Cleaning Out the Crap

Our basement has been the bane of our existences ever since my parents moved out of their house here in STL and I had to get my 25 years of crap out of their house and into ours. We really don't have much storage in our little split level so finding places for everything was a bear. So, needless to say, we shoved everything in our newly finished basement with hopes of one day sorting through everything and finding all my little trinkets a home.

We finally made time to get started on this HUGE task. When I say we packed the basement... I mean we PACKED the basement.

Our first task was to go through everything and throw out anything that I don't need, want, or have no use for. Trust me, this is going against every part of my being seeing as I'm an artist and can use everything for something. Plus I we want to homeschool so I can, again, use anything for something. So Luke stayed strong and if I had a smidgen of hesitance in my answer, he tossed it. Don't worry, we didn't just check everything, we sorted trash from Goodwill so at least some of my years and years of collecting crap will go to some good use.

After 2 1/2 hours of work, we got a bunch out of the way. The picture below is where the basement is at right now. It almost looks worse, but trust me... it's sooooooo much better. Our next task is to go through all the "keep" stuff and sort it out into air-tight containers for storage. We will continue to throw things away, but the goal is to get the basement spic and span so we can actually have an extra room in the house to use... seeing as that's why we had it finished in the first place. I hate cleaning, but it feels good after its done.

A New Beginning

Alrighty, the family with 5 kids, a dog and a kitten didn't come Tuesday because the girls got sick but they came over last night. After staying for an hour, playing with James, watching the dogs play together, watching James pee on the floor, bark at them, and run a muck... they decided with all certainty that they wanted to adopt him.

They saw every side of him which was good. The girls all played with him and it seemed to be a great fit. They are a homeschool family so they're home pretty much all day. That way James can run around and play and not have to worry about being alone for hours at a time. Plus, their dog and him seemed to get along pretty well. Padawan, their 20 lb Cavelier, was a bit more calm than James... the 14 lb 10 month old. James definitly wore him out in an hour but there was no growling or anything like that. Just a few barks when James wasn't satisfied with the amount of attention being given. They'll have to work that out between the two of them.

At the end of the hour, they were all pretty certain they wanted him. The girls all thought he was adorable and full of fun and energy. The mom was impressed by the amount of training that we had gotten him to learn... trust me, I was surprised too but hey, whatever man. She knew what she was doing to stop biting, playing too rough, all that stuff. I think and really hope that this works out. With 5 kids, another dog and kitten, I would think there'd be enough attention and stimulation to keep James busy and his mind off his first home and parents.

Good luck little guy! Enjoy your new digs!

Fingers Crossed

Ok, after James came back to us when the first couple decided after a day that they didn't want him afterall, Luke put our ad back on Craigs List. We got flooded with emails once again. After responding to a couple of them, we set up a visit for a couple ladies looking for a pup to play with their current dog. They came and went after James decided to impress them with constant barking. Needless to say, James is stull with us.

We recieved an email from a lady that said she has 5 kids, a 3 year old dog and a kitten and they're looking to add another dog to the mix. I liked this set up since the beginning and was excited when she emailed back today saying that she would still like to meet James. She's coming tonight at 7 with her daughters and their current dog. We'll see how they interact. I just really hope that James doesn't bark at them the whole time like on Saturday. With having the other dog in the house, it should distract him enough. He does play well with other animals for the most part. He tends to have more energy than anything else I've seen and his curiosity tends to get him into trouble.

I just really want this to work out because it sounds like the perfect situation for my little guy. Hopefully he behaves himself... -crosses fingers-

He's Baaaaack...

So the girl that I thought would be great for James... isn't. After only a day, she emails Luke and says "We can't take James, he's more than we can handle right now."

We were honest honest with her and her husband about what to expect. Yes, he's energetic with a capital E... yes, he'll bark sometimes... yes, it will take him about a week to get aclimated to your home and schedule...

Now he's coming home tonight andw ill be at out house when we get home from work. Starting from square one, we're back to finding him a good home. If you know anyone looking for a non-shedder that isn't afraid of putting some work into the little guy, I've got the dog for them. We just want to get him in a good home that gives him what he needs. Maybe even with another dog for him to play with. It will work out... things always do.

