5/17/11

I scored big shopping last night. Shorts for me and Mitch, jacket and shorts for Zach, two hoodies for me, a book for me, and several outfits for Bella (Ralph Lauren and Baby Gap).

My schedule is so close to changing I can almost taste it! Not next Monday, but the one after, I will go from 46 hours to 42. I have today off but I agreed to go in 2:30-4 to cover for a meeting. I'm also going in two hours early this Saturday and possibly next, but after that Vinny should be good to go.

I've been sleeping fairly well and not even waking up much, so that's good, but come 6 or 7pm, I'm beat. I'm going to chalk that up to the dreary spring. What a disaster.

5/16/11

Loving my nails!!! They're fluorescent pink! They look so good with my tan! What a fun color! Only have a few moments to blog. Has this not been the most blah spring ever??? I'm usually at the beach swimming in the ocean by now. That being said, I did go in on Friday. It was surprisingly warm. Warmer than Sandy Beach in Maine can ever dream of being. But I need me some sun. Let's go mother nature. Enough of this bull.

5/15/11

Slept great last night. Woke up, enjoyed a great cup of coffee, got my hair done, my nails done, got my toes done, went tanning, went for a ride with my husband, ate at Wendys, came home and played with Bella, cleaned the kitchen a bit, and am going to make quiche for dinner per Mitch and Zach. Then I'm going to go to bed and watch tv and catch up on more of the sleep that I've been deprived of. Training Vinny tomorrow. I hope it will lead to one shift I can get rid of.

5/14/11

What a crappy day. I knew it would be in comparison to yesterday's greatness. It isn't raining. Just cloudy. I'm freezing and feeling crabby. I have zero motivation today. Z-E-R-O

I think I'm going to get up and go tanning. That'll warm me up. I saw way too much white flesh yesterday. Seriously people, do the world a favor and cover up if you're so anti-tan. Blech!

5/13/11

I had a really awesome day at the beach today. Like super awesome. Can't wait till the weather is nice again so I can do it again. It is supposed to rain all weekend. :(

Going out tonight. My ankle is feeling better but still aches a lot and is still swollen but I'm going to try walking my route tomorrow. Walking in the sand today was good and bad. Good because your foot needs to flex more in sand so my ankle was getting a workout, bad because now it hurts.

5/11/11

Have I really taken 5 days from blogging? I guess so. I wish I could tell you something exciting happened. One word pretty much sums it up...overtime. I need a break.

I have been watching season one and two of Glee. I'm going to die if they don't release season 2, part 2, pretty dang quick!

I want to do something fun with my husband. Any kind of fun hikes are out for a bit because of my ankle. It is getting better. Little by little.

5/5/11

So my ankle was the most swollen it has been, yesterday afternoon. I iced it, elevated it, compressed it and then it went to the least swollen it has had been since the accident. Crazy. Today it is about the same as it was yesterday when I woke up with less swelling and more mobility. Guess I'm gonna live.

Not a lot planned today. Tanning. A couple of hours in NK. Then home for dinner. Kayla doesn't work again till Saturday so I "should" get a break from Bella but somebody was peering over the edge of the bed looking at me till I woke up. I'm a sucker. Her cuteness is too hard to resist.

5/4/11

Have my ankle wrapped this morning. It was aching by the time I woke up and the compression is helping for now. Last night I couldn't stand having it wrapped. It should be an easy day today, but I have the committee meeting after...so now a longer day than I wanted.

Good news is I'm barely limping now. Still a considerable amount of swelling, but not as bad as yesterday. I can bend my foot up and down but rotating in circles still causes a lot of pain. When I walked on it today, it cracked a couple of times but feels a lot better. The outer edge of my leg/ankle is where all the pain seems localized now. The hardest part right now is just finding comfortable positions.

This would have been a boring post if I hadn't sprained my ankle! I am so busy at work that I have little time to do anything exciting to blog about. My favorite way to sit is Indian style and grrrr...my bright leg does not like being out straight!

I will be an ok old person as long as I don't become immobile. I'm a fast walker and these last few days, I've been so frustrated with myself. When I don't feel well, I usually just keep doing what I'm doing and deny. With this injury, I've been unable to ignore it and will it away. It has made me slow down and I don't like it!!! So thankful I didn't do something stupid like break it! The thought of being down for 6-8 weeks makes me glad this will only last a few days.

5/3/11

Feeling kind of yucky. My ankle is still swollen and I'm still limping but I'm going to call this a 1st to 2nd degree sprain, for which there is no major treatment. Rest, ice, compression and elevation. Blah blah blah. I took the 1st responder course. Not worth the emergency room co-pay. Actually immobilizing joints for too long creates more problems than helps. Stiff ligaments, weak ankles, high susceptibility to re-injury. I will just use it as little as possible today. By tomorrow morning, the first 48 hours will have passed and I should feel significantly better. Initially, there may have been some dislocation because I was in excruciating pain, the kind that takes your breath away, and I couldn't walk at all, plus my nose and lip were bleeding quite badly so one hand was on my nose, applying pressure, as I crawled up the steps with one hand. Once I forced myself to stand and put weight on my ankle, there was a loud crack/pop and my ankle felt MUCH better and I could then walk with a limp.

Today is my day off. Except I'm watching Bella. Should get interesting since I can't walk well.

57 hours this week. 46 next week. 46 is my "regular" schedule till someone either comes back to work or we hire someone else. I want my 35 hours back please and thank you.

I'm happy to see blue skies this morning. It was supposed to be cloudy today. I have to take a shower, go tanning, figure out what I'm making for dinner tonight and take Kayla to work. Injury or no injury, a mother's work is never done!

I have to say, Bella is the cutest thing ever! Her personality is coming through more and more every day and she's proving to be a little ham like her Uncle Zach was. She loves to make her family laugh with her antics. She loves most people and is rarely shy. She gets that from her Aunt Hayley. She also gets her pain in the ass independent streak from her Aunt Hayley as well, and quite possibly her Nonni! She gets her cuddliness from her Mommy. Kayla has been my sidekick since the day she was born. Bella's eyes are like my dad's, my brother Adam's, my cousin Shannon's, Zach's and mine. I'm talking shape. My dad's are green, mine blue, Zach's hazel and Shannon's are brown. It is fun to see her turning into the person she will become right before us.

Happy May Day

Happy is a bit of an exaggeration but ok...

I'm hoping to sit in the sun till I head back to work at 3. Just going to focus on thoughts of my overtime check. Bella is getting a sandbox and there was a sweet little swing I saw for her. It had a swing that she can be belted in, a little slide and a basketball hoop, which she would definitely love because she plays with Zach's basketball and sits fascinated when he's playing. Right now, she's quite content to roam the property!

It is fun watching her discover things. We have to get her pool cleaned out and scrubbed out with some bleach to get ready for the hot days ahead. It should be a pretty relaxing summer since she loves to be outside so much. I was worried because I watch her a lot, and when the weather's not great, I don't feel I'm missing anything, but if I get a day off from work AND the sun is shining, and I have Bella...grrrrr...but it looks like that isn't going to be a problem.

