New Post, Just 'Cause

As I have complained many times before, my blog comes up as my homepage and mocks me when I don't update. Well, I was reluctant to update not get to see my pup every morning there, and yet it was hard. So...I'm updating. It's time.

Besides, I am leaving for Vegas tomorrow morning (for a whole freaking week!!!), so I am feeling giddy. :)

Here's an easy post I stole from my sister's blog:

The Aging Meme: All you have to do is either finish the sentence or fill in the blanks...

At a certain age women should: be financially independent.

At a certain age men should: realize that they aren't automatically "way sicker" than their spouse.

When I was a kid I thought I would: be a lawyer.

Now that I am older I wish: I had realized how much being a lawyer sucks. lol

You know you are too old to party when: a single drink gives you a hangover, and 10 pm is "late."

You know you are too young to retire when: you are still paying off your student loans.

When I was in high school I listened to the music of: New Kids on the Block

Nowadays I find I like the music of: NKOTB (okay, not really).

On my last birthday I: got to take my secretary out to lunch. ha

On my next birthday I want to: have a spa day.

The best birthday present I ever got was: definitely not the printer D got me in '04.

The first time I felt grown up was: (I'll let you know when I feel it.)

The last time I felt like a kid was: so long ago, I can't remember it!

When I read A Prayer for Owen Meany it changed my life.

Last year (2007) was: a difficult, but fulfilling year. I can't wait for 2008 to be over in the hopes that 2009 is better.

Next year I hope: to have my cc debt paid off and feel some financial security.

Oh God, please give him back, I shall keep asking you



That is the last sentence of my favorite book, A Prayer for Owen Meany. I thought it fitting as the title of my latest blog entry, as the past four days have been a blur of crying, "what-if"ing, and praying. At this point in my convoluted mind, I don't even know that/if I believe that my prayers are being heard. But I do know that I will always wish I had my little pup back with me.

Rest in peace, baby dog, and know that you were loved as much or more than any dog that ever lived.

My heart is breaking

I think we are going to have to put Doc down. I have been fighting it; I have been in denial, I think. Having tried to kill the neighbors' dog twice, being unpredictable on the leash and around Rowan...I just don't know what to do. Sunday night D had me convinced it was the best thing. As of Monday morning, waking up (from very little sleep) with his little warm body laying up against me, it didn't seem right at all. I've been trying to convince everyone that I could just walk him, and that he would become a better dog. I don't even know what to think anymore. I wish I didn't have to feel this way.

I asked D if we could take him to the beach this weekend for a last hurrah, to run free. I think it may not be the *best* idea, since I likely will spend a great deal of time crying. But I would be doing that anyway, and at least he'll get to enjoy himself.

Stop the world, I want to get off.

Ho Hum

I don't have anything exciting or happy to share, but I am sick of looking at my old blog entry. :)

This morning, I took Doc for a nice, long(ish) walk in the neighboring subdivision. I feel good for having exercised, but still like crap about the dog situation. I can't bring myself to get rid of him, but I understand that he can't roam around our yard (or the neighbors' yards, more importantly!) anymore. I pray that I can keep up with exercising him so that I have a continued argument for keeping him as part of the family. We met with the neighbors last night, and they were very gracious (serious, and wanting assurances, but gracious). D and I haven't talked again about it (he went to bed almost immediately after we returned home), and I suspect he's not happy with my decision/stubborness, but I've got to give Doc a chance.

Sigh. Sometimes I don't like being an adult.

Little Pity Party

We got a letter last night informing us that The Little Gym near us is closing as of Friday. :( The Beast hasn't been to class there since June, when we decided to take a break for the summer and give SoccerTots a try. He missed his last class there (and the mini graduation ceremony!) due to a nasty ear infection and fever, but I always assumed he'd be back to see "Miss Crystal." The letter blamed the closure on the poor economy, which of course made me feel terrible for not having enrolled him for the summer term (D reminds me that this is very "world-revolves-around-me" thinking on my part, a fact with which I don't disagree, but doesn't make it feel better). I recognize that I'm being ridiculous for feeling so sad about it, but I really looked forward to taking the Beast back come September. I keep telling myself that he's beyond The Little Gym now--it served an excellent purpose from months 11 through 18, but it's really more of the same in the older classes (though I loved the fact that once he hit 20 months, he would have been a "Beast" rather than a Bird. Alas.). Well, I guess it makes the decision easier, if nothing else.

