Conversation with a Squirrel

What's that, you say? Well, I've been attending a seminar deep in the heart of D.C. this week. There is a small park nearby where I go to have my lunch. Today, while eating my sandwich, I noticed a squirrel on the trashcan across from the bench I was sitting on. He was easy to spot b/c he didn't have the typically big, bushy tail. It looked as if his tail had gotten caught or run over. Anyway, he was staring at me from the trashcan and I just knew he was eyeing my delicious sandwich and the cheesy puffs that went with it. Sure enough, he started to make his way over to me...holding eye contact the entire way. He crept all the way up to me then started to walk around the bench. The people on the nearby benches had taken notice and were giggling along with me. Obviously, this squirrel has been "trained" to beg for food. So cute and the perfect way to lighten the day. A bit later, after having moved to a bench in the sunlight, I was talking to my mom on the phone when all of the sudden the squirrel made his reappearance...by popping up on his hind legs and looking at me through the arm rest. I threw him a couple pretzels and that seemed to satisfy him, although I'm not sure if he actually ate them or not. I'm sure that he's quite adept at getting fed so I won't worry about him too much :)

Controversy and Confusion

So, anyone who watches the news, reads a paper, or reads online news sources knows about immigration. What I don't know is...what the right answer is. The idea is that being in the United States illegally would become a felony crime. People are protesting, even those who are in this country legally are protesting. I just feel torn. On one hand is the legal side of things...people are not allowed to freely immigrate into the US, although many do. I think I heard as many as 11 million people in the US are here illegally. Anyway, from the legal side it seems plain as day to me...you're here illegally, you should have to face consequences. I mean, we punish all illegal crimes, why should this be any different? On the other hand is the moral side of things. I mean, what would the world be like without borders? What if people could enter and leave any country freely? I just wonder if the world shouldn't be more "open". Of course, we're now post-9/11 and is just isn't safe for the US to allow people to come and go as they please...there are too many out there willing and waiting to hurt us.

I guess that's what it comes down to, the safety of our country and if that is what I focus on, it makes the legal side of things make sense. I wonder how we all got ourselves into this mess to begin with...

Another Saturday

Here we are, at Saturday again and nothing new or interesting to report. I did finish a scrapbooking project I've been working on. It's a gift for my dad and step-mom's anniversary coming up soon. Spent over an hour at the dog park today...yea, I pretty much live there...I've been almost every day after work as well. Anyway, struggling a bit with Jenny. You see, she's a border collie mix with strong border collie instincts. The herding instinct is our particular problem. She loves to chase other dogs but she is really fast and when she catches them, she grabs their tail (or butt if they don't have a tail) and makes this really vicious-sounding noise. I know that she means no harm, she just wants to stop them from leaving the herd but other dog owners don't know that and I don't blame them. Today though, she was a dream, she didn't grab anybody's tail :) I'd like to think the little "talk" we had in the car had some sort of affect. There really isn't too much I can do about it but try to watch her and praise her when she does the "good" things...I can't break instinct without breaking the spirit. Both Basil and Jenny are wiped out...love that!

On the home front, the seller has been calling us and JT is avoiding it. I just have to convince him to face the thing head-on. I mean, if he's going to put a sign out front b/c we don't have financing yet, then so be it. I'm just waiting to clean one thing up on Monday and hopefully, that will make a world of difference. JT is just so, ah, I don't really know the right word...anxious, dissapointed, frustrated...he just wants a home, something we own and can paint, somewhere to raise our babies (no, not yet). I can't blame him, I feel the same way but am being the "practical" one b/c whatever will be, will be. We'll do what we can but if it doesn't work out, we'll figure something else out.

Well, that about wraps it up. We're waiting for pizza and I have one scrapbook page I want to finish tonight :)

DON'T LOOK AT ME!

