Puppy Jitters

Sunday marks the start of sleep deprivation.
We will be picking up our baby boys in Waco at noon and bringing them to their new forever home.-AUSTIN! They will be 13 weeks when we get them. They are already named Stormy and Windy, so I need to see how adaptable they are to new names.

I don’t know how it will feel to have a yorkie in the house again, but I am quite excited at the thought. On top of it, we are back in a house of sorts so I am having some dejavu here. It is really starting to feel like home. Though it is not my house and it will not be Taz, I am making a new start.

I expressed to my dog breeder concerns of double expenses and she quickly relieved my worries. I was so elated. I could not have taken on two of these critters without guilt had I not talked to her. She offered lots of tips to lessen my anxiety. She is hooking up Andrew with directions on giving the dogs their shots himself from the vet annually after they finish their puppy shots. I am thrilled at the idea. No need to expose the dogs to kennel viruses, cough or fleas, as well as an office visit fee, if all they need is an annual shot. She is also going to show us how to cut corners on frontline and heartgard. She gets mega discounts being a breeder. Andrew will groom them, as we still have Taz’s sheers. The dog food is a premium brand you get at Petsmart but she told me it is cheaper at feed stores (who knew); so that was a great tip. Even though these guys don’t eat much, with two of them I am being smarter. Even to the point of picking out their food bowls(*note to self: no lead) and extra living room beds from ROSS’. They have stellar deals.

Andrew and I went out last weekend and bought a crate for them to sleep in together (breeder told us Wal-Mart was cheaper than petsmart). She said they are used to sleeping together. awwwwww. It was really fun shopping and buying the crate and looking at doggie stuff again. These babies are going to be spoiled brats. With Taz only lasting 7 precious years, I KNOW every moment counts. Friday we head off to pick out bowls, toys, treats, and a doggie gate. GO ROSS’!!

Though the thought of breeding dogs for quality health and bloodlines, I think, is smart and necessary, the whole idea is upsetting to me knowing the abundance of dogs in shelters(will not hop in soap box). That said, with me giving my gift to science and all, regarding the parvo testing, in an upside down backwards twisted way; I can sleep a bit better at night. She has invited me into the ‘show’ world and I can’t wait to sit back and watch her in action with my puppies’ multi-champion daddy. Going with a REAL breeder is so new for me. I have never experienced this world. I am truly learning a lot about dogs that my experience and books did not teach.

Honestly, I am not sure if I am writing this to you guys or myself. I guess I just needed to justify it in writing. So many things are going through my head and my mom’s negativity is el numero uno. Still haven’t even told her and I have been planning a little one since October. Wow, 35 and still scared of mom. NIICE. No one pays my bills but me, so I’m not even sure why I feel the need to explain how I am going to pay for them; except that I go to you guys crying about money every other day and willingly adding a debt to my load does not take brains to figure out the ramification.

In the end, I still have not gotten over Taz. Somehow I feel guilty that I am not letting him rest in peace. I need to move on to the next stage in my life.

November update.

Since Halloween only brought tricks, I am hoping November will bring some treats. *Monetary.

Andrew has been laid off 17 days and counting. *Crossing fingers for that call.

We still have no blinds in the house. *Um, it's getting quite chilly. *Tired of being clothed all the time.

We added a frog to our tank so Roger would have a playmate. I named her Molly. *Not sure of either sexes and turns out they aren't friends.

Collecting a few thousand dollars in bills from the miscarriage. *How did they find me?

We bought a squirrel feeder since we have 2 starving squirrels and winter is coming. *they are thieves. We literally watch them take the entire cob off the thingy and carry up the tree. bastards.

Two bald tires and an oil change light is on. *Why do they put those lights in cars?

Made friends with a goat over the weekend. *Check myspace later.

Attended my son's gig on Red River. *Two brownie points. *Holy Hyawatha is all I have to say.

Attended my niece's FFA Cook-off. That was fun. Got to visit and see everyone. *Shizam she can cook. *Hope she keeps the boy she was with.

Hoping to take a vacation day on the 3rd. *Niece shows her pig for FFA in Georgetown and I can't wait to see her in her zone. Plus it's mom's birthday.

Ankle is still broken. *Use guide or walker.