4/30/11

Could AT&Ts 3G on my iPad be any slower today??? I don't effing think so!

Bella is outside playing with her Aunt Hayley. I was sitting outside but the sun is behind some clouds right now. I slept ok. Got up and walked 3 miles. Had a little breakfast, took a shower, going tanning and then I guess I will head to work. I need my nails done but that won't happen till Tuesday. :(

Beautiful

What a nice day today!!! I love wearing shorts and flip flops! Wearing shorts tonight too! I sat in the sun for over an hour and went tanning. Those first few days in the real sun really make a difference in my tan! Plus I'm wearing my red shorts and that always makes me look darker anyway.

Headed out in a bit. Gonna be a busy weekend for me! :(

4/29/11

It is another gorgeous day in paradise. Loving the warm days. Loving the hot nights!

It would be super great if the plans for this evening were canceled. I just need to make it to Tuesday. My day off. Salve is over till fall, so that'll seem a bit like a vacation.

My husband and son are now addicted to Glee. I think that's awesome!

I have to get ready. Work 10-noon.

Thursday

It is Thursday. That is all I know about the date today.

I'm really not feeling well. I feel better than last night but that isn't saying much.

Tonight is the last Salve. I may or may not be with Tonya tomorrow night. I'm working 2nd thru the overnight on Saturday and Sunday. Good overtime for me. Two staff members are already losing ETO. After the next couple of weeks, I will top out as well. The money is good and really, I have to sleep anyway, so I might as well be getting time and a half while doing just that!

I'm hoping the sun peaks out today. I need a pick me up. It has been so foggy the last two days. Sunny up the road but foggy right here on the water. Grrrrr. There's definitely a downside living so close to the ocean. Especially when you love the sun!!!

I love my husband. More than my car. Even if he may not have felt like it last night so I'm sorry. (He's much more level headed in crises except for the time I had a flat tire and I had to hang up him.)

4/27/11

What a weird month this has been. I'm going to have some overtime next week as well. I really wish things would get settled. I have over 100 hours of earned time off. In another week, I could potentially take a month off and still get paid.

We slept with the windows open last night. It was 85 in Warwick yesterday afternoon when we were there. Looks like it'll be a repeat of last year...skip Spring and go directly to summer.

Staff meeting this morning and then errands with David. Tomorrow night is the last Salve till fall. Friday will be busy unless Tonya cancels.

Mitch bought me season one of Glee last night. He's so sweet.

Alrighty, gotta go get ready.

4/26/11

A day off. I really could use several of these in a row.

I'm going tanning today. Haven't been since Friday. I'm going to maybe go for a nice walk today. I haven't done that since Friday either.

Bella and I are going to take Allison and Lori around the areas they'll need to get familiar with if they're going to live here. Kayla works 1-close.

So there was this contest and they were giving away a new car...a Ford Festiva maybe? Or maybe Focus? Can't remember the particulars...anyway, EVERYONE'S comment on the prize, except for a few, was exactly what I was thinking! Ah, thanks but no thanks. What, no Dodge Omnis to give away? It is like winning a door prize and it being a new pair of Crocs. (Speaking of Crocs, my sister and I have successfully turned off my daughter to those horrid shoes so we can rest easy that Bella will not be subjected to those ugly things.) I almost got myself talked into a Vera bag, in my defense it was a cute pink print I could live with, but I saw so many old ladies walking around with Vera that I couldn't do it. Then my sister said, "No way, Jenn! Vera is the Croc of the bag world!" Definitely put things in perspective for me! ;) Gotta love my sister for saving me from a costly mistake.

Anyway, the contest was geared towards their middle to upper class clientele, which was what made the contest grand prize so laughable. You drive in there with a new BMW, but you can win a Ford Festiva! Awesome.

4/25/11

Today is going to be a long one. I cleaned the counter off this morning and swept the kitchen. Kayla will have to get the dishes done while I'm gone. The rest of the house is in good shape considering the food and people here yesterday.

Lori has her interview today, so good luck to her.

Gotta go get ready for work!

4/24/11

We had a light version of Easter dinner today. Ham, potatoes, squash, stuffing and snack stuff. Birthday cake and ice cream tonight. Bella has been super cranky. She had 8 teeth already. Not sure what is going on. She shouldn't be getting the others yet for a few months.

The windows have been open all day so that's been nice. Right now we're listening to some tunes on Pandora. LOVE Pandora radio. I have lots of different stations and unlimited data on my phone so yay me! Plugged into speaker system and it sounds great!

Zach will be home soon. He had a great vacation in VA. Went to the Yankees game last night. He was so excited to see A-Rod's grand slam!!! He's on the train now headed to Kingston station. Hayley's headed back to school. Allison and Lori will be here around 7.

Busy day tomorrow! I have Tuesday off and the rest of the week should be pretty mild.

He is Risen!

Happy Easter!!! Let us not forget what today is truly about! I love my Jesus, Lord and gracious savior! (Even saving those of you claiming to be atheists, or agnostic, yet wishing everyone a Happy Easter on facebook. Oh, that's right, you're celebrating a 6 foot tall furry rabbit who happens to hide eggs.) He's truly gracious because I wouldn't waste my time saving you.

4/23/11

Tomorrow is going to be a great day!!! 70+ degrees. Easter dinner. Bella's birthday party. Getting the camper ready for company. Cleaning up the yard a little.

Our friend Lori has an interview with my company on Monday. She will be here indefinitely. More than likely permanently if everything goes well during the interview. Allison will be arriving Monday and be staying for the week as well. Gonna get the fire pit cleaned up. Firewood stockpiled. Lawn chairs and our double chaise lounge strategically placed. Tiki torches up. Summer is here!!!

Mitch and I went to the beach last night. Can I just say how nice it is to be in such a gorgeous location? Solitary time at the beach, stars out, waves rolling in, some wine and our snuggies...perfect. I don't understand why people continue to live in anti-soul nurturing locales. Seriously. You can be poor anywhere. Why not pick somewhere beautiful and temperate?

Today I love all the possibilities life has to offer. I found some kayaks on sale. Just what I think my husband and I need. Some competitive equipment allowing us to do some real exploring. I really really want a paddle board. They are so expensive around here though. My friend Libby has a friend who has connections, so I'm waiting to see what kind of deal I could get. In town, it is like $100 just to RENT one! But this is Narragansett. Oh well, we have bigger priorites right now. The kayaks will be fun though! And cheap entertainment. Plus it'd give Zach and his girlfriend something to do.

4/22/11

I have the day off today. I'm going to take a nice shower. Take my time getting ready. Go tanning. Maybe sit outside for a bit. Grab the last few items I need for Easter dinner. I have a few errands to run so I will grab Hayley either on the way there or on the way home. Who knows.

happy Birthday Bella!!!