Yep, yelled those words to JT a couple days ago...'cause I AM 7 years old (sometimes). You see, I've been working out with the FIRM three days a week (barring any travel) since January. I'm proud of that. I haven't lost weight but I've lost inches and I haven't gained weight so it's all good right now. Anyway, I love working out in the privacy of my own home and I HATE it when people watch me, including JT. I'm just so self-concious and competitive it's crazy. He's never done anything to make me feel that way...I've just always been like this. I can play group sports with no problem but put me in some kind of class and I just have to be the best. Not sure where it comes from b/c I rationally understand that it's ok to be ME, just me...at any skill level. Oh well, it's a small thing so he honors my request (most of the time) and I feel better. I guess I just have to look at it as "whatever it takes to get me to workout". I've struggled with motivating myself for so long that now that I've got it (almost 4 months), I'm going to do whatever I have to to stay that way. Good thing he's patient, huh?

The Switch is On

JT and I have very strange work schedules. I work in HR which means there is no "slow" season although I'm usually busiest during the holiday season. JT works in irrigation which means that he is really slow during the winter and super busy during the spring, summer, and fall. I get so spoiled during his slow season...he gets home before me and takes the dogs out for a nice long walk, picks up the mail, makes dinner often. It always takes me a few weeks to get used to the switch of him coming home anytime between 5 and 8pm. It means all the evening responsibilities are mine. There is a silver lining though :) I no longer have to take the dogs out for the last walk of the evening. I hate that I get all my "work" done, start to relax, take a bath/shower, then I have to get all geared up to take them out in the cold, dark night. I also tend to be more easily spooked in the dark. So, here's hoping that I can remember how much I dislike the nighttime walks when the other responsibilities seem overwhelming.

Short, boring post, but it's all I've got right now :) I am working on a gift book for my Dad & Stepmom's anniversary but seem to be procrastinating. I also need to keep reading my "Before Your Pregnancy" book. I'm just sooo tired lately and I'm not sure why. Maybe I'll go to bed early tonight :)

Today is the first day of Spring

and it's supposed to snow tomorrow :) Just a little bit though, enough to make things messy - glad I don't have to drive very far. Not too much going on these days. I'm back in the swing of things after traveling...caught up on everything. I'm reading "Before Your Pregnancy" and trying to encourage JT to read a couple chapters, reminding him that he's a partner in this process too. He's been pretty wrapped up with the house buying stuff - applying for loans, stressing over our credit...normal stuff when you're buying a house. I think we should wait another month and recheck the credit and reapply for loans. Right now, we can't afford the monthly payments at the interest rate they're offering. I will be patient :)

The new dog park opened this weekend and it's great. Nice and big! The ground cover is gravel so we need a nice rain to keep the dust down. Basil and Jenny love all the space but now we need to meet new doggy friends on the weekends. We did run into a couple and their boxer (Lola) who goes to doggy daycare with Basil and Jenny. I knew it was her because Basil ran up to her and gave her a quick "hello" kiss - so cute! It only takes 6 minutes to get there - love that!

So much for lazy Saturday

Not that I'm much of a "lazy" Saturday kind of person, I was just hoping that after my travel this week I'd get some much needed downtime. Usually, I'm up at 7am and off to the dog park around 8:30...plenty of time to eat breakfast and lounge a bit. Well, I was up at the same time today but instead of regular dog park plans, we're awaiting the grand opening of our new, nearby dog park at 11am. This means entertaining and energy filled boxer until then ;) Really, he's much better than he used to be so I really can't complain. Jenny is the complete opposite. She is perfectly content to talk a walk then nap the day away. She's not lazy, just low-maintenance. So, JT is fast asleep on the couch and I've cleaned out my car and filled the water bottles for the park. The rest of my list includes cleaning and a few other projects. I also hope to convince JT to clean off the table and downstairs. Oh, and we can't forget about laundry.

Here's hoping for a lazy Sunday!