I guess that's about it for now folks. Keep in touch. XOXO

Allergy Season

Allergy season is kicking my butt.
My head is pounding.
My ears are stuffy.
My throat is swollen shut.
My nose can not decide if it is stuffy or running a marathon.
I am achy all over.
With the cooler weather, my back is now hurting as well.
My fractured ankle is rebelling against me standing on it.
My eyes are closing unintentionally.
My hands are shaking.
My knees are crackling.

I may want to consider a living will.

moving day

Well, well, well! Where to begin?

I do believe this year goes down in history as second worst thus far.

First and foremost I am mentally recovered from my loss in August. Well, as much as a person can. It is not something I think of minute by minute these days; only hourly.

I ascertained the apartment was possessed, so I decided we had to make a fresh start and move somewhere far far away.

I didn’t see any alternative if'n we do conceive again. Girl scout rule~ always be prepared ?!?! Plus I truly hate being confined to the interior of a house. No yard, no BBQing and no room for friends and family have really gotten old.

As of 10/01/08 we now have a 2/2/1 in North Austin. You heard me AUSTIN!
Say it again.. A-U-S-T-I-N!!!! Yes, I won the battle of where to move. You can take the girl out of the city but you can’t take the city out of the girl. I tell you, if it is not within 5 minutes, I panic! That includes the dollar store, grocery store, fire department and hospital.

Which brings me to move-in day. FIRE!!!!! CALL 911!!!!!
And I literally stopped, dropped and rolled. 7 days later I still hurt like I was in a car wreck.
Side note: To anyone wondering, this has not stopped me from visiting my local family dollar 3 times already.

We have been in the shithole(as it turns out) for a week now and it is still a total mess.
We have painted, cleaned, mowed, weeded the flower beds, unpacked 40+ boxes; and I still can't find my drugs.

The garage is still FULL. I smell goodwill. Next time we move I plan on leaving everything here, and buying all new stuff!!!

I do think that if I ever find the couch, I will enjoy it.

Ultrasound

I know all things happen for a reason. I have to admit that today when Dr. Darby told me there was no baby in my sac and explained that somewhere in the process of the 'union' that were was not enough chromosomes present, therefore the embryo never developed; I must admit I was a bit taken aback. More like Shocked.

I have a D&C scheduled for Thursday at 7:30am. Been through this before so I am truly dreading it. I will be home on bed rest for several days following.

I am now struggling with separating the tangible goods from my heart. I had attached names to the baby. I had begun a scrapbook of happenings. We had purchased a blanket. Gone on a Zoo outing and thoughtfully picked out a unisex plastic cup. We each painted a butterfly as a symbol of new life. Andrew painted the 'boy' and I the 'girl'. These things are all that, just things, but they hold a special place in our hearts.

After reflecting for 11 hours, I find that I am a bit more settled with the results and a lot more adjusted. I can't and wont accept that my God is a Karmic God, nor that the Devil has so much power over me that I would allow him to take from me something that I loved more than myself. So I am left with only one choice. This was meant to be. Though I do not understand a BIT of it and feel completely robbed, I believe that there is a higher power that has my best interests at heart. So, I move on to the next phase after processing this loss, which is starting over.

Let the good times roll.

Hoping for a miracle....

It has been a little over a week now since my loss. The only thing I have been able to focus on in this time is filling the void. I know I can never replace Taz, but I can not live with the emptiness he has left in my heart either.

I have spent countless hours on the internet searching for someone I can love half as much as him. I have checked every shelter and rescue site I can find. With a handful of choices that I was not 100% on, I headed to the shelters to take a peak. Neither of the two I visited, did I find the doggies I went to visit. I was really irritated at the time, but knew they must not be the one.

I gave up on that idea and posted an ad on Craigslist. You know me and my A-Z stories, but I kept that this short and sweet, and very impersoanl. I said that I wanted to adopt a doggie that was all mixed up and no one wanted. I didn't care about the sex, the age, or the breed(within reason, I listed about 8). I prefered a mix, that was older, that was sprayed or neutered. I would pay $200/no more, and it must be up to date on shots.

I received several replies, but only one was the answer. The couple that has this little dog, does not want him. He is 2 1/2. They rescued him at 8 months from being locked outside his entire life, with matted hair, and not much food or water. Since they took him in, they have discovered that he does not 'fit' into their 'new' family. WTF.. 3 kids and another dog that they like more and gets more attention, they don't want this one. This little guy suffers from anxiety, has allergies, and skin sensitivity. She thinks he needs to be in a one dog household where he is the king and loved and can sit in your lap anytine, and not feel like an outcast. The owner tells me that the kids only want to hold their other dog so this little guy is showing more and more aggression towards the other dog when he is someone's lap. (DUH).......