Bitter-Sweet

The day finally came... little James was going to his new home. We woke up early Sunday morning because his new family was coming at 8:30 in the morning. We got all his stuff together... toys, cages, care tools, treats, food, etc. We fed him, brushed him, and loved on him as much as we could for the last moments we had.

(I'm tearing up as I type...)

James was my first dog and will always hold a special place in my heart. He was a handful, yes, but he was asweetheart. Unfortunately with the baby coming, we just didn't have the time that he needed for proper training, attention, and all the other things he needed. He was perfect for us but our new lifestyle just isn't condusive to having a puppy that's still learning the ways of our world.

The new puppy mom was extatic. She was so excited to come and get him. After Jamsie calmed down shortly after their arrival, she picked him up and he sat calmly in her arms. She'll be great for him. I was holding strong... no sign of tears yet... until she spoke the words, "This is killing you isn't it?" I almost lost it then. I muttered yes and had to look away. There are so many memories I have of the little guy, the cuddles, the kisses, the playtime... I'll miss it.

Luke helped her and her husband take all James' stuff out to their car. They loaded it all in, we put his leash on him and off they went. Luke shut the door behind them and I lost it. Tears flowed. I couldn't stop. That was MY puppy... I raised him. I taught him his tricks. I knew what each bark meant. I knew when he had to go potty or needed to eat. I knew when he was going to want to cuddle or be left alone. His red stuffed toy was his favorite for fetch. Tug of war with his tiger was the daily routine. No more wet puppy kisses. No more cold noses trying to get under the bed covers with me. No more little snores that were annoying at the time but looking back... priceless. No more waking up to him spooning Luke and having both their heads on the same pillow.

Time for a new season. Time to move on. We have a baby on the way and we need to focus on that. James is behind us and living a new life in Jeff City with a new, great family that will be wonderful for him. Maybe someday we can get another dog when our kids are old enough to hlep out and take responsibility for it. Until then, our kids will be our pets. They can be taught to sit, stay, laydown and fetch too. Oh the fun that is to be had...

New Blog

I just wanted to let everyone know that Luke and I have created a new blog that will cover all the news about the baby. We'll be posting any new developments, pictures, and stories. You can find the blog at:

talesfromthecribkeeper.blogspot.com

Enjoy!

nothing but trouble

DMV.

What comes to your mind? Taking a number? Long lines? Water stained ceiling tiles? Splotchy, beige walls? Rude people behind the counter that look like they'd rather be tied to train tracks with a huge train barreling down on them than help you?

Or how about the never failing missing information that you need to do whatever it is that you're trying to get done? Oh, all you need to do is renew your drivers license? Well, please present you old license, a bill or proof of residency, proof of insurance, birth certificate, passport, 2nd grade class picture, strand of hair, blood sample taken within the last 7 days, and the ever popular underwear size.

Don't even think about trying to renew your license plates! Ha! Good luck... especially if you're a day late. If you forget something, tough luck. If you can get it faxed to the office, pay up sucker...

My question, is it possible to go to the DMV without having something missing that causes you to have to leave and come back AGAIN?! If you've had a flawless DMV experience, please let me know.

The Decision.

After a long time thinking on the subject, long debates with Luke and weighing out pros and cons... we've finally come to the very hard decision to find our dog, James, a new home.

As most of my readers know (all 2 of you), we're expecting our first child in January. Kids, surprise surprise, as super time consuming and are pretty much your life's priority. Unfortunately, James is more than what Luke and I can handle with a child in the mix. We love him dearly and its killing us to give him up, but it really is the best decision for him as well as us.

We put an ad on Craigs list a week ago and got tons of responses. I have been praying that the right family find us so James will go some place where I won't have to worry about his treatment. One family came to meet him, but they decided that he was a bit too energetic for their lifestyle so the decision was made that they would not take him.

After sorting through loads of emails and phone calls, we contacted a young lady who was looking for a small dog to complete her and her new husband home. They came to meet little James on Saturday and I think it was love at first site. This girl loved James. James loved her. He was well behaved and everyone got along great. They're needs for a dog seemed to be all met with James and vice versa.

Due to distance purposes, they can't come back to get him until August 17th which is fine. She wants to make sure everything is perfect and ready to bring the pup home to. We're going to be sending a few of our own posessions with him to help him make the transition more smooth.




