here is a great music video clip.

My cold is still sticking around, but only two more weeks of night shift!!!! I've continued to break out the paints, although I've left oils be for the time being because clean up is so hard. I did get some actual canvas board, and it is so much nicer to paint on! Unfortunately, its more expensive than watercolor paper - therefore, the majority of my doodling happens on paper. I do take suggestions for material ;-).

Well, good morning all my little peeps!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNmTO9t8Boo&feature=PlayList&p=870A43F8D0D942C8&index=23&playnext=2&playnext_from=PL

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CedfyT8oNI

Ring Time

Don't get the wrong idea here, there is no such ring anywhere near my hand. However, DOT has got herself a nice new shiny. I guess that means I will have to dust off my social skills, dancing skills, and crowd moderator skills. I'll let you know how it goes....

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?