Travel, Books and Movies

Just got back from my most recent work trip in San Antonio. I actually got home a day earlier than expected so that's cool. Only problem is, I am always exhausted after traveling. It doesn't matter how much sleep I get on the evening I get home, I'm always tired. So, that's the perfect time to plop down on the couch and read and watch a movie.

Just finished Conversations with Dog (read most of it on the planes rides). I like this book...it's written by an animal communicator who asks questions of dogs. Even if you don't believe in this kind of thing, the responses are funny, insightful, and inspiring. Basil and I saw an animal communicator after his first knee surgery. He was only 10 months and couldn't burn off any energy so I thought it would be a way to get us out of the house without risking injury to Basil. I figured at worst, it couldn't hurt :) It was an interesting experience...she got some amazing things right and some stuff was right but "anyone could have guessed it". The thing that stuck with me was this answer, "I came that way". She said she was going to ask me how he injured his knee but her communication transferred to him and he answered before she could ask me. It's true, his knee surgeries are mainly due to a congenital defect (straight knees) although there was a trauma event before each one totally blew.

Also got to watch Independence Day. I love this movie, I watch it every time it comes on. I could never really figure out why until this evening. It has everything...funny, inspiring, exciting, sad, joyful. I just love movies and books that can provide such a wide range of entertainment. This movie really takes me outside my everyday life because I get so engrossed in it.

Anyway, I just got a quick burst of energy and I'm off to tidy up a bit.

Spring has Sprung...Temporarily at least

That means it's time to get out the bike. It's been absolutely beautiful here with temps in the high 60s and low 70s. That's the best part about where we live - mild weather :) Now, it's supposed to cool down into the 40s later this week so I've been soaking up this warm weather.

I've ridden my bike in place of my regular workout for three days now. It works all the right muscles and cardio so no problem there. I just love the feeling of the wind in my face - brings me right back to what's fun and important. Kinda back to childhood. I was 7 years old before I learned how to ride a bike and it was my best friend who taught me. I remember that day pretty vividly, which is unusual because most of my childhood I don't remember. Again, I just love the feeling of the wind in my face so I push uphill for most of the workout so that I can ride home downhill without any guilt :)

Good Stuff

Ok, I know the pictures are a bit fuzzy b/c this room is dark and our camera isn't the greatest but this is the best part about having dogs. I just love it when they cuddle and this is a full-on Basil cuddle. He's taken to sitting in my lap while looking out the window as I'm scratching him :) It's just amazing to have that truly unconditional love given.

Been busy these past few days but I'm looking forward to a slower weekend. We met with the seller of our townhome and we're not sure we're going to be able to meet his price but we sure are gonna try. This would just be a perfect place to start the rest of our lives.

I went out to dinner with JT tonight and we had a lot of fun while eating shrimp at Applebee's. It can't compare to Savannah's shrimp but then I'm not really sure anything can. It was nice to sit and talk and laugh. My anxiety often makes it difficult for me to eat out but I've really been doing better with that lately. Love spending time together and connecting.

Well, JT went out for a few beers with his friends and it's a beautiful 65 degree evening so I'm off to take the pups on a nice stroll through the neighboorhood.

Whoever said...(may be TMI)

that dogs don't really prepare you for babies...has never had one! Ok, a little back story here...I keep a tub of doggy joint vitamins on the table in the entryway. Basil had surgery on both knees so I am vigilant about giving them to him. Since we got Jenny, I give her one a day also b/c it really can only help. These vitamins have been sitting on that table for weeks but today, Jenny's curiosity must've got the better of her b/c when we came home, she had eaten about half of what was left. They really aren't going to cause an emergency but there was diarreha in many parts of the first and second floor - yuck! This isn't the first time we've had this issue...dogs get sick so we deal with it, clean it up, and keep and eye on them. She's also very thirsty and peeing like crazy. We may be up with this one during the night. So...let's compare,

Sick babies poop, sick dogs poop...difference is, babies usually wear diapers.