I hope to meet them this week and bring him home this weekend that way he can adjust to me over the weekend. I hear he has an overbite, giggle :D

His name is Bentley, and they call his Bennie or Snaggle(I will not be calling him).

Please meet Bentley...

R.I.P. 6-27-08 Taz

I had to lay my best friend to sleep Friday. After a long struggle, he is now in doggie heaven dancing through the tulips.

I miss him horribly and hope I always step over him as I get up from the sofa, out of bed in the mornings, and out of the shower in the evenings. I hope that I always hear his collar rattle and never forget his love.

I'm Back.

Finally, for the love of peanut butter, in the last 17 days life has picked up.

Memorial day was a blast, minus the 4 hours spent broken down on the side of I35. And not even me and sis, we just had to do our wifely duties, psha. Istill got quality family time with my sis' bunch. BBQ, washers, yahtzee, a MiaTia( I said A because we had to go save the world), and lots of laughs. Even a lost tampon(sorry ya'll, inside joke).

After the Memorial Day Bash, I brought my niece home at midnight for a sleepover. SHUTUP! that was a friggin' blast. Gave her and my son a pedicure. Sunday we got up, the kids ate cereal[I felt like a mom, wow, amazing] and my niece and I headed for the computer to pick out her bikini. WHOOHOO!, will be here in 2 weeks. Don't tell the twins. They will be 17 one day.

He and I shaved Taz, bald, and bathed him. It was nice watching him growl and squirm on the towel drying off for a few minutes. Then back to laying around. He looks BAADD, but feels better. I think his body temperature is messed up or something. He has developed a right eye issue, it is pussing up and closing. Nothing eye drops and a warm towel can't handle. Besides, I had a little talk with this tumor, it's going DOWN.........................................................

Our aquarium seems to be stabalizing as well[knocking on wood]. We added another snail and the cutest GD frog I have ever seen in my GD life. Holy Huckleberry he/she(I think it's a hemi) is by far more fun to watch than any fish I have ever seen. Oh, and his name is Roger, IDK why, it fit when he looked at me ;)

Road with Luc to the airport last night. Had to pick up her mom's truck and drive it back to Luc's. She will be staying in Seattle longer than expected. The drive there was fun, the drive back alone, not as fun; Luc didn't have her Sirius connected[whore, J/K]. She made up for it by treating us to Pei Wei. I think I came a little at the first bite. Thanks Luc, that was a treat.

Guess that pretty much wraps up that last 2 weeks. Catch up with you soon.

East Side

This post is brought to you compliments of the barrio.

Last weekend the Mr. and I were on our way to a family BBQ. His brother was back from vacation and we hadn’t seen him in over a year. So I really wanted to go see everyone and catch up. They always have great food, great music, and lots of kiddos.

We had to meet another brother along the way, as we do not know our way around South East Austin. Not that there is anything wrong with it. Tons of folks call it home.

So we met his brother at a bar, giggle, go figure, and head SE. We were nearing the airport and we past the airport. We veered off to the right and the sign said Montopolis in ginormous letters. Now, as a side note, I have been with the Mr. for 12+ years and he has told me stories about this street. Let’s just say I made a quick call to my beneficiary and attorney.

Right away we entered into what could only be explained as the hood. I mean a neighborhood. It was a dead giveaway when 5 guys over 18, covered in gold plated jewelry and Air Jordan clothes, atop the hoods of their pops pimped out green or purple 1980 Chevelles with spinners and their ho’s were starring at us like minivans were not allowed on their street.
(I was just looking for shiny weaponry)

Still following the brother, he makes a knee jerk turn(remember we picked him up at a bar) into a Stop and Rob. I told the Mr. “STOP RIGHT HERE, THIS IS CLOSE ENOUGH”. We parked a bit away and watched.

What followed was quite comical.

There was an orange extension cord that ran from the Stop and Rob all the way past us to the vacant lot next door. I commented that it didn’t seem very safe and who was stealing electricity (when we headed home, it turned out they were setting up for a flea market or something). ANYWAY, so the next thing I see is a gentleman leaning on his truck, eating a sandwich, and doing what I thought was working under the hood of this truck.