Of course the situation is hard. He's my baby. Yes, he can be a turd but I love him to death. However, I can't think about my own selfish desires right now, and James just needs more than what we can give him now. I think he'll be happy with this couple and I really hope they're happy with him.

Inconsistencies

I've been thinking about something for a very long time and I finally brought it up with a few friends at work which then led into a long philosophical conversation at work this afternoon... there was no conclusion come to.

Basically, in Star Wars Episode 4, Obi Wan stops the beginning of a bar fight in the Cantina by cutting off the alien's arm thus leading to a pool of blood on the floor with the severed arm. However, in Episode 5, the epic scene where Darth Vader cuts off Luke's hand, there is no blood after the hand is severed.

Why is there this blatant inconstancy? Thoughts?

What I've Learned:

For the past week I've been gone on vacation to a family spot in upstate New York. It's a little place called Silver Bay. If you read my blog regularly, I'm sure you've read about the place before and maybe even seen some pictures. Well, after spending a much needed week up there, I've learned a few things...

1. Vacations are necessary.
2. Going 10 years without seeing family is too long.
3. Having no tv, radio or working clocks isn't the worst thing in the world... it's kind of the best thing.
4. Pregnancy and flying don't mix.
5. Even if you think you've taken enough pictures, you haven't.
6. Sitting around doing nothing for a whole day is awesome.
7. There's one in every family.
8. Having your A/C breaker blow while you're away sucks... especually when the house is 92 degrees when you get back.
9. Your dog misses you when you're gone for a week and gets all snuggly when you come back.
10. Reality blows.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil

Tomorrow marks the beginning to my week of peace. My vacation starts. Granted, flying isn't my favorite of things to do but once we get to the Bay... everything will melt away.

My cell phone won't work. There is limited to no internet. There is no TV. There is no office drama. There is no BS. There is just me, my family and the lake.

I will put up pictures when I get back but until then, rest assured that I am having a great time.

The Stuff People Spend Their Money On...

I never realized how much crap can go along with being pregnant. I'm not talking emotional stresses, appetite or sleep issues... I'm talking tangible, spend your money on it, S-T-U-F-F.


Since finding out I'm pregnant, I've signed up for a couple informational newsletters, but occasionally they'll send out their retail newsletters filled with wonderful things that every pregnant woman doesn't need but will be convinced that they do. Here's my most recent:

Say hello to the Snoogle Deluxe:

This little invention is apparently great for sleeping in the proper position during those later months of pregnancy. Because sleeping with a pillow under your head and a pillow between your legs is soooo last year, how can you ever even think about getting a good night's sleep without your trusty Snoogle Deluxe? And hey, if you don't really like the white of the Snoogle, don't fret, you can get it in mauve and denim as well. Can't decide? Get all three! Oh, and I don't mean to make the decision harder, but for only $10 more you can get the Organic Snoogle Deluxe... What a deal.


Oh please. I think I can live without a Snoogle Deluxe... thanks retail industry burocrats! You suck.

Our "Critter"

We went to the OB to hear the heartbeat today. Unfortunately, the nurse couldn't find the heartbeat so instead they sent us to get an ultrasound. So instead of hearing the heartbeat, we got to see it happening! Maybe I'm biased, but our baby is the cutest ever.

He/she is scratching it's head... itches happen!
And apparently our baby is super smart because he/she already found it's limbs and is sucking on it's fist.

Hands Down, The Best Year of My Life.

Today is Luke's and my one year anniversary. I know everyone says it, but it is so hard to believe it's been a year already! We've had a lot of changes in a short amount of time, but I can say they've all been good. Of course we've had our ups and downs; no marriage is perfect. However, all the good has outweighed the bad by far.

What makes today even better is that we get to hear our baby's heartbeat for the first time! I can't imagine a cooler way to spend our anniversary. No amount of flowers, chocolates, dinners out, or romantic get-aways could out do the sound of living proof of the person that we created together. We're pretty stoked!

19 Days

I cannot wait to be here. In this hammock. Staring out at this view. Having nothing that I need to do. No stress. No obligations.

The Headache That Never Quits.