Ok, I know it's really not that simple. I mean, I can leave my dogs alone all day and I won't have them taken away. On the other hand, kids can go with you everywhere, my dogs can't...they can't go on the plane, in the store or restaurant. Anyway, I think you get my point. There are some valuable lessons about "parenting" to be learned by owning a dog (or two).

Sorry if I grossed you out :) In other news, getting ready to take another work trip next Monday. I'm going to bring the book "Preparing for your Pregnancy" on the plane. It's all about what to do and know before you get pregnant...I really need to read this. I realized this when I saw an email about mercury in fish. Now, I knew that mercury was in fish but I didn't really pay it any mind until I read about possible damage to an unborn child. Turns out shellfish is generally very low in mercury so I would have been okay (I only eat shellfish, no regular fish). How did our moms do this without all the information we have now???

It's just emotion...

takin' me over. Can you hear the song in your head? Sorry, I don't know who sings it. I've been emotional today, more than usual. Could be the fact that I tossed and turned for 2 hours last night before finally admitting I needed to take some Advil or it could be that I had an OB/GYN appointment today to start trying to get pregnant. JT and I have agreed that we'd like to begin trying in April. So, I went in to determine when to get off the pill (at the end of this week), when to lower my anti-anxiety meds (after my first full-fledged period or a little bit before), when to start taking prenatal vitamins (today), have blood drawn to test for anything that might impact a fetus (STDs), get weighed (we're NOT going there), pick up an ovulation planner, and...well, I guess that's it. Ok, I'm sure the latter is the reason for my emotions being a bit keyed up. I mean, it's a big thing we're planning here. So much to think about, to be hopeful and excited about! So, the plan is in the works. I can't believe we're really doing this :)

Sometimes, I worry that this world is too crazy. But, I think people have been worried about that since the beginning of time :) I don't worry about what type of parents we'll be or any of the stuff we can't control, like timing and work. I do worry a bit about taking meds while pregnant but the truth is, and all my doctors agree, that I would not be a healthy person off my meds. My anxiety could go through the roof and cause panic attacks or severe depression. Before this medication, I was too thin b/c anxiety makes it so I can't eat. That's can't be could for a baby, right? So, we'll do what we need to do and keep a close eye on me. They have all also been informed to monitor for PPD. My mother had it SEVERLY and we're not taking any chances. I also read a study that the majority of women with OCD and anxiety experience a 90% increase in their symptoms after giving birth. My mom will be here for the first two (or more) weeks after the birth...just to make sure I don't go through what she went through. I've seen pictures of her right after my birth and she just looks "gone". It breaks my heart!

I think Basil is picking up on my emotions b/c he's extra jumpy tonight. Such a sensitive pup! Well, I off to read a good book, cut out some inspirational pieces for scrapping, and get ready for tomorrow :)

Blogthing and Sunbathers

So this morning we got off to a nice, calm start to the day. We hit the dog park and grocery store before Noon :) Planning an easy day of scrapbooking and a simple dinner. That's the nice thing about getting the cleaning done on Saturday.

Blogthing.com is something I see often on TwoPeas so I thought I'd check out their site and see if anything interested me. I enjoyed this "personality" quiz and it's pretty accurate.

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is medium. You are generally broad minded when it come to new things. But if something crosses a moral line, there's no way you'll approve of it. You are suspicious of anything too wacky, though you do still consider creativity a virtue.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Tired dogs = Good dogs

So, I was woken up this morning by a small black furry creature (Jenny) jumping on the bed and then walking all over me. They had just come back for her walk and, apparently, it was time for me to get up. You see, we go to the dog park every Saturday and Sunday around 9:30am...they know this. I know dogs supposedly can't tell time, at least not in a "conventional" way, but they sure know a routine ;)

We had a nice day at the park, spent about 1 hour and 45 mintues there. It was COLD but I had my ski pants and long underwear on :) I knew that stuff would come in handy. I stopped at a nearby stamp store to see if they had any of the 7gypsies journals I've been collecting but no luck. I did walk out with some plain square cards and a clear stamping block. I had every intention of scrapping today but so far I've just been stalling...I cleaned up a bit, took a bath, watched Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (good, but not as good as the book), made dinner, and am thinking about organizing a few areas in need. I wish I could figure out why I'm stalling on scrapping. I think I fear I won't be creative and/or happy with my results. I also think I may be overwhelmed with all the projects in my head...really need to write them down.