Here's a pic of the Beast and Miss Crystal for posterity:

Easy Posts

Am I allowed to call it an original post if I just copy and paste a "meme"? :) Before I do that, I will add that the 5K "race" I mentioned months ago is tomorrow morning at 7:30. Sigh. Because I am a lazyass, I will be walking the 5K (needless to say I dropped the proverbial ball on my couch-to-5K training--I only did the couch part). We'll see if I'm still strong enough to drive home after that.

1. How old will you be in 3 birthdays? 38

2. Do you think you'll be married by then? Yes (unless Eva Mendes asks D to leave me)

4. Who was the last person you called, and who called you last? Bubbe, Crossroads Animal Care Center

5. Have you ever played a team sport? Yes

6. Who was the last person to text you? Eric

7. Current thoughts? I need a massage.

8. What were you doing at midnight? Sleeping. Barely.

11. What happened at 11:00 a.m. today? I don't know yet!

12. How many states have you visited? 47

13. If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be? On the deck of the OBX house, listening to the waves crash in

14. Do you prefer shoes, socks, or bare feet? Bare feet

15. Are you a social person? Typically

16. What was the last thing you drank? Iced Venti Soy Chai from S-f#$%ers

17. What is your favorite drink? Frozen watermelon margarita

18. What is your favorite dessert? Flourless chocolate waffle

19. What are your favorite color/s? Blue

20. What jelly do you put on your PBJ? Raspberry (Preserves ;))

21. Do you like coffee? Yes

22. How many glasses of water a day do you drink on average? 2 (I'm bad, but working on it)

23. What do you drink in the morning? Coffee, usually. Diet Pepsi when I arrive at work.

24. Would you rather kiss someone with or without a tongue ring? I don't know; I never tried the latter, but it seems weird

25. Do you sleep on a certain side of the bed? Right side

26. Do you know how to play poker? Badly

27. What's so good about Fridays? My weekend starts and I get two days off work. Sigh.

28. Any plans for this week? 5K "race" tomorrow; home improvement/decoration stuff

30. How big is your TV? 50" LCD (D's fault)

31. Ever stolen a street sign? Tried

32. Do you keep a piggy bank? Yes! For the Beast's bank account

33. What kind of camera do you have? Canon

34. Have you ever been in an ambulance? No, thank goodness

35. Do you prefer an ocean or a pool? Ocean

36. Do you prefer a window seat or an aisle seat? Aisle (I have a small bladder)

37. Do you know how to drive a stick shift? I know how, just don't execute well

38. What is your favorite thing to spend money on? Shoes, purses, clothes for the beast, home decor

39. Do you wear any jewelry 24/7? Yes--engagement ring, wedding band, and Beast ring

41. Can you roll your tongue? Yes

42. What should you be doing now? Working

43. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? If Doc leaves one in the bed

44. What is the main ring tone on your phone? Some ring the phone came with (My previous choice of "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne was judged "teenybopper" by my husband)

45. Do you still have clothes from when you were little? I do not :(

46. What is the color of your bedroom walls? Grace-Eye Green

47. Do you shut off the water when you brush your teeth? I don't even turn it on until I'm ready to rinse--everyone should brush with a dry brush!!!

48. Do you like someone right now? Yes

49 Do you currently hate someone? There are a lot of people that tick me off, does that count?

50. Where are your best friends? In my heart :)

What Color is My Parachute? Or something like that.

I know an online test is no substitute for the real thing (which I've actually taken, if I ever get around to meeting with K to get my results!!), but I thought this was interesting:

You Are An ENFJ

The Giver You strive to maintain harmony in relationships, and usually succeed. Articulate and enthusiastic, you are good at making personal connections. Sometimes you idealize relationships too much - and end up being let down. You find the most energy and comfort in social situations ... where you shine. In love, you are very protective and supporting. However, you do need to "feel special" - and it's quite easy for you to get jealous. At work, you are a natural leader. You can help people discover their greatest potential. You would make a good writer, human resources director, or psychologist. How you see yourself: Trusting, idealistic, and expressive When other people don't get you, they see you as: Bossy, inappropriate, and loud

What's Your Personality Type?