We all know about morning sickness. You feel like crap when you wake up... it may last throughout the day. It's no fun.

What they don't tell you about is the headaches that acompany the sickness. I don't know if my headaches are from the hormones, the lights here at work, my computer screens, lack of water, or a nasty combo of them all. When I asked the doctor what I could do about them, she said Tylenol is the only pain releiver I can use. Well, let me tell ya, Tylenol is worthless. I took 2 around 10am and my headache has shown no sign of mercy... it may have, in fact, gotten worse. Not to mention the dizzy spells and lightheaded-ness that come too.

I'm so thankful that the constant nausia is gone. That is a HUGE blessing, but these ehadaches have got to go too. I can barely function at work or at home. I do the best I can both places but it's hard to keep up the pace that I kept pre-pregnancy. I know that I have an excuse, but if you know me at all, I'm not one for slacking with or without an excuse.

I just don't know what to do about these headaches.

Yahoo!... you sneaky, sneaky jerks.

Pretty much everyone has used a search engine... if you don't know what I'm talking about, these include sites like Google, MSN, and Yahoo. Google is definitely the top search engine to use, but many people still use Yahoo. Why, who the heck knows.

Yahoo's search engine is tricky. If you search on Google or MSN, you'll get back your results in two ways:

1. You'll get your organic listings. These are the listings that come up in the main window. The search engines scan all the sites on the Internet and come back with what their algorithm thinks is most relevant.

2. You'll get your paid search listings. These are the listings that companies pay for, otherwise known as the "Sponsored Listings". These aren't always totally relevant, but if you click on them, you'll be charging the company for that.

Here's is where Yahoo sucks... Yahoo allows companies to PAY for "organic listings" in their engine. So in an engine like Google, you search for something like "this season's fashions" you'll get back your sponsored links that are paid for by people selling swimwear, but you'll also get back sites that Google has ranked to be the best for what you're looking for. Yahoo, however, will mix paid listings into their organic results therefore skewing your search results. Tricky? Yes. Deceitful? Yes. Helpful? Maybe, unless you're looking for something OTHER than people selling stuff.

Hello Yahoo... maybe some of us DON'T use the Internet for shopping alone. Some of us would like some actual information. Stop nickle and diming your corporate customers and quit tricking your searchers. Take off the black hat douche bags... I hear white is in for the summer. Look it up, I'm sure you'll find a good place to buy one in your "organic" listings.

Wanted: Vacation

You know when you get to the point that you NEED a vacation and nothing else will do to calm your nerves? I'm there.

We have a vacation planned in July to go up to a place called Silver Bay in Ney York. My family has property there where my mom's side of the family sort of time-shares it. We all own the property but because the family is so big, you have to request time there. I haven't been since high school... and I graduated college 2 years ago. Needless to say, its been a while.

This place is right on Lake George. We have 2 docks, boats, canoes, there are trails to hike, hammocks to laze in, a raft to swim to and pretty much nothing to worry about. It has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world for me to go. Luke has never been there and is SUPER excited to go for his first time.

I'm craving time away so bad, I can almost taste the air there. I can feel the wind in my face when riding in the boat, I can hear the gentle slap of the lake water when it hits the stone ledge. I can imaging the kids fighting over the swing in the back, feel the cold strem water on my feet, see the creepy American Indian tapestry that has haunted my dreams since I was a child.

I love this place more than anything. I don't realize I miss it until I'm this close to going. I miss my family, I miss my cousins. I never get to see them because they're all so far away.


Penfield Cottage



The Cottage from the Lake



Every family has their own plaque to put up when they're at the cottage. My parents bought us ours for our wedding and I can't WAIT to hang it!



This doesn't even do the place justice.

We Can't Really Call It "Kid"...

After much debate, we have decided on names for the baby. Luke and I have also decided that we're not going to find out the sex of the baby. We want that to be another of life's little surprises. So, the names that we have decided on are:

Boy: Isaac Andrew
Girl: Ava Grace

So for the mean time, we refer to the baby as Isava.


Week 7 of Isava's Life:




A little creepy... not gonna lie.

6 Weeks 6 Days

We want to out first OB visit yesterday. The nurse practitioner said that everything looks good and healthy and she doesn't forsee any problems. It was too soon to hear the heartbeat but we were assured that we would hear it in 4 weeks when we go back.