At a closer look, turned out he need a place to charge his cell phone so he thought he would eat while he waited.

THEN...

A call came in....

Me and the Mr. got quite a few chuckles at his expensive.

*if you want me to send you a copy you can voom in, tell me, it is hilarious.

Taz update

Thanks for all of your patience, warm wishes, virtual hugs, and prayers over the last few weeks.

Taz is doing better than I had anticipated. He has explosive 2 minute episodes of tail wagging, talking excitement about once every other day. I absorb those moments like water to a sponge

He has lost a lot of weight. His little spine is sticking out and you can count every rib. He is extremely fragile and weak. He no longer sits up on his front legs. He goes from spot to spot, gently falls into place and is asleep within moments. He seems to have gotten very clingy and sensitive, always showing me the very sad needy look below. I wish I knew what he needs.

We have a good routine down with his pottying. I think he is more comfortable as well knowing where to teetee in the house and not stepping in it over and over. As well, he has a beach towel trail so he doesn’t get confused. The humans are happier too.

One the upside he still has his appetite and is still drinking. He loves to finish mama’s glass of water, it tastes so much better than his dish, and I am glad to let him have it.

Though his days are numbered, his memory will last forever.

I love you Taz.

Taz

I received the blood work results from the vet.

It is very grim.

My little man has both Cushing's and Diabete's.

His time here on Earth is very limited.

Please do not come by my house without notice.

It is a hard time for me.

I may or may not blog for a while.

Thank you all for your constant support and prayers!

Taz and I love you!

You MIGHT not want to touch me.....

I had planned to blog on Wednesday about an experience I had at a local fast food place but as my week was continuing to plummet, I was forced to look back at the chicken stuffed case- of -burrillo incident with a grin.

When life hands me sour grapes, I stomp the hell out of them, and hope for wine.

So I got a haircut Tuesday evening. You can call me Molly, or Ms. Ringwald if you’re nasty.

I was leaving for work this morning and MY (I did say MY) stainless steel, side/side, refrigerator, FULL, in the garage, DIED. Um, ya.

My dog may or may not be on his last leg, and I may or may not go to the looney bin over it. At any rate, I take him for his first round of blood work today. Bill starting at $165.00 + TT&L. This not including ANYTHING ELSE.

Most of you know we are running an ‘Aquatic Genocide’ (totally stolen from TB, thanks, love it!) at my house. Indeed we lost another one this week. She was nice. Lived a good life. Amen, may she rest in peace.

The toilet bobber flipper dilly in the tank is broken. For 3 weeks now. So if’n you are at my casa and use my potty, please be a sweetie and lift the handle.

I think that may be it for now…..

TBC…..

Ex Reunion interferring with a birthday :)

I went into Saturday with a boat load of apprehension already. Not only was I going to see the one jerk that I blame for jading me in so many ways but I had a new haircut that was not topping the charts either.

Turns out I was right on both counts.

For some ungodly reason, my sister’s house is 40% more humid than the rest of Texas. Could be the horse poopies but no one is saying. So by the time we arrived, having gotten out at 2 gates to manually open them, unload from the truck, grab presents, and make our trek through the mud, you could say we were a bit sticky and frizzy. Nevertheless, we were excited to see the 30+ folks who attended and starving for some delicious BBQ.

I said "hi" to my sister and noticed Jed out of the corner of my eye, ya, I almost fainted. I knew he would be there, but seeing him was different visually. I went on my way inside and settled in, kissing my niece a big Happy 17th. Amy, Drew, HIM, mom and I gathered on the porch and huddled. Fellow family went by visiting, all was well and the tension was at a minimum. THENN, Jed walked by. I must have appeared to be invisible. What a relief. Thank Gawd for super powers.

The party was coming to an end and we are getting ready to say adios when we ended up eye to eye. Jed still didn’t bother to speak, so being the better person, I offered a half assed wave and he returned the same. No words exchanged. He grinned and starred. The end. Still not sure if that meant, damn I’m glad she left when she did or what.

We headed off to the truck and left with our dignity. Amazingly, I didn’t go up to him and say anything I had wanted to get off my chest for the past 13 years or jump at the urge to close any doors. Clearly, my unresolved issues were just that, mine. A very hard admission to swallow.