Our sweet girl is one today! Her birthday party will be on Sunday. Today, she and I and Sierra are playing outside in the nice warm sun. A little breezy or we would definitely be at the beach! I'm in my lawn chair, Sierra is napping next to me and Bella is chasing Uncle Zach's basketball around and playing in the grass. I can't say enough how much this girl loves the outdoors!

4/20/11

Last year on this day Hayley and I were racing to Maine so we could be with Kayla when she had Annabella. I also got a lovely speeding ticket in Mass that I was in too much of a hurry to talk my way out of. My attitude was, if you're going to give me a ticket then just do it so I can continue on my way. Short ugly men have HUGE chips on their shoulders. Seriously.

Last year on this day, it was sunny and warm. A great day to have a baby! Bella was actually born a year ago tomorrow at the sunrise. Speaking of warm, today I'm going to dig out my summer gear. Next week will be warm enough for skirts, shorts and tank tops. Gotta find my bathing suits too as I hope to lay in the sun when I can next week.

Workwise, this week has been a huge relief. So far, not alot of driving and no extra shifts on top of my already 44 hours. Next week everything goes back to normal so it'll seem like a vacation!!!

Great Day!!!

What a perfect day off! It is so warm outside even if it is cloudy. Alexis came at 9:30. Picked up Bella and took her to her house. I got gas, went to the grocery store and bought the stuff I needed to make one of my husband's favorite meals, spinach and cheese quiche. Rented Yogi Bear while I was out. Came home and scrubbed the shower clean. Also tackled the stove. Two of my least favorite household chores. Took a nice bath and shaved my legs. I went tanning and finally picked up Bella. We came home and she walked from the car to the steps, while I brought our gear into the house and then she and I played outside for about a half hour.

Now I'm going to settle in and watch the movie and relax a little while the kiddo plays.

4/19/11

I have a day off! Kind of. Alexis was supposed to watch Bella today to give me a break since it is April vacation, but who knows. I'm not banking on her showing up. If she does, great, otherwise Bella and I will clean the house today. It is warm but drizzly out there and I think it is going to stay that way.

Watched Tangled last night. Very cute.

I'm hoping for a pretty unexciting day. Tuesdays are my tech-free days. Kind of. Obviously I'm blogging right now. From about 9-4, I ignore my email, blogs and other online time sucks. I DO listen to my iTunes on either my iPad, laptop or iPod. I ignore all phone calls/texts except from my husband and kids. The tv is off. Bella loves to listen to music. It does wonders on your stress levels. Quite like my beach days because my phone has major delays in texting when I'm at Scarborough Beach, on the other side of the road. This side, I drop calls but texting is usually ok. (Point Judith beach is one of the few places I get absolute perfect reception.). Of course I will keep my phone close to catch any cute photo opps of Bella that come my way. Pics are so much easier to post from my phone than the old school way of using a digital.

Alrighty, some baby wants my attention.

Just Maybe...

It is looking like after Easter our schedules will go back to normal at work. Back to 35-38 hours. One staff is still out. One isn't coming back but we hired three new ones and we are all trying really hard to help them work out. 52 hours last week for me. So this should be my last crazy week. Please please, let it be so.

My husband is incredibly cute and I love him very much! I don't tell him nearly enough how great I think he is.

So I'm going to read my Bible for a bit, cuddle with an adorable baby and then off to work I go!

Happy Saturday

I'm still very sleepy this morning. I'm feeling a bit snippy so I'm going to make the decision to keep my thoughts to myself as much as possible.

I'm going to work on the menu for the week. I haven't done one for about 2 weeks. Lots of fast food and pizza sneaked its way in. Really though, the last 2 weeks have been that kind of crazy. Time to get back on track.

4/15/11

Our taxes are done to the pleasure and utmost satisfaction of Uncle Sam. Me? Not so much. Paying in again! But in the big scheme of things? I have an amazing love affair going on with my husband, when we're not exhausted that is. We are fit, healthy and good looking. And yes that IS important. We each have a lovely vehicle. Food to eat. A roof over our heads. Simply glorious and breathtaking views in our town. A wonderful dog. A family that loves us. Supreme joy in being able to watch and help Bella grow up. And jobs that only make us miserable some of the time.

Today is a nice sunny day. I sat outside for a bit, drinking my coffee and reading my Bible. I then went tanning and got my nails done here in town. That frees me up for a Sunday of enjoyment without necessarily being on a schedule. We have to pick up the baby's year old pics at Target. Stop at Savers. And then pretty much just relax.


Next Friday, I have to get Easter basket stuff for Bella. New sneakers for her. We're having her birthday party on Easter since that way we all have the day off. This week, I hope to get a ham, and fixings for dinner. Birthday cake and ice cream for dessert. I'd like to be in Maine on Easter, but our schedules just aren't leaving a lot of room or energy for travel.

4/14/11

So this month is cruising right along.

I'm beginning the slow process of recovering mentally and emotionally after the ridiculously busy month on March. Work, watching Bella and coordinating everyone's schedules. Driving, driving, and more driving. Almost 1700 miles last month for work alone. And I never left the state. The smallest state of this great US. That is saying something.

It is going to be around 70 today and I'm stating to see more blue than grey, so this is most welcome. Shower is done. Going tanning and then off to work. I can not wait till Sunday. I am getting my nails done.

Feeling Pretty Darn Okay

Considering.

I think my husband may have done some praying for me today because my day went entirely smoothly. Bella and I cleaned, though right now, it does look like a bomb went off, thank you Bella. She slept for just about an hour after dancing and singing with me. I woke her up at one hour because we were going to have to do some driving today and I wanted to drive with Bella not Grumblina. She was perfect the whole way. Slept for about another 30 minutes. Now we are home and she's playing and making a mess. She will be all ready for bed around 7:30 or 8pm.

Surprisingly I'm not really stressed about work anymore either. It'll either work out or I will move on. I can honestly see myself living with either option! I will sleep well tonight!

4/12/11

This is going to be a quick post. I'm super stressed about work. Trying to just not stress and roll with it and give it to God but it is so difficult this time. I literally slept maybe three whole hours last night. I was so grateful when it was time to get up. My husband has been great. My bosses have been great. Human Resources has been a nightmare.

Today I am going to just enjoy. I'm watching Bella today. Zach has a golf match if it isn't rained out. Kayla works till 10 tonight, so Bella will be mine 10-10. I'm going to ignore the phone, except to text with my husband, stay off the computer and keep the tv off. Bella and I are just going to play. I might get a chance to clean a little. She loves to "help" and will sit with the broom. She's getting a little cleaning set for her birthday since she's so helpful! Speaking of birthday, her's is coming up quickly! 9 days to be exact! If you ask her what a dog says, she does a little woof. If you ask her what a cow says, she does a little woof! Haha. She will make the "m" sound when you say moo. She can also say "ack ack" when you say quack quack. She loves loves loves to be sung to and really enjoys when Hayley and I play Glee karaoke on the Wii. After, she sits on the floor in front of the tv holding the mic. She can wave bye, give a high five, working on the exploding fist bump, play peekaboo, patty cake, itsy bitsy spider, and this little piggy. She babbles constantly and loves when you talk to her like you know what she's saying! She understands way more than her speech indicates. Her nicknames are Bella-boo, Boo Boo, and Grumblina when she's cranky. Pretty much right on target for a very soon to be one year old! Walks, beginning to talk, eats real food, drinks from a sippy cup, still has a few bottles but is being weaned, does NOT use a pacifier and sleeps through the night!