She determined that I'm 6 weeks and 5 days as of yesterday and my "official" due date is January 12th... until it changes which they always do. Plus, only 1 in 20 women actualy go into labor on their due date... I'm not too worried.

I expressed my concern over my morning sickness which has kicked in with avengance. She said it normal and happening because my hormone levels are doubling every 48 hours. She gave me some samples of these candy lozenges, called B-natals, that have tons of b vitamins that are supposed to help the sickness. I tried one yesterday and they work really well. So now I have 2 boxes being delivered today.

So all in all, I'm doing well. The sickness is getting old and hasn't even been going on that long. Oh well... only 6 more weeks of it.

Suzie Home-Maker at Her Finest

So I've never really been that great at baking bread but I guess I need to get good quick seeing as I have a bun in the oven!

Luke and I just found out on Wednesday that we're pregnant! We're due in January and I'm going to my first doctor's appointment on the 27th. More details after that...

I'm glad it's not just me.

I woke up this morning barely able to open my eyes and the thought of rolling out of bed was nearly impossible. My husband, Luke, and I snoozed the clock until the last possible minute. Even our dog didn't want to get out of bed. We put him out to go potty and he just kind of looked at us... like... "What are you doing? I'm tired, let me sleep!"

We got to work and everyone else was complaining about the same thing... being so tired, not being able to get up, their eyes were burning and allergies were insane.

I downed an energy drink which usually works for me... nothing. I took an energy pill that usually is overkill... still hardly an effect. What the heck?

Luke is blaming it on the space time continuum... Who knows.

NewsFlash: Life's Not Fair .

I've been hearing this since I was a kid... "Life's not fair." Just like I did as a child, people need to get over it. Not everybody gets the same things. Not Everybody has the same possibilities and chances at things. It's happened enough to me to know that and guess what? I get over it. You know, there's a view that thinks that everything should be fair... I'm pretty sure thats called Communism. Huh... that seemed to work great.

If you think life should be fair... think again. You don't get everything that Joe Blow gets and vice versa. Grow up and be an adult.




*However if it is a matter of legal issues... thats another story.

Ahhhh.... Spring.... Ahhhh-CHOOOO!!!

I can't express my joy in the fact that Winter is on its way out and Spring is here. However, I had forgotten my loathing for allergies. Last Spring, I really didn't have a problem with allergies. It was the first Spring in my life that I wasn't carrying a tissue box with me and popping Benadryl left and right. Well, I guess my body decided that it forgot to react last Spring so it's making up for lost time.

I thought I was getting sick last Friday because I had a horrible sore throat with a terrible pounding headache. Turns out that the throat thing turned into a tight scratchy allergy reaction. So instead of taking the Benadryl that has been known to make me fall asleep standing up (literally... just ask Luke) I switched to "non-drowsy" Claritin. I didn't really have a problem Saturday or Sunday with the Claritin but I also didn't take it on an empty stomach. Now that I'm at work I decided to use the Claritin to clear up my stuffy nose, clogged up ears and sore throat... it isn't making me as drowsy as it is making me feel sort of drunk.

It's an interesting feeling... and my nose is STILL STUFFY! Thanks for nothing Claritin.

The Dentist

And after all the pain and whatnot... zero cavities baby!

I Wish Mr. Rogers Could Have Run the World

I hate being challenged....

So my small group is reading a book called "Practicing the Presence of People" and its basically about seeing the good or the "God" in everyone. We are all made in God's image so that means that the way we treat one another is the way we treat God.

This book has been a challenge because we've been asked to pick someone and really work on seeing the good. This has really opened my eyes to the lack of willingness I have to work on relationships that I don't feel like putting the time or effort into. Whether these relationships are old, new, work related or other, I have been convicted to improve them.

I'm starting out with baby steps, and really trying to invest more of myself in my friends and people that surround me. Something that we talked about last night was the incredible relationships that Jesus built while he was here. He sincerely invested himself in 12 men. He traveled with them, taught them, ate with them, and was really friends with these men. Three of them, he invested in further.

Now, how different would the world be if everyone in just my small group took the time to invest in 12 different people. Then those 12 invested in 12 more... and so on. How awesome would this world be?