Sunday I woke up feeling 100% better. Strange, but better. Having dreamt about him every night for 13 years, and for the first time, not to…. I felt refreshed and emotionally cleansed. Amen to moving forward!!!

And to top it off, I gave a pretty kick ass gift and the coolest card!

Happy Birthday Niecie!!!!! I love you!!!!!!

Danger Zone has been lifted

Day 8 back on my meds. There is a GOD!

Even though the sky is falling and gas is rising, I’m happy!

Amen, Hallelujah, Shizam!

Smile for the Camera!

Here is a reminder of my surprise weekend.

OMG!

I had a super surprise visitor this last weekend. I almost pee’d myself.

As many of you know (if you didn’t, please take notes) I hate surprises. To clarify, I am not talking about gifts :o), stopping by my work, sending me flowers, etc.; that is great. But, telling me to not make plans for the weekend and not giving me any idea of what to expect; I can’t handle that. And if it is anywhere in the category of going away for the weekend or having friends over (in my house), OMG! For real people, I need to prepare. I need the house clean, clothes washed, the frig stocked, beverages for pete’s sake, the dog washed,and so on. Unless, you do all of that for me. I am WAY too nosey and obsessive to be left in the dark about something like that.

So to continue, HE told me a week prior to keep last weekend open, ok fine. HIS plans usually do not require me to freak out; HE just isn’t that creative and has no friends, so I usually don’t panic too much. However, I awoke Saturday morning to him texting. Then going outside to make secret phone calls. Then giving directions. OMG! WTF!

Turns out Gretchen was coming (insert moment of tinkling all over myself) from Louisiana for a visit. And yes, she would be staying with us. You better believe I flew the house like an idiot, still in awe, straightening up. I could not believe HE didn’t know any better than to either ‘prepare’ for me or let the freaking cat outa the bag; even if just the tail.

She arrived (insert another tinkle) and all of my stressing was gone. Was it really her?!? I couldn’t believe it, I couldn’t let her go.

We hopped in the car and headed to her favorite Mexican place. Then to the drag for some 'shopping'(and Gretchen, I have a list of a few more 'stores' we have to go to). Then to the bar.

We spent the entire day catching up and laughing so hard we hurt. By the time we made it back to the house we were spent(she had been up since the AM driving, but alcohol may have played a small role as well).

A few (by that I mean 3.5) hours later, I woke her up to head home.

Here is glimpse of our weekend.




So thank you HIM and Gretchen, for the best surprise weekend EVAH!!!!

Lucky

I have a new friend whom I have grown to love in a very short amount of time.
Our relationship is mainly virtual, but very real. He is open and honest. Always willing to listen. Never condescending. And someone I have grown to depend on.

He and I have a lot in common in relation to our marriages, so that is normally where our conversations end up.

For me, my marriage is not bad enough to leave but it isn’t good enough to stay at times. In his marriage it is wonderful in most aspects, yet she is selfish.

We are both aware there will always be greener pastures, but are realistic enough to appreciate what we DO have.

He has a psych degree and is awesome to toss thoughts to and hear his perspective. Deep meaningful conversations is one thing I dig. He definitely met a talker.

Just today he said this to me.

You have tricked yourself into thinking you can leave for good, but you can't.
For your well being...you must either accept him and his short comings...and try to be
happy, or leave. And don't look back.
You are very sweet woman, you have a lot to offer a man, and I want you to be happy.
And really those are the only ways you can be. Remember comfortable doesn't equal happy.
You are not being fair to yourself or him.

*This is only a tiny snippet of our IM conversation, but I think you can get the idea of how genuine and honest he is. I truly treasure him.


To my friends: I am very lucky to have so many of you in my life that care about me, unconditionally, and have my best interests at heart. Believe me that it is reciprocated.

FOR REAL....

For the last week I have been doing OT. Given that I am a bitch lately, I can't seem to wrap my mind around the reason 'others' are not working OT along side me.
Shouldn't I get triple OT? WTF?!?

On top of the long days, what happens last night, but HE gets sick.
Helping the sick at 3am was not on my agenda.

Now I am a tired, a bitch, AND sleep deprived.

This month just keeps getting better.....

But WAIT, don't forget the mean phone calls from the ex-wife saying how
she caught my stepson "in the act"...... And we need to come get him.