Best News of Today?

I sat in the sun! Yay! I was too lazy to go inside and grab my bathing suit so I just laid out with my shorts and bra...haha...I was in the backyard so big whoop! It still felt slightly naughty, even though my bra probably covers more than my bikini! ;)

Loves Her Doggie

Loves Her Doggie, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Sierra just got done licking Bella's face, hence the hairdo.

Not Again!

Not Again!, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

She just cracks me up!!!

4/9/11

Last night was a long night! Couldn't wait to head home and get in my comfy bed! Getting my nails done tomorrow. Maybe a trip to Savers.

I have a little tornado. Her name is Bella. Yesterday, she went on a rampage in my bedroom for only about 5 minutes. I got her cornered and said, "There's no where to hide, you little animal!" So she covered her eyes with her hands! The funniest and cutest thing ever! I love that you can really play with her now. She's getting to the fun ages.

4/8/11

I don't feel as blah as I did yesterday, so that's something. I'm awake incredibly early this morning thanks to individuals who shall remain nameless. They know who they are!!

Finally supposed to hit the 70 mark next week. It only hit 70 ONCE in March this year.

I'm 2/3 done with Voyager. Not exactly what I'd call pacing myself!!!

The Internet could not possibly get any more boring, could it?

So I've come up with a list of requirements for my vacation.
I refuse to drive. The end.
I will do nothing but eat, swim, drink, tan, or read. Okay, sex is allowed I guess, assuming my husband is coming with.
Pretty easy to please, huh?
There will be minimal cell phone contact, emergencies only or checking on Sierra and Bella.
NO INTERNET...which will be tricky because my phone has Internet.

Vata Dosha

Yeah, I'm out of whack! My vata dosha is imbalanced. Funny how different religions and/or medicines have have different names for the same thing! To pretty much sum this up quickly: I'm stressed out!!

Too much work or too little work=stress for me
Too much exercise or too little exercise=stress for me
Irregular eating habits=stress
Irregular sleep habits=stress
Stress AT work=stress for me
Unresolved tensions in my relationships=stress
Lots of city/busy highway driving=stress
A perceived long winter=stress
Teenaged children and one on the way out=stress
New baby in the house=stress
Aging grandparents and parents=stress
Money pit hellhole of a house=STRESS
Moving in a few months=stress
Buying another new vehicle=stress


Stressed out me=tired eyes, dry skin, anxiety, more sleep trouble, irritability, desire to run away, resentment of feeling forced to deal with others' drama, faulty perceptions, and really excited about the thought of the world ending.

I need a vacation and going home is NOT what I consider a vacation.

4/7/11

Diana Gabaldon's Voyager is great!!! I'm about a quarter of the way through it. Voyager is book three of the Outlander novels. I'm trying to pace myself because they are so good and before I know it, the series will be all read and Claire and Jamie will just become good friends that I don't see anymore.

This week has been so bizarre. I have not felt settled or at home in my own skin for the duration. I just need some distance between me and work, between me and family, between me and friends. I'm pretty certain once I can get outside and enjoy the spring, all will be well again.

4/6/11

I'm going to enjoy my day off even if it kills me! I do have a meeting 3-5 but other than that I'm going to read! It looks truly beautiful outside but it'll only be about 60 and I can already hear the wind. Not exactly a "read outside" kind of day.

I have never been so desperate for a day at the beach.

I can't believe it is already almost 9. My mind is just spinning. I'm hoping that reading will slow it down some. I feel as if I've fallen down the rabbit hole.

JIF Out of stock everywhere!

In a related story to the last post, millions of men have flocked to grocery stores all over the world to buy JIF peanut butter. Word spread quickly of JIF's power to get men "lucky". JIF has upped production of its creamy peanut butter to keep up with demand, and peanut farmers everywhere are smiling. There is talk of a new slogan "Who needs dinner and a movie when you can get lucky in a JIF!". The Trojan company has contacted the peanut butter company in hopes of some dual packaging possibilities.

JIF!!!

My husband bought Jif!
Somebody's getting lucky tonight!!!

4/5/11

Grrrrrr! Today feels as if it should be a Monday.

Aside from work being crazy busy right now, there's internal stuff going on within the company, raising suspicion and has everyone walking on eggshells. A 30-year employee was just fired last week.

I think the gas prices have people losing their dang minds. Seriously, you're spending what, $20 extra maybe per tank, like really? This is worth the extra craziness? I mean, don't get me wrong, I would rather spend that money on something for me, but if twenty extra dollars is this important to you, you have bigger problems and might consider getting a secondary job.

Whatever whatever. My friend Elaine lost her mom yesterday. I feel horribly for her, as she couldn't get back home to England in time to say goodbye. She in fact won't fly out till Thursday.

Poor Bella has her very first cold! :( She has done well. Not even a sniffle during her last 11 months. She has a runny, snotty nose, low fever that comes and goes and runny eyes. She didn't sleep well last night I guess. She just looks at you pathetically and wants you to cuddle with her. This is how I know she's sick, as she only wants to cuddle when she's teething or now this. We're just keeping an eye on her for now because the cold can turn into an ear infection or lung issue all to quickly, as this seasoned Mommy has learned. I know she was bound to get sick and this is actually good for her immune system but it is much harder when you're the Nonni and not the Mommy! It physically pains me to think she has to suffer any ounce of pain in her life and I would take a million times the pain if it meant she never had to have any!

Yep Yep It's a Monday

Supposed to rain today and tomorrow. Can't say I mind. I'm in a foul mood. Have been since yesterday.

The bright spots of my day will include coffee, Bella and my wonderful husband who puts up with me. I'm working today but there will be lots of downtime so I hope to get some reading done. I finished book two and started book three yesterday before my nap. I slept for just about am hour yesterday afternoon and it was nice. Usually with naps, I sleep too long and unless I'm way behind in sleep, it'll mess up my schedule.

Watched Due Date twice last night. It was funny and predictable...just what I needed. After today, the rest of my schedule should be pretty light. Should be.

Spring Cleaning Part 2

First I have to make note of the fact that I am currently, albeit briefly, ALL ALONE!! Kayla is working. Zach is playing basketball at the park with friends. Hayley took Bella for a walk to the park. Mitch went to the store for me. I needed shower cleaner, a new dustpan and stuff for dinner this evening. I literally can not remember the last time I was completely alone.