Baby Pimp

Clearly I suck at updating this thing. But I thought I would share a picture that is making me smile this morning. I think D first used the term "baby pimp" when he saw The Beast decked out in his (too big) Adidas track suit. Sweeeeet.

Ho Hum

Not much new to share. I am suffering from a summer cold and feeling sorry for myself. ;) But since my blog is my homepage, I am sick of being mocked by how old my last entry is.

My sister and her boyfriend were in town this weekend (still are, though they've moved on to DC to see the sites and enjoy themselves). We had a fun weekend in spite of the weather. The Beast was in good form and as loving as ever.

My goal for the week is to get motivated to stick to WW and my exercise plan. Wish me luck with that!

I am S-M-R-T

Movie Reviews

Shamelessly Stolen from my Sister's Blog

The title speaks for itself. :)

1. Things I was doing 10 years ago:

* Getting ready to start law school
* Moving into a new condo with my roommate and BFF K
* Working as a paralegal
* Going out to the bars every Friday and Saturday
* Singing karaoke

2. Five things on my to-do list for tomorrow:

* Clean the closet in my guest bedroom
* Return dresses to Nordstrom Rack
* Load pictures onto my digital frame
* Prepare fathers' day gifts for dad and D
* Laundry (as always)

3. Snacks I enjoy:

* Popcorn
* Chips and queso
* Chex Mix
* cheese & crackers

4. Things I would do if I were a BILLIONAIRE:

* Start a dog farm
* Set up a trust for The Beast
* Fund a scholarship at my undergrad school for kids from small towns (including living expenses and pizza money :))
* Travel the world
* Pay off my best friends' and family's debts
* Bankroll my undergrad singing group's alumni fund

5. Three of my bad habits:

* Procrastinating
* Disorganization
* Being overly critical of others

6. Five places I have lived:

* Truth or Consequences, New Mexico
* New Haven, Connecticut
* Las Cruces, New Mexico
* Alexandria, Virginia
* Woodbridge, Virginia

7. Five jobs I have had:

* Ice cream shop scooper
* Library assistant
* Hostess at a Japanese restaurant
* Law clerk
* Telemarketer (for one day :))

8. How did I name my blog?

The url is my dogs' names, and it pretty much is mindless ravings.

I Got Nothin'

I am having a crazy, busy, crap day at work, but I am sick of looking at my three-week old blog entry, so here's a new one. :)

Not too much excitement here. My father-in-law arrived on Friday for an "extended visit" (i.e., he's going to be living with us, at least through the end of the summer (!) or until he finds a place he can afford). My dad and stepmom are arriving on Friday to stay for 6 days, so that should be interesting. We have arranged it so that the guest room is still the guest room (FIL will be in the former bar, former playroom), but I imagine downtime could still be awkward (they'll be caring for The Beast next Monday and Tuesday, so it should be interesting to see how they mix. He'll probably drink beer and watch the Food Network the better part of the day, so my money's on him staying in his room). Hopefully we'll all still have a nice visit, with a minimal amount of complaints and martyrdom. Just sayin'.

I guess I should get back to billing. Hopefully I'll have something interesting to post next time--and hopefully it won't be 3 weeks from now!

Happy June!

Roadblocks

Time to dust this blog off!

Last week was a bit of a challenge to my plans to start training for the 5K. With L's help, I picked the race to run, on August 23rd in Manassas: http://www.manassascity.org/CurrentEvents.asp?EID=4167

All I had to do was get my butt on the treadmill, right? ;)

Well. On Sunday, The Beast got really sick with hand-foot-and-mouth disease (thanks, daycare!), and was up crying and in our bed (very unusual!) at 3:30 a.m. Monday morning. He finally fell asleep sometime near dawn, and as you can imagine, I was in no shape to run (or work for that matter, but I did anyway). Monday night/early Tuesday morning was a re-run of the same. Poor lamb. Then, Tuesday night I tossed and turned and couldn't get to/stay asleep due to a fever. I dragged like a zombie all day Wednesday (and I had to stay late at work for training!). After a 14-hour day, I was beat.