Calgon take me away.

At what point does adulthood go from drama to fun?

DANGER!!!!

Warning to those within any amount of distance from me:

I am off my meds temporarily. Turns out my doctor doesn’t accept my new insurance.

It has been a week so my moods are in full force now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.


Will post when I return to normal.

We all have our secrets...

Happy Valentine's....

New developments

As most of you know, I can only update this M-F, 8-5. You also know I work those hours, which makes it hard to sneak in a post. Sorry for the 6 week hiatus.

A few new developments have occurred that I would like to report.
After a knock down-drag out confrontation with the Mr., I have taken back my life. Well, still being with him, please realize I am trying to be a team player and trying to figure out how to spell team with an I.

First off, I HAVE MY CAR BACK for any of you who are sick of not seeing me!!! *Luc, Sis or chauffering me around. * I do not need a hall pass, nor do I need a permission slip I got big girl panties. Chances are I might even ignore his calls when we are ‘out’. GET IT!!!! I KNOW!!! It’s all too much to take in at once. LOL.

I have also joined a Book Club. Yes, I know I will have to read. *evil eyes at Sis*
The first meeting is next Thursday. I think I may wet myself I am so excited.
I began the search 2 weeks ago and have been waiting for the right group. I wanted something to do. You know, away from HIM, that I would enjoy, and I knew he would HATE… BINGO!!!! BAHAHAHAHAHAHA….. I crack myself up sometimes. I hope I made the right group choice. It is new so there are no ‘clicks’ established yet. It is 20’s to 30’s and North/Central. It meets my requirements. HA… I do think my friends have a secret pool against me. I hope they all lose.

OH!, and for any of you who are feeling sorry for HIM that I am a Beotch, don’t, he thinks he is happy. I do believe his mother dropped him a few times as an infant.

Anyway, I must say when things are going my way; damn the world is a brighter place. I know you all like me more. Gosh I am a mess. Thank you all for not killing me and hiding my body.

Now, what will I conquer next!?! I feel like I have cajones the size of a small country.

So, Coffee anyone ?

XOXOXOXO

Tagity tag tag tag

I'VE BEEN TAGGED!
I was tagged and given a strict set of instructions. They sounded easy at first glance. Then, I realized: a) the person who tagged me is the only person I know that blogs, and b) I then had to think of 7 things about myself that I had not already exposed on here, and c) they were supposed to be, to some degree, random/weird. Jeesh!
I went ahead and attached the instructions for those of you who want to steal them.

Here’s how it works:
Link to the person that tagged you:
Post the rules for the meme on your blog. And here they are:
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog, tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

SO HERE ARE MY 7 RANDOM/WEIRD FACTS...

1. I can not stand chain letters. Any way, shape or form they may disguise themselves. Be it in the mail, email or whatever. Recipe exchanges. Flip flop exchanges. Kitchen towel exchanges. ANY of them.

2. I do not watch the same show twice normally, and like it. It bores me to tears. Reruns irritate me. If it were that good, I will watch it again and again and will or have bought the DVD. I am such a loud mouth that I can not help but mock or repeat the entire show anyway and ruin everyone else’s time (unintentionally of course) so what is the point anyway.

3. I love perfumed lotions but only like to use 1 brand. The rest leave me feeling dirty and I end up washing them off.

4. At any given time I will have 2+ drinks around me. One is always water. The other is likely sweet tea. I may not drink either of them but my goodness if I didn’t have a drink, I shiver to think. =)

5. I was born in Phoenix but my family only lived there for 4 months after I was born. To this day, I have never been back.

6. If I were to be a drug addict, pills would be my drug of choice. I am a pill popper. I need to join PPA. I take pills for everything. Some would say for imaginary things. I am my own Walgreen’s. We are happy.

7. I do not salt anything after it is cooked. I do not add sugar to my cereal. But I do add soy sauce to most chinese foods and I add sugar to my coffee.

I DONT FEEL TOO RANDOM/WEIRD...

BOOK I

So I bought a new book December 19th. I was dying to get started on it and have been a pretty loyal reader; for 20 or 30 minutes each night. There are times I can’t put it down for an hour, but they are rare, and there have been times I have read the same lines over and over since I can’t seen to watch a movie and comprehend my reading at the same time[they didn’t teach that in the hill country]. At any rate, I am nearing the end. 302 pages down [all comprehended, giggle] and I am nearing the climax of the story. Many of you have seen the movie so I can not tell you the name [Boss, hush] or you would spoil it for me. The rest of you whom have not seen the movie, likely have no interest in it or the book, so I will not waste your time.