Back to Spring Cleaning 2011. Floors scrubbed, bleached, steam mopped, swept, vacuumed even. Tables and shelves dusted. Couches vacuumed and febreezed. Curtains should be washed and rehung but not sure if I will get to that today. Bathroom tackled. Just waiting on the shower cleaner. Candles lit.

After the bathroom, I will make some lunch, drink some wine and quite possibly just do nothing. Maybe I will read.

4/2/11

Today's my grandfather's birthday. The 2nd without him.

Looking at Bella is like looking at my own bratty self in the mirror! She's the one who was wished on me because my kids were perfect babies! She's perfect BUT opinionated, defiant, loud, daredevelish, and never stops moving!!! I do love having a mini me.

The weather is going to be beautiful today and tomorrow and actually most of next week! Hello spring! Nice to finally see you!

So glad we didn't get snow. So glad. Not sure when I will visit Maine now. Who the heck wants to leave spring to go back to winter? Supposed to go up for Elaine's show. Who knows.

Gotta go pick up Hayley. She's watching Bella so the rest of us can work today. Thank God for Aunt Hayley!

Yes this is me upon waking

Yes this is me upon waking, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

4/1/11

I have about as big of a smile as I can give upon first waking up in the morning, which if you know me, isn't really a "smile" but a hahahahahaha so glad I didn't wake up to snow!!! And I actually slept until 9.

I'm going to enjoy my day off and relax, clean, and cook.

3/31/11

I actually slept 7-8 hours last night which is huge because last night was my overnight at work and I historically do not sleep well at all during my overnight. I think I slept because I'm exhausted and it is finally catching up to me.

Salve tonight. Looking forward to my day off tomorrow. I have Bella of course but not till 2. We're supposed to get some rain here on the coast. I guess Northern Maine could get up to 16 inches of SNOW! Eeeeek!!! Glad I'm not there!

My husband and I have a new record to break for the month of April!

I have been sneezing all morning. I've lost count of my sneezes.

3/30/11

I can't believe I didn't blog this morning. Tanned. Watching Bella so Kayla could run to Target.

Going to run some errands and pick up dinner for tonight then off to do my overnight. In-service tomorrow 9-11 and then Salve with Janice 2-9. I'm not going to the club with Tonya Friday night so hopefully that means I can have the night to myself! Well for me AND my husband!

3/29/11

It is going to be "nice" today. In the 50s. Not so nice in my opinion but at least the sun is shining and it is my day off!

I have not a clue about what I'm making for dinner tonight.

The baby's pics are at 1.

3/28/11

I had a great day yesterday. It'd be nice to have a string of those but I will take what I can get. I only have a moment to blog. Work 10-2 then home to tan. Back to get Janice and head to the Crowne Plaza. I won't be relaxing in bed till at least 10 tonight! Tomorrow off. Wednesday will be a light day.

Cake Pops!

Cake Pops!, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Pop Pop's Cake pops taste as good as they look! I love my husband for making these yummy treats!!

3/26/11

I'm so tired. I had the worst headache yesterday and went to bed with it. Woke up with it, too! I'm on my second cup of coffee and it is finally gone. Either that or I'm just used to it at this point.

Was very ticked off this morning but at this point I'm too exhausted to give a care anymore. If something isn't easy at this point, I'm over it. Over trying. Over caring. Just over it.

I will be in overtime for the next couple of weeks it is looking like. I'm going to get my mileage turned in this week. My next paycheck will be another big one.

Going tanning before work. Maybe the movies tonight. Not really anything I am dying to see. Maybe I will just go shopping at job lots or something.

I have my shorts on today! I'm tired of covering up my tan!

Listening to iTunes this morning! Need something to get my energy up.

Ahhhhhhh...

...got my nails done here in town. Right next to where I tan. They do a nice job, it is $3 more, no extra gas used and they are FASTER, but no hand/arm massage and it isn't as tidy as I like it, but in a pinch, it is adequate. And it was a pinch. I couldn't stand to wait till Sunday, plus I wanted to enjoy my day off with my husband without squeezing in appointments. I picked a nice summer-y orange.

Because I will be home early enough tomorrow night, I'm thinking I'd like to maybe go to the movies with husband before we have to pick up Kayla. I was hoping Tonya would cancel tonight and he and I could make a night of it.

Just waiting on Zach. I have to drop him off at the golf course. I'm definitely in need of more coffee if I'm going to stay awake tonight! I really just want wine but I'm sure that'll put me right to sleep. I wish I had slept a little better last night.

3/25/11

A beautiful sunny day. Only wish it were warm enough to drink my coffee outside.

I have a surprising amount of energy this morning, even after my husband kept me up last night. He can keep me up every night, I don't mind!

Let me re-phrase...my mind has a surprising amount of energy...my body refuses to get out of bed.

This week went by kind of fast but on Monday and Tuesday it had felt later in the week, like a Thursday or Friday. So right now, I feel as if Thursday was repeated several times already. This is what happens with schedule changes and overtime. I get all screwed up.

Tomorrow I will find out if we're down another staff permanently. I don't like this person much but it'll be a pain covering all these hours till we hire someone.

Ok, I'm going to get started with my day I guess. I have to run to Rite Aid. Clean the house. Get ready. Maybe tan. Hayley needs to get picked up today because she will watch Bella tomorrow while Kayla works. I'm working 1-7 tomorrow. Mitch does his "errands". Sunday will be nails, getting a tote for my CDs , unless Mitch picks one up tomorrow, and Bella's year old pictures. She will be a year old in 4 weeks but we have to use that dang $50 gift card before the 31st!

I also need a belt. Not for my pants but a belt or two for my waist. I have some dresses and tunic shirts I'd like to belt. I know what I want, but finding what I want will be the challenge. If only it were 1985 and Ames was still in Old Town...they'd have what I want. I wonder how many times I walked by my husband when we were growing up. I wish we could do it all over.

3/24/11

Sad day at work today. RIP Georgie.

This is going to be a long day for me. Did the overnight last night and was up just about every hour looking at the clock. Finally up for good at 6. Home for a few hours. Salve Regina tonight till 9 then I'm getting Kayla from work at 10. Finally finally finally I will hopefully make it to bed and get some much needed sleep.

I'm desperate to get my nails done...not looking like I will find time before Sunday. If Tonya cancels tomorrow night, then just maybe Mitch and I can do them then. This week has gone by much more smoothly than last even though I'm at 48.5 hours!!!

At Wendy's

At Wendy's, a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Some baby loves going out to eat!!!

Eating Fries

Eating Fries a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

So cute holding court!

What's Up There?

What's Up There? a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Bella's teeth don't hurt so much with the Advil.

3/23/11

I need a tote to store my cd's away. Hanging onto them in case my iTunes decides to crash or something crazy like that, but other than that, I don't need them out. Tired of looking at "clutter".

I seriously hate that it is in the 40s and 50s this week. I effing hate the Northwest. Keep your crappy weather to yourselves or ship it up to Canada. My body hates the drastic changes. 70 on Friday, 40 today. Awesome.