Anyway, the best part about the dog park it that Basil and Jenny sleep for most of the day afterwards. Now, if I could just use that time to my advantage. John and I took a good hard look at our finances and are working on a plan. We have the option to purchase our townhome and we would like to. We need to get our debt down and get on a budget. I will say that we are pretty good savers though...I know we can do this!

Well, that's about all. I think I'll reorganize the junk drawer and cook book shelf and then head to my scraproom...my goal tonight will be to put picture CDs in folders so I can mail them out.

Finished

I feel less overwhelmed today. Not really sure why but that's ok with me :) I finished the book I was reading just a few minutes ago...Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.

Yea, I know I'm a little slow on the uptake but I just didn't think this book would be as good as it was. I think I'll get his new one when it's available on paperback. It feels so good to finish a book. Heck, it feels good to read for fun. Now, I know that it's been over a year since I graduated with my Master's but I feel like I have so much "normal" reading to catch up on.

Let's see, I did some training with the dogs tonight but it was pretty short. Basil did very well with off-leash heeling and the stay commands. Jenny did well on-leash heeling and with stay. Tomorrow morning we're going to the dog park for the first time in 3 weeks. We all love it there and they get tired out :)

Finally, tomorrow is my best friend's birthday. We live quite far apart (over 900 miles) so I won't get to see her but I will talk to her on the phone. The only bummer is that I bought her present in Canada and it still hasn't gotten here yet.

Overload

My brain seems to be on overload. I don't really have anything interesting going on but that's ok. I like having daily stuff to do. Lots of stuff going on at work...things I've never done before so I'm excited about that. Also looks like I'll be going to one of my favorite sites in April :) If I have to travel, it's nice to like where I'm going. It's looking like I'm going to be traveling at least once a month for a while.

I took some time yesterday afternoon to do some training with Basil and Jenny. Basil is an amazing animal...very smart and patient, quick to learn. But, I've worked hard with him and we've been through a lot together (he's had two knee surgeries). Jenny is also smart and amazing but doesn't learn as quickly. She's such a laid back dog but man, when she gets excited (like over treats) look out! So far this week, we've worked on "play dead" and "roll over". She's got "play dead" down. So, yesterday, I took them outside on leash one at a time and worked on "heel". Basil does this very well once you ask him to. I actually worked on off-leash heeling with him...he did well but I was never without treats. I also worked on "stay" with him off leash...we need to concentrate on that command a bit. I also worked with Jenny on "heel" and while she was a bit overexcited to get the treat, she did a really good job. By the end of the 10 minutes, she was heeling w/o jumping/reaching for the treat. We also worked a bit on "stay". Nothing off-leash for her yet. I love taking the time out to work with them...it really helps our relationship and bonding. I also love playing with them but training helps me be a responsible owner.

Got a lot of scrapbook projects floating around in my mind but it's overwhelming. I keep thinking of new things but that means buying more supplies. This is something I really need to work on. I think I better sit down and make a list of what I really want to do and what I'll really be able to accomplish. Most of the projects involve mini-scrapbooks for gifts.

Also thinking about how I need to get in touch with a couple of friends, how I need to record all my family and friends birthdays, anniversaries, etc. I'm not so good at remembering stuff. Heck, I can barely remember JT's birthday ;) I did get some things off my to-do list so I'm happy about that. I'm off to finish the book I'm reading (Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil) OR to begin reorganizing my scrap room. I'm also thinking about going to a crop tomorrow night. Ugh...too much thinking, not enough doing.