I will say that it has added a few words to my vocabulary, none that I will likely use again. But hey, knowledge none the less.

My reason for rambling on about this is simple. It is to state a little known peeve of mine. Note to self: perhaps research a bit [ok, research at all] next time. Perhaps Lucy knows this best. I HATE when you get to the end of ANYTHING and it says “PSYCHE” “TO BE CONTINUED”. It is one thing to know, but it is another to be blind sided. Like on a Hallmark special and you have to tune in next Sunday, only you weren’t planning on tuning in next friggin’ Sunday.

So as I said, I am nearing the end of my book. I decided to see how many pages were left so I could decide whether or not to stay up and finish it (often times they fill the back with crapola). To my astonishment I see a preface to BOOK TWO. WHATTHEFUCK!! I’m sorry. I gasped. I might have even yelped like a wounded mouse. No, I think it was more like a squealing pageant girl. I thought I was almost done and I have only just begun. WELL, FASHIZEL!!

THEN, I look at the back cover and it says[did I mention my future note to self? ‘research’] BOOK I, II, III.

So I don’t have to tell you that I reached over and turned out my light.

Christmas Break

I had a very enjoyable Christmas Day. It began early but was well received. Time with my family is always valued. The traditional tree, gifts and meal; family gathered around and excitement of Santa was present. Mom was her usual boisterous self with lots of love. It was fun to be with my Sis and her kiddo's. The air is always full of love, joy, peace, and hope.

The holidays did prove to be short though. I was off of work for an extended period, yet this vacation wasn’t spent how I normally would. I was hold up in North Texas with Great White Hunters. Indeed there was habitation, transportation and food, but the company proved to be the lifesaver.

My Sis and brother-in-law gave Him a week’s stay at their deer lease for Christmas. This was a win-win because if he actually did kill one, I get to eat it.

So we were off! A bag of chips, salsa, a nap here and there and 6 hours later we arrived. Oh, and a 30 degree drop in temperature. Did I mention the ride was a BLAST? I was lucky enough to ride with not one but 2 singers. One of which is a part-time DJ turns out. There was no lack of entertainment, or lapse in music. Not commercials or fuzz from dead zones. I had the entire comfy backseat to myself, equipped with a pillow and blanky.

We pull onto a red dirt road and I think ‘we are here’. But no. I am told there are 7800 something acres and by the time we got to the cabin I think we traveled 8700 acres. It was truly amazing. We arrive at the cabin and unload, just in time to get settled and head for bed. Before I know it, it is 5am and I hear an alarm buzzing. Holy Hell it is time for the great hunters to head out. I wave them good luck and roll over. They returned at 7:30am and chilled until time to leave again at 3pm. They returned about 7:30pm and then chilled again for a while before bedtime. I tell you what, hunters are serious folk. They don’t sleep much once they have their eye on the prize. This daily ritual of theirs exhausted me I tell ya. Not to mention they gave me frostbite by sheer glance.

My niece and I read and watch movies; colored and played Sudoku during the day time. With no cable and no boys, what else were we going to do? THENNNN….. We found a pellet gun. Dundundundun… We found our true calling. We are bird hunters. She and I had the most fun [white trash style] standing in the kitchen, aiming out the window [it was F*ing cold] aiming at birds [actually shooting less than 1%]. Of course her dad had to clean them; we were SOO not doing THAT. You must be joking.

We went into town a few times with Sis and the Family. We were like kids in a candy store. There was a general store [giggle, this was like a ghost town], a café and an antique shop. We most assuredly visited them all. Well we had to, we were out of pellets. I sometimes feel sorry for sis when she has to be a mom to 4 kids.

Then before we knew it the week was over and we had to load up and head south. Gas, chips, a candy bar, a stop in Copperas Cove for 2 kids, and 6 hours later we were home. He and my brother-in-law dropped off the dead animals for processing, while we unloaded the car [I was fine with that, hehe]. Lucy grabbed us to save my Sis the last bit of sanity she had. She also me my doggy. Darn I missed him. Her too.

Now it is back to work and the beginning of a new year once again.

God Bless!