I hate that I can't sleep in tomorrow because of this stupid overnight.

I love my newest plant in my bedroom. It is quite lovely.

I love that Bella is feeling better and back to her old antics.

We have to get her pictures done this weekend. Last pictures, if I bought "one more thing" I received a $50 gift certificate but it expires on the 31st of this month. It wouldn't have been a big deal but now that my schedule and Kayla's schedule are at times opposite, it is a big deal. Looking like Sunday it is! I have to get my nails done anyway.

Hopefully the staffing issue at work gets straightened out soon so I can have a less hectic schedule. I don't mind the amount of hours I'd prefer to do them in three days like I used to.

Poor Bella

Poor Bella a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Trying to manage a smile for the camera. Cutting teeth is no fun!

Teething

Poor Bella is cutting some more teeth. We knew it was going on, as she has good days and cranky days with them, but today, the poor baby was just miserable! Maybe only got two bottles into her all day, only a few bites of breakfast and lunch before I figured out what must be going on. She just wanted to sit in my lap and whine. Got some Advil into her and tried to rub her gums around the teeth she already has with some Baby Orajel. And praise the Lord, she's a whole new baby! Ate dinner, sucked down two bottles and played by herself for over an hour before bedtime! I'm just sorry Nonni didn't figure it out sooner! My kids would all get runny noses and run a little fever with each tooth. Bella has never had a runny nose. She's only run one fever and that was with her uti. The only sign is she's crankier and more clingy than usual, but she gets that way when she's overtired too, so it wasn't till after her nap that I started putting two and two together. I will keep her dosed up pretty well tomorrow and hopefully she will have a happier day! Although I have to admit, I don't mind the extra cuddles! This afternoon, once I started suspecting her teeth, I tried shoving my finger in there to massage them a little and she smacked my mouth and stared at me like, "WTF???". It was so hilarious. Normally I wouldn't tolerate her hitting but I clearly asked for it!

3/22/11

I'm amazed at how much we've gotten done this morning. Zach went to school. Mitch fixed his brakes, Kayla did her laundry while I watched the baby. All three of us managed to shower and get ready for work and I was able to tan and blog! Bella is taking a nap right now. She and I have to take Kayla to work and then come home and wait for Zach, who will need a ride to the golf course. I'm not working today but sometimes watching Bella feels worse than work! She is SO busy!

Italian stew and Texas cheese toast fir dinner tonight! Tomorrow night is homemade pasta primavera.

3/21/11

Had a good day at work. Long day but good. It is amazing how much of a difference it can make you feel coming home and having it still be light out! Still worked the same hours, but loving the longer day light. I have tomorrow off!!! Makes me happy. Right now I'm trying to decide if I want a glass of wine with dinner before going to bed with a book or a cup of tea to do the same.

3/20/11

Bella is 11 months old tomorrow!

My throat is a bit sore today as is my left ear...not bad enough for Tylenol so I'm hoping it is just a spring/allergy/dramatic temp changes kind of deal.

I'm am super bitchy this morning. I'm in a mood where I could seriously pack up the kids and just disappear, but there are jobs and school to consider. I hate the weekends. I hate absolutely everything about this house. I hate that it is only 50 degrees outside so it isn't exactly comfortable being outdoors, which is what I want to do. I have no desire to be nice to anybody today that isn't directly linked to me by blood and even that is iffy.

Thank God tomorrow is Monday!!!

3/19/11

I have to get my day started. I desperately want to do nothing! But...life rarely works that way.

I'm going to write the grocery list and plan the week's menu. Next week will be similarly busy as last but probably less of a shock, and any little measure I take to pre-plan or prep for next week can only help!

3/18/11

My week is winding down. It is nice to not have a whole lot planned for today. I'm going to finish picking up a little. Work is crazy right now. One person is angry and is consequently on a month long vacation (which I guess is better than him just quitting) because he was told there would be no DTA position in our program again because funding just isn't there, only for them to give the position to another staff. He had this conversation months ago when there was no funding and the staff person who got the "promotion" ALWAYS goes above and beyond with notes, paperwork, organization and quite frankly, having been in charge of another program, I have no desire to take on more responsibility and welcome one position to handle it all and I feel the better person got the position. Another staff person resigned, not over this as I feel he would love to know that me or this other person got the DTA over the person that did not. Lastly, the "new" girl (she's been here about 7 months) is driving everyone crazy and now she's "out" till the 25th with a doctors note after nobody would fill her shifts for her because we are tapped out! Listen up you effing skank, don't mess with me. When I'm not at work, I'm with Bella or my husband. Period. The END. No, I will not fill your shifts and no I'm not trading because my shifts are much coveted and there was a reason they were given to me, as I am trustworthy and can work unsupervised and have already paid my dues you dumb ass. After her first week hired she was hitting up more gullible staff to cash personal checks because she can't get a checking account. Hello?? Red flags anyone? Pay your bills and don't write bad checks and maybe you'll at least have credit enough for a checking account.

Now I feel better about that.

There's a super charged issue locally with the Michael Woodmansee case. So sick of hearing and dealing with lynch mob mentality that makes up the town next door. I personally have met the father and older brother of the little boy because they are always at work fixing our appliances, and I know first hand after Holly was murdered a year and a half ago that there can sometimes be no forgiveness in you, and I could STILL watch Holly's killer be taken apart piece by piece and feel no remorse, so I understand and empathize with Mr. Foreman and feel he needs to do what he needs to do. HE needes to do what HE needs to do. That being said, I'm very concerned with the mentality of the lynch mob. What Woodmansee did was terrifying and horrifying and I think a psychiatric hospital is the next best step for him since he's served his sentence. If you don't like the laws, I suggest you work towards changing them instead of killing a man who kept up his end of the bargain that was AGREED to by the little boy's father! But by engaging in this type of feeding frenzy you appear undereducated, low class, barbaric and I'm just as concerned and scared about living next door to you as I am a
convicted child killer! Not to mention, woodmansee was 16 at the time of the crime. Yes, old enough to understand the reprehensible mistake he made that day, but according to all reports he had been bullied and picked on all through school. He was a heavy kid and just not socially accepted. In 2011, we KNOW what years of torment can do to a person or even what PTS can cause a person to do. Now there are many whom have endured what Michael did, and probably worse, and they never did what he did, but to simply deny that society has a certain amount of responsibility in this case is purely ignorant. The 70s and 80s were a cruel time to be socially inept. In the age of Facebook, it is a graveous time to be socially inept. Bullying is unacceptable. The END.

There, I feel better now about THAT.

Ok, ummmm, for the safety of the planet, let's put all nuclear power plants in areas that are known for their potential of enduring natural disasters. Great idea.

Yeah, Yeah St. Patricks Day

My busy busy busy day is almost over! Just another hour and a half I guess...if Mitch can get Zach then that's even better. I'm starving. Can't wait to be home and done driving. Been to Jamestown, NK, Providence, Pawtucket, NK, back to Pawtucket, then NK, Jamestown and finally HOME! 85 miles and I'm not even to the "back to Pawtucket" part yet.