That is my challenge to you. Invest yourself. I know it takes time, effort and energy. All of which, not everyone has a lot to spare, but start small. Maybe you can get twelve. Can you invest yourself fully in more? These aren't surface relationships, these are deep-rooted, open relationships. Yes, its hard. Yes, you have to open yourself up. Yes, you may get hurt... but think of the difference it could make.

James - The Snow Dolphin

Sledding Home

I'm not gonna lie... I'm scared to drive home. Well, technically Luke is driving home but still... I'm scared.

Plus, my poor pup has gone all day without a bathroom break since I couldn't make it home over lunch break. I just want to make it home ok for him.

My Pathetic Creature:

My Naked Mole-Rat

So we took James up to the groomer yesterday to get some length taken off because he was getting way shaggy. We tell the lady what we want and she says no problem. We had James over and her face drops. She just looks at me and says "I'm sorry but his underfur is matted." I'm just like... ok, so unmat it, whatever.

I was mistaken. Here's the breakdown. If a dog's fur is matted its basically dredded and nothing can be done with it. It becomes painful for the dog because it gets tight and its like his fur is being pulled out. The only cure?

Shave him.

So 3 hours later, we got back and pick up our little guy. He comes out and his fur went from 2 1/2 inches long to 1/4 inch. Oh and the best part, he didn't like the idea of them shaving his head... so they didn't. He looks like a lion and not in a good way. I'm not going to lie, I cried. I'm over it now. Now we can laugh about it.

I'll get pics as soon as I can. Unfortunately he's at the vet today getting snipped. He's had a hard couple of days.

Valentine's Day: Share it!

Have a Happy VD! Make sure to share it with someone you love!

Word of Mouth

I am a believer in word of mouth. Don't tell my employer who keeps me around only for my ability to pay for advertising, but in all reality... word of mouth is the best advertising on the block.

Think about it, how did you find out about Blogger? Facebook? YouTube? Amazon? Did you see an overdone advertisement or did you follow the advice of a friend and checked it out? I'm going to go with the latter of the two. Thus, I've been brought to my point...

Visit SomethingStore.com. You won't be disappointed. I have two somethings coming my way and I can hardly wait. Has your interest been peaked? I bet it has.

Bath Time for James!

He's not a HUGE fan of baths.

Always trying to escape!

Poor guy, he always looks so pathetic and rat-like when he's wet.

And still, he tries escaping... too bad he just slips down the side of the tub back into the water. Ha!

But its all worth it in the end because he's so cute and fluffy. The sweater is a whole other issue, I won't even get started on that.

Lethargic

So tired and unmotivated... at least its Friday.

I'm getting my hairs did tomorrow. Hopefully that will satisfy my need for change and variation in my life.

The Whole Point is to Get the Sticker

Who wants to go vote and walk out of the polls without a sticker showing your dedication to the political ways of our country? Not me! If I get up there to cast my ballot, I want one of those awesome stickers declaring that I, in fact, voted. The last couple times that I voted went unnoticed due to the fact that the place I went either didn't have the stickers or they ran out. Seriously, give me my sticker.

2008: The Year of the Babies

The first of several babies due in 2008 has been welcomed. Andrew and Holly Nagy, very good friends of mine, just welcomed their first baby boy, Grayson, into the world on Super Bowl Sunday. How awesome is that? It gets better, Andrew was also born on the Super Bowl! Crazy.

Oh, did I mention the kid is adorable?! Well, he is.

There are more of my friends that have babies on the way... good thing I love buying baby stuff!

Where are Your Priorities?

Where are your priorities? Are they people or money?

Mine is definitely people.


I wish I could say that about some of the people around me.

New Stuff

Who doesn't like new stuff? I sure do.

I added a new piece to my blog. As you see to your right, I have a little lemonade stand set up. The products in there are just products that I really like and would recommend to other people to use. If you would like to use something from my little display and you click through my display, I get a percentage of the sale. So, if you like new things and you like what I have in there, go ahead and get something. I sure wouldn't mind :)

The Plague

There are 8ish people out sick from work today. Seriously, what the heck? I really hope Luke and I don't get whatever it is going around. Keep the vitamin C and hand sanitizer coming!