I had Thursday off for The Beast's 18-month doctor's visit and portrait appointment, plus to spend time with Bubbe, who was visiting. I also spent an hour at the clinic finding out that I had contracted the virus. Sigh. So on Friday, I dragged my tired butt out of bed, counted the HFMD spots all over my hands and feet, and suffered through a day of "working at home" (I did get 5 hours billed, but I was BEAT). More of the same on the weekend (thank God for Bubbe!), though The Beast started feeling better (and eating!) on Thursday, so that was fortunate as well. Poor little guy really suffered, I can vouch for that![/pitypartyover]

So...that was a bit long-winded to say that I just started training yesterday. And I am Out.Of.Shape. Sigh. But I guess I have to start somewhere!

Motivation...?

Clearly having this page as my home page is not working to motivate me to update it. Alas. I was inspired by Mrs. Wood to change the look of my blog. So that's a start. Only I was too lazy to pick through the templates she sent me and just tried to fiddle around with things on my own. So if you hate it, don't worry--it is likely to change very soon. :)

Speaking of Mrs. Wood--Happy Birthday!

And speaking of motivation, I'm hoping to get started on a 5K program. I've never been one to be particularly excited about running for running's sake, but I'm hoping that having a goal of running an actual race will help that. Then maybe (like a year from now or something...let's be realistic here) I can run a half marathon--mostly so I have an excuse to travel somewhere fun. :) Hopefully I can talk a friend (L?!) or my favorite sister into joining me.

BTW, the super-handsome dog on the right is my little pup, Doc. I don't think he'd appreciate all that text on him, though.

I licked a noodle because that's how I roll...

I saw this on one of my message boards, and it made me laugh. Plus I'm overdue for a blog update. :)

Pick the month you were born:

January---------I kicked

February-------I loved

March-----------I karate chopped

April-------------I licked

May--------------I jumped on

June-------------I smelled

July--------------I did the Macarena With

August---------I had lunch with

September----I danced with

October--------I sang to

November-----I yelled at

December-----I ran over


Pick the day (number) you were born on:

1-------a birdbath

2-------a monster

3-------a phone

4-------a fork

5-------a snowman

6-------a gangster

7-------my mobile phone

8-------my dog

9-------my best friends' boyfriend

10-------my neighbor

11-------my science teacher

12-------a banana

13-------a fireman

14-------a stuffed animal

15-------a goat

16-------a pickle

17-------your mom

18-------a s.p.o.o.n.

19-------a smurf

20-------a baseball bat

21-------a ninja

22-------Chuck Norris

23-------a noodle

24-------a squirrel

25-------a football player

26-------my sister

27-------my brother

28-------an ipod

29-------a surfer

30-------a llama

31-------A homeless guy-



Pick the color you are wearing:

White--------because I'm cool like that

Black--------because that's how I roll.

Pink----------because I'm NOT crazy.

Red-----------because the voices told me to .

Blue----------because I'm sexy and I do what I want

Green--------because I think I need some serious help.

Purple--------because I'm AWESOME!

Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.

Yellow-------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars

Orange------because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.

Brown--------because I can.

Other---------because I'm a Ninja !

None----------because I can't control myself

Five Years?!

Tomorrow is our fifth anniversary. I can't decide if it seems longer or shorter than five years. :) I guess it depends on the day.

We are doing it up--we have hotel reservations at the Fairmont downtown, dinner reservations at The Palm, and tickets to the National Symphony at the Kennedy Center. The Beast is going to be spending the better part of Saturday (day and night) with his Gran and Papaw. We had planned to come wander around D.C. for the afternoon, but I think we both would love it if we could just check into the hotel early and nap. :)

Maybe at 10 years we can all gather in Vegas for a reprise. Just as long as there is no four-wheeling involved.

Thank God for Spaghettios

I actually said those words out loud last night. I pick up The Beast from his Gran's house on Monday evenings, as D works late. I spent the drive home from her house wondering what on earth I was going to cook for him. I had visions of star pasta, hastily concocted sauce, and mixed vegetables. But it was already 7:30--just past his usual dinner time--and oyster crackers were only going to hold him off for so long. When I opened the pantry and saw the Spaghettios there next to the star-shaped pasta, I said it.

D and I saw the Spaghettios on sale at the grocery store a few weeks ago, and after some hemming and hawing, decided it wouldn't be the end of the world if he had them from time to time. And, of course, he LOVES them. He quickly jettisoned the spork in favor of fistfuls of pasta and meatballs. Bless his messy little heart.