I really hope Bella continues to sleep for a bit longer. She's been out for about 40 minutes or so...she's not exactly a happy passenger these days! Front facing car seat here we come. She's definitely tall enough and still hovering around the 18 pound stage. She walks, eats real food, drinks out of a sippy cup, etc, time for a big girl car seat. Hard to believe she will be 11 months in 4 days! Four weeks to go till her big day! I want to get her a little broom set...after I sweep, she likes to take a turn...so cute.

3/16/11

Day 3...Bella has had a nice nap. The dishes are done. I've showered and shaved my legs. Tanned this morning. All I need to do is sweep and steam mop the floors. Making baked Mac and cheese tonight. Zach did a fabulous job on dinner last night. Tomorrow is going to be long and stressful trying to make sure everyone gets to where they need to be and on time but I will be home by 4. Mitch can hopefully grab Zach tomorrow after golf practice, then I won't have to go back out.

Right now, while Bella is playing, I'm going to read a bit and enjoy some chamomile tea. Only took me a day or so to get back into the swing of things of spending the days alone with her. Hard to believe I did this with 3, all 4 and under. I always said that baby number two is the one whom pushes you over the edge...one is like one, two is like having 10, three is like three. But when you're done with all that, it is tough to be willing to be tied down again. I will say Bella is a bit more busy than mine were and really wants to play WITH you. I've structured her afternoons with songs and dance time, we read a book and then we do a learning activity, usually one of her interactive games on my iPad and she's showing interest in holding a pen now...her mother would sit for hours scribbling on paper from about 13 months on, so soon I hope to be able to start some craft projects with her. Plus the days are getting warmer so park and beach days, especially as her walking improves daily, will be on the schedule. Can't wait to take her to the zoo!

3/15/11

I've started this blog post three different times today. Little Miss Bella-boo can be quite demanding! She's been out since about 7:30 and she does sleep thru the night, thank goodness, but that would be her mother's problem anyway. I'm off the clock when she finally gets home from work tonight, until 1pm tomorrow.

Really I am fried. Going to read my Bible for a bit before bed. Tomorrow won't be too bad, but Thursday will be ridiculous. My day won't end from work till at least 3:30, but I will have Bella till her mom gets home around 10:30. Then no babies till next week!!!

3/14/11

What an extremely busy day and I'm thanking God that it was made a bit easier on two counts...one, Lester didn't want to go far today, two, Zach got a ride to Laurel Lane country club with someone on the team.

So now Bella and I are playing toys. I had planned a trip to the playground but this supposed partly cloudy day has been a mostly cloudy one! I think weather forecasters might prove more accurate if they actually LOOK out the window like the rest of us! Kayla should be done around 5ish.

3/13/11

Bella has spent the last 15 minutes trying to figure out how to put my flip flops on! She's so cute.

I started tanning again. Big yay! Nothing more gross than going to the beach on the first warm day and being white, except maybe SEEING blindingly white people there and/or people that should never consider a skimpy bathing suit.

I have a busy week ahead of me. I'm trying to enjoy my downtime when I get it.

Hot Shot

Hot Shot a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Ummmm, yeah, my husband is lucky!! :)

So

For an indefinite amount of time my beach schedule will look something like this...Sunday and Tuesday all day, 2 Wednesdays a month all day, Thursdays till 2, Fridays all day, Saturdays till 3. So the only day I can't do is Mondays and most Wednesdays. Yes, my work schedule needs to mesh with my beach schedule. Priorities priorities.

WTH???

I was just sitting down, re-doing my calendar for March...because of staffing issues and my willingness to be a team player and because I'm downright helpful, I will only get 6 days off in March!!! What?!?! I averaged 14 days off per month last year whilst maintaining my full-time status. I went "part-time" for about two months total. I requested and dreamed of going part-time for about a year prior to actually going part-time.

The most bizarre thing of all? I haven't been this happy at work in a long time!

3/10/11

Lent started yesterday. None, and I mean NONE, of my friends gave up FB this year. It was all the fashionable rage last year, trying to last 46 days without FB. (Not sure why people say Lent is 40 days. It is 46 start to finish. Kind of like most women are 40 weeks pregnant which equates to 10 months...not 9. Except that the day you're officially pregnant, missed period, positive pee stick, medically you're at 3 weeks already.)

Last year, I gave up red meat. This year, I'm going to focus on my driving. I can get angry pretty quickly on the road. I'm amazed every day at the high level of stupidity on the road. My hope is that the rising gas prices will force the stupid ones off the road, since they're unlikely smart enough to land a well-paying job to ride out this gas crisis.

So, when I want to swear, give finger bouquets, slam on my brakes because someone is on my ass, I'm going to use that time to talk to God. This will be a long 46 days. I am in the car a lot!

Skippy Salmonella

Yeah, see? Salmonella in the Skippy. Google it. There's a reason we are a Jif family but I agree that we aren't really a peanut butter family anyway. Yes it gets eaten, by one person, because he eats anything. I only eat peanut butter if it is Jif, except this one time when I was starving and you had bought No SALT peanut butter! What's the point of peanuts if there's no salt?

Oh well, I'm over it.

The latest wake up wrap from DD is divine! It is cheap like the original wake up wrap, but good for you because it is the eggwhite version. They combined the egg white flatbread sandwich and made it into a snack wrap. Yummo. 99 cents AND only 150 calories? Don't get me wrong, I still love the flatbread version, but the wake up wrap is virtually guilt-free. And free is good.

I seriously do not want to begin my day. Freaking staff meeting. Bi-monthly that'll no doubt be rescheduled, and then off with David.

I'm hoping this coffee kicks in soon.

Just to Clarify

OK I'm 0-1 on the peanut butter. I definitely screwed up with the no salt peanut butter. There is a good reason there is salt in peanut butter, because with out it, it is as if you spread brown Crisco on bread.

AS FOR THE SKIPPY,IT WAS ON SALE!!!!!! Enough said.....

And to comment on this whole "Jiff Family" thing... I don't prescribe to labels. We aren't even really a peanut butter family. With that said, We have never had any type of peanut butter in the house that hasn't been eaten. Even the no salt stuff will disappear. And Jiffy has been the exception not the rule in our house. And yes I'm cheap!!!!

With all that said I will be buying Jiffy from now on. I Love You Honey!

Happy Mardi Gras!

I am so flipping tired! I'm only working a couple of hours this morning but I really wish I had the whole day off. Not feeling like getting out of my pjs.

Last year on this day, Mitch, Zach and I went to our private beach and watched the sunset, wearing shorts!!! Today, I will wear flip flops but seriously hoped for weather warmer than 50.

Bella is so cute! I could just eat her up.

I suppose I have to get ready for my day. In a couple of hours, I will be back home and hopefully relaxing!