Get Your Tubes Tied, Idiots.

MSN Microsoft AdCenter has gone and done it. I don't know why I'm surprised...

For work, I needed to get a report with all our account's information. I went onto our MSN account to export the data I need. After hours of searching around, running reports, and downloading useless information, I discovered that it is not in my abilities to get the information that I need all in one place. I email their support asking someone there, with access to my entire account, to do an export with the info I need. After several emails back and fourth, I am told that they do not have the ability to get it. WHAT?

So instead I am given a link to a 3rd party company that can do it for me. So how in the heck can a 3rd party company get the information from MSN that they, themselves, cannot get? Plus, I was asked to submit my feedback for getting the ability to attain the information that I need. The all-knowing people at MSN will look over the feedback requests and determine the popularity of a request. If I am the only person to submit negative feedback on this topic, there is a problem in the world. Microsoft, if you were human, you'd need to not procreate because those genes do not need to continue.

Geez.

Training a puppy is hard.

I'm getting tired of cleaning pee off the floor.

Thank goodness for hardwood floors.

New Addition

Luke and I decided that we are ready for an addition to our household. So, over the weekend, we got ourselves a puppy. James Quincy Sinak is our brand new Silky Terrier. He's a great dog. He's learning fast but still has him moments... after all, he is a puppy.

He's an energetic little guy who loves attention and cuddling. He's perfectly happy playing tug of war with his towel or attacking his teething ring. Because of the fact that he's teething, he tends to nip and bite when he gets wound up. We're working on this, but since he's only 11 weeks, he doesn't know the difference between playing and biting. Trust me, we're working on it. I have the scratches and marks to prove it... little booger.

We've had his for three days, and he's already catching on to house training. He has only wet his crate a few times, so I'm hoping he'll be ok after this week of us working and him being at home. Little James is so sweet. I just love him to death.

My Father-in-Law took a few pictures of James, so take a look.

Addiction

So I'm back up to 3 cups of coffee before 9am. For a while I was off the stuff. Dang it.

I Matter.

When things in life are just handed to you, you lose a sense of accomplishment. The older I get the more I realize this. When I work with my hands, creating something myself, I feel more of an attachment to whatever it is that I have done. Maybe its the artist in me, but I would much rather have my home filled with bits a pieces that I have put together, refinished, or even found rather than furnishing with the latest and greatest.

Take my new (used) chair that I'm working on. We were given this chair that was super ugly. Just a gross, pastel plaid pattern that wouldn't match anything if it tried. Just with a little new fabric and a little time, I have a new chair that matches my house perfectly. Sure there are flaws in my chair, there are flaws in every piece of artwork that I have created, but that is what makes them unique.

This is how I know that God truly loves me for everything that I am, because I know he made me to be who I am, flaws and everything. He put His time and energy into creating me to be something and make a difference, not just to take up some space. No, I'm not perfect, but I am His. I think God loves filling his house with things that mean something to him as much as I do.

Reaching a Crossroads

You know when you reach a crossroads in life and you just don't know what you're supposed to do? You pray and pray and are still unsure of the steps that God really wants you to take? That's where I am. It sucks.

Using Social Media to Name a Child - Poor Kid.

My friend Andrew Nagy and his wife ("not Holly") are expecting their first child on February. They had decided to name him Grayson but are still undecided on a middle name. If you go to his blog, they are taking votes on what to name the baby!

Forget New Year's Resolutions

Ok, so its a new year with new goals. I was given a hard time by a few people that I haven't updated my blog in way too long. Yeah, I know its been over a couple months, but life has just been crazy.

I've decided to start eating better. No, I'm not going to go full-on organic vegan or anything but eating more whole foods is always a plus. Along with eating better, I'm going to start working out more. I think this will help me with my constant tiredness and moodiness. You know, and get me in better shape.

I know what your thinking... New Year's resolutions are so over-rated, but this is not a New Year's resolution. Whether it was January or August, I'd be doing this; its just something I'm doing for myself. I've set goals for myself to reach by my birthday and I'm even doing a detox this week with a friend from work so we have some moral support.

The way I see it, if I have to be here on this planet, I might as well make the most of it by looking and feeling good.

Maybe I'll even start blogging more. If only I had more interesting stuff to say...