Now if they'd just make a WW-friendly type of Raviolios, we'd be all set. :)

I just had cereal last night--I haven't felt well since the weekend. I had miladies--the Glitta girls--over for brunch, and all went well, but I spent the rest of the day nursing a raging headache and visiting the porcelain altar. Gag. After checking that I hadn't poisoned them, I chalked this one up to a migraine resurgence in my life. Oh goody. Today I still feel ooky but also compelled to come to work--those hours aren't going to bill themselves!

Keep Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

Last night, The Beast got hold of the remote control for the DVD/CD player in my car (okay, I gave it to him to keep him occupied...) and managed to get one of the CDs to play. It was one of the "Glitta" CDs that I haven't heard in ages. The first song that came up was "Rollin'" by Limp Bizkit. He quickly turned it off (right when it was about to say "shut the f%^& up and back the f$%& up before we f$%^ this track up." yikes. serendipitous timing on his part!). But it was there to greet me in the car this morning. Strangely enough, I found it really pumped me up and got me going this morning, even though I'm still suffering from a Daylight Saving Time "hangover."

I just took the "What Dog Breed are You?" quiz from Dogster. Very pleased with the results. :)



Labrador Retriever

The Caretaker

Your family is what makes you tick, and you never "flea" from an opportunity to hang out with the whole gang. A family picnic complete with hot dogs, deviled eggs and a refreshing swim in the lake is hard for you to stray from. Your sparky temperament and dogged intelligence mean you are not only a blast to hang out with, but great to work with as well. Your close pals appreciate your patience and forgiveness, knowing you'd rather let sleeping dogs lie than dwell on the mishaps of the past. Your dashing good looks may one day lead to a modelling career, if only you can tame the unfortunate clumsiness that sometimes causes you to go flailing from the catwalk.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Daylight Saving Time

It was a struggle to get out of bed and ready for work today. D had to wake The Beast up at 8; he was still fast asleep! The first work day or two after "Spring Forward" always sucks. Alas.

I keep thinking March 10th is a date of some importance. I hope there's nothing crucial I'm supposed to be doing today, because it's not on my calendar! I think it may be just a holdover date--maybe the day my dog, Blackie, had puppies (albeit, 27 years ago)...? I keep random information like this in my head for far too long (and yet I'll probably forget my dad's birthday on Saturday).

I went to see my college singing group in concert this weekend at an alumni club event. I had a great time over dinner with two other alums, but the concert itself was something of a letdown. Maybe it's just because it was the first day of their spring break--and winter in Connecticut can beat you down--but they were completely lifeless and not engaging, and really didn't sing all that well. I wonder if alums thought that about us when we toured! Hmmm.

I just found out that I will be taking a Dale Carnegie course in public speaking through work at the end of April. I know it's a great idea, so I suppose I'm excited about getting better at it, but I am dreading the actual speaking part. I guess that's the whole point! I read the training summary, and apparently I will be required to present before the group at least 8 times over four sessions. My presentations will be videotaped and critiqued. Doesn't that sound like a fun way to spend 16 hours? Wish me luck.

Friday

I find myself almost resisting posting an entry--I don't want to think I've tricked myself into compliance. That's too circular even for me.

Today is cold and icy; I managed to drag myself out of bed early enough to catch the train from Woodbridge. I always enjoy the time on the train: reading, sorting mail, doing makeup, generally relaxing. So why is it that I am so resistant to getting up and making it happen? I originally intended to catch the Manassas line train (23 minutes earlier than the one I took!), but snoozing three times, "napping" on the couch after letting the dogs out, and generally wasting time aren't conducive to keeping a schedule. That really is the only negative about the train--I'm on someone else's schedule. How do I stop being a "late person"?

Next week, I think I am going to have to catch the early train (6:53!! which means leaving home at 6:30!!) so I can come home early. D's team is in the playoffs Tuesday (and potentially, hopefully Thursday), and he works late Mondays, so I have to step up. I am going to see Bon Jovi with B on Thursday, too, so I want to make that Gran's only late night with the Beast. Though I guess that means I won't get to see him in the mornings. :( I really need to invest in a spycam for his bedroom.

I've managed to stay away from the Thin Mints today. I even threw away half of my bread from Cosi. Shocker. If I can keep this up, I may be on a roll!