3/7/11

10-2 will not go fast enough. The day will not go fast enough. I'm so looking forward to going to bed early tonight. I literally woke up every hour to check the clock till I had to get up at 6. Overtime, overtime, here I come!

This morning I'm wearing flip flops and a sweatshirt! No jacket required!

Obviously I'm exhausted but I'm on my second cup of coffee and about 6 hours away from a complete body crash!

Kayla starts her job today. She's excited. Bella is going to work with Pop today. Technically, she didn't have to because I'm out of work in time to watch her but I welcome and appreciate the break.

On an unrelated note, my husband is on a 0-2 losing streak with peanut butter. First he bought the store brand AND it had no salt. Blech. We are a Jif family. Next, Skippy appeared in the cupboard. Creamy Honey? WTH? We are a Jif family. A smooth Jif family.

Happy Sunday!

I'm enjoying a clean house and having all the windows open and listening to some tunes! Spring is wonderful! Sierra is asleep at my feet and all is well and surprisingly normal after last week!

Another overtime week this week...that'll be three in a row. Plus my mileage will be included in this next check...should be huge.

Seriously HATE people that walk by my house with their stupid little dogs off their leashes. People, ignorant people, just because you feel you can walk your dog off leash, you shouldnt. Stupid little poodle like things that don't listen and don't come when called are likely going to get bitten when they roam into a yard and then the property's owner has to stop their dog from killing yours.

MY dog is perfect off leash, and she NEVER leaves my side unless it is to jump in water, but because she is a pit bull, I NEVER have her off leash when we're away from home because of all the negative stereotypes regarding her breed. I will not be responsible for further damaging the breed's image. Can you imagine however, if I replayed the above scenario, but didn't have supreme command of my dog at all times in our own yard and that stupid little thing got bit? For the record, Sierra would have just played with it, but I just can't get over the lack of concern some dog owners have. Don't even get me started on people who don't clean up after their dogs.

Sierra needs a shirt that says Beware of My Owner! She Bites!

Update

Sierra has Lyme disease and she is going to be okay!!! As soon as Mitch texted me, that is when I started really crying. Sobbing for joy is a very weird feeling. Doesn't happen often.

She came home with 4 weeks of antibiotics, some painkillers and a rabies shot in the rump! She was overdue door her shot. I'm going to pick up some more Frontline Plus, which is the treatment I used to have her on, but since she doesn't have fleas and she's mostly an inside dog, I stopped treatment. Lyme disease is rare where we lived in Maine. Here in Rhode Island, we are close to Lyme, CT, where the disease originated and are a hot bed for ticks. I might even have to get the Frontline spray which is more effective for ticks. I'm also going to investigate some natural remedies because I hate harsh chemicals on her or around the baby.

But tonight, I'm going to sleep easy knowing Sierra is going to be okay!

3/4/11

Mitch has Sierra at the vet right now. My heart is not doing well currently. Hoping for the best right now. She's eating, drinking and walking again, but now feverish, achey and shivering a lot. Waiting is not something I'm good at.

Wow

I've been going through some of my archives. 2006-07. I was gearing up for the big move to Rhode Island. My life was pretty much perfect. Funny how you forget about some things and only remember the perfect times. I'm sure 10 years from now, these times will be the "perfect" times.

Life is never perfect, but good memories are. It is nice to have record of how excited I would get when Mitch was with me. I wouldn't say we take our time together for granted now, but we most often have to deal with the business side of our relationship instead of what made us work in the first place. I'm really scared of being settled. Of being boring. Of letting the business side of things weed out and choke the excitement and creativity out of us.

Zachie in the Canoe

Zachie in the Canoe a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Love this pic of Zach out camp. Sierra HAD been in the canoe but jumped out!

My Cutie

My Cutie a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

My favorite picture of us!

Sierra & Me

Sierra & Me a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

One of my all time favorite pics of me and Sierra!

Like

Like a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

I like my eyes in this one.

Catching Some Rays

Catching Some Rays a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Can't wait till we're both laying in the sun!!

Sierra Girl

Sierra Girl a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

My sweet baby! She's making an effort to walk this morning!!! She's resting on her dog bed under my bed. She walked in here and her click clack of her nails woke me up. She still needs help getting on the couch or off a bed. Like she needs to be carried but she walked in here! Yesterday she wouldn't even do that! Going to the vet this afternoon.

Old Pic

Old Pic a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Summer 1980ish...my sister, Aunt Dawn, me, my brother and Aunt Teen. Not sure of the construction going on out camp.

Sierra Girl

IMG04717-20110303-0648.jpg a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

She seems to be resting comfortably. Poor baby!!!

Bella & Sierra

IMG04718-20110303-0753.jpg a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Bella's been giving her kisses and trying to engage her best friend to play but to no avail.

Time for the Vet

IMG04716-20110303-0648.jpg a photo by jennluvsgable on Flickr.

Sierra still isn't doing well. She's not interested in attempting to walk anymore. She walks outside still but doesn't go more than five feet or so. As of Monday, she was racing through the backyard. She is not whining or showing any kind of pain or distress. I've been crying all morning. We're just waiting for Mitch to get home.

Bella Boo

IMG04715-20110302-1017.jpg
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Better Days

Resting
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Back in our younger, better, prettier days...this used to be one of our favorite spots...and would become the place of horror where Holly would be murdered, not far from here. I don't have the heart to go back there.

Me & Sierra

Me & Sierra
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Gosh, I was five years younger!!! Look at my skin! And where is that Harley t-shirt?!

Just For Dogs

Just For Dogs
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

Somebody needs to invent Just for Dogs. Poor baby is going white fast! I don't notice it so much till I look at her younger pictures!! Her eyes and teeth are still good for an aging dog! She's 7 this month!

Getting Zach

Getting Zach
Originally uploaded by jennluvsgable

This picture is almost 5 years old exactly. Zach was 11. Sierra was 2ish. She's somehow hurt her back right leg and is walking pretty stiff on our hardwood and tile floors. She moves much better outside, even running a little. She's not acting like she's in any pain and she's currently curled up on the couch asleep next to me, per usual. Zach was pacing outside my bedroom till I finally said WHAT?! He came in asking for a hug and if we should bring Sierra to the vet. He's texted twice already checking on her. I forget how anxious a kid Zach is. I doubt he slept much last night, worried about Sierra. I told him if she gets worse today, then of course she's going to the vet. If she's not better tomorrow, then I will have him and Mitch take her tomorrow evening.

Happy March!!!

So Bella is walking. Walking to the cheers of her mom, uncle Zach and Pop. While I was not cheering, I was not expecting to feel so sad. She's been climbing up on furniture for awhile but I guess Zach hadn't seen her get into the recliner. He just stood there laughing at her, "Oh my God, she's like, like a little person."

It is looking like it'll be a gorgeous day today and tomorrow, tomorrow being the better of the two. My whole week is thrown off. I'm not even sure what day of the week it feels like anymore. The week after next should feel more settled.