Fetch

We are working with Riley to teach her some of the basic commands like sit, stay, come, and fetch. She is doing good, but like all 8 week old puppies, her attention span it very short. Today we worked on fetch. When you throw the ball she will chase it and then just before she reaches the ball she does a belly flop and slides to the ball. She put her back legs straight out behind her, the front legs are pointed forward, and she grabs the ball with her mouth. It is the most hilarious thing I have ever seen. She looks like a baseball player sliding into base. When the game of fetch is over, she likes to go sleep in her favorite place - on top of the shoes we leave by the back door.

Regionalization

Work has been extremely stressful lately. As a part of the management team, I have known for a while that changes are coming and that our company is going through regionalization. I didn't, and still don't know the exact details. I do know that some people will ultimately be let go due to job elimination and that those will mostly be in "leadership" roles. The down side of being in management is knowing this information; the really downside of this is being in HR management. I will most likely be part of the team that has to deliver the news to these people. I have done that in the past and it is never easy. I had to tell my team yesterday that I could be one of the people impacted and they were pretty upset. That made be feel good as a manager, but still a little sad too. Thankfully, we have put a backup plan in place in case I am one of the "leadership" roles that is impacted. Now we just have to wait and see if it has to be implemented.

Scared

Abbie has epilepsy and takes phenobarbital twice a day to control her seizures. No matter how many times it happens, it still scares me to death. Last night, I was on the computer and I heard an unusual noise in her crate, when I turned around she was not able to stand up and had a lost look in her eyes. I instantly realized she was having a seizure. Her front legs were stiff but not able to hold her up so she kept falling in her crate. It took less than a second to reach her, but it seemed like forever. We scooped her up and took her in to the bathroom hold and comfort her in case she was not able to control her bladder (that has happened a couple of times). This one only last 2 minutes, but that was the longest 2 minutes imaginable.

I don't think I will ever get used to that sad lost look in her eyes, nor will I ever not be scared.

A Trip to the Dog Park

Today we took the girls to the dog park to play. Abbie is a terrier, by nature her moods can change quickly. Add to that the fact that she is female and her moods change quickly and with no zero provocation. Riley on the other hand has a very laid back personality. She is vocal, but doesn't let things bother her. Well, today at the dog park both girls had a really great time, but we had to cut our visit short because Abbie was getting cranky. Riley was enjoying playing with the other dogs, especially a german shephard puppy named Callie. She also discovered the mud puddle next to the water fountain, so she needed a bath when we got home.

20th Anniversary

Today was our 20th Anniversary. Sometimes it seems like just yesterday when I was working at Chevy Chase Apartments and we took the day off to go get married before the JP. Other times it seems like I can't remember any life other than married life. Honestly, I can't say that I believe whole heartedly in the idea that a couple must get married to spend their life together. I know, a strange thing for someone to say who is celebrating their 20th anniversary. I say this because I truly believe that we would still be together even if we never officially got married. Nothing about our commitment to each other changed when we received that piece of paper. At the time we got married, it was not acceptable for people to live together without planning to be married. In today's society, it is perfectly okay. We have conquered so many hurdles together that could not have been handled alone. That type of bond isn't strengthened (or weakened) just because you have a piece of paper that says you are married.

Thanks babe for 20 years and I am looking forward to the next 20.

Riley & Abbie

Riley has been such a good puppy. She only whimpers a small amount when she has to go in to the crate and has already learned to go to the door when she wants to go outside. Of course, like all puppies, she wants to chew on absolutely everything, so we are keeping her busy with plenty of toys. She has learned the best way to play tug of war with her sister is to lay flat on the floor (back legs are literally straight out behind her), go limp, and let her sister drag her across the floor. If we could put a little dust rag on her belly, we wouldn't have to sweep the hardwood floors. Of course, Abbie will only be able to drag her around for a few more weeks. Once Riley starts putting on more weight, Abbie will be the one getting drug around the house. Abbie is still learning that she will get special attention too, but is being needy from time to time. It reminds me of when she was the puppy and her older sister, Jasmine, was feeling a little left out. We are making sure she gets her one on one time so she can still feel like the "big girl" of the house.

Shopping with Riley is almost impossible. I took her to PetsMart on Monday and tons of people came up to me and wanted to see her and pet her. She has such unique markings that she attracts attention. Even our vet wants pictures for his collection because of her markings. Unfortunately, she seems to know she is cute and is using that to her advantage. When you scold her, she puts her head down and cut her eyes at you as if she is batting her eyelashes. She is going to be a hand full.

Sometimes during the day, Ray will send me pictures of what the girls are doing and it really makes my day. When I see those faces, I can't wait to get home to play with them.

Denali becomes Riley

We found ourselves inadvertantly calling Denali by the name of Riley. We have no idea why, it just sort of came out. Ironically, she seems to respond to that name (when we called her Denali she had no name recognition). So, we decided to not keep her kennel name and started calling her Riley. She deserves a fresh name and a fresh start.

So far we have had so much fun with her. She is a very vocal little girl and will let you know when she wants your attention. She made it through her first night in a crate with no accidents and only had to go outside once. She and her sister are still learning how to play with each other. Abbie wants to play rough and doesn't understand why Riley can dish it out but not take it. This morning I caught them playing tug-o-war with a monkey. That poor monkey never had a chance. I see him having his legs ripped off in no time.

Now, maybe having a new little one in the picture will take my mind off of all of the crap that happens at work and the uncertainties that lay ahead with our reorganization. Now I can just focus on making it through the day and getting home to the family.

Denali

Today the Friends of Greater Austin rescue group were at the PetsMart near our house and in addition to a new toy for Abbie, we came home with Denali. She is a 7 week old Husky and German Shepherd mix. She and Abbie are getting along fine and are learning to share the toy box. It has been a long time since we have done housebreaking and crate training, but we are up for the challenge. She has the cutest face and loves to nibble on your ears!

Back to Work Blues

We have had a really wonderful weekend. Granted we didn't do anything super exciting, just our normal weekend errands and shopping, but it was still really nice. We had fun shopping and being goofy in the stores and making fun of the other goofy people there too. The weather was typical July in Texas - hotter than hell. I brought home some work and did some of the stuff I was really behind on, so I felt like I had actually accomplished something.

Sunday came along and we had our normal lazy morning. I always make a big breakfast and we watch a movie (today was The Brave One with Jodie Foster) while we relax and eat our breakfast. Even the dog looks forward to Sunday's because she has special treats while she sits on the back of the sofa and watches the movie.

In the afternoon I decided to finish up some of the work stuff I had brought home. As I was working, I started to get a tension headache. I hadn't had one in a really long time. Then I slowly felt my mood turn from good to sour as I was thinking about the work I was doing and what was on my plate for next week.

I really hate when I start thinking about work on Sunday evenings because it gives me what I call the "back to work blues." When that happens it seems like it totally wipes out the relaxation and fun I had the rest of the weekend. That is so not fair to my poor hubby who has to deal with my sour disposition and he has no idea why or what happened.

Anyone with any tips on how to not let this happen? And, by the way, quitting the job is not an option!

Insomnia

I haven't had insomnia in a really long time, but it has definitely set in tonight. I made the mistake of thinking about my to do list for tomorrow as I was trying to fall asleep. As the to do list grew, I grew more and more awake. I stayed in bed for a while hoping to make myself bored enough to fall asleep. I even listened to the radio which normally does the trick; but here it is 2:30am and I am still wide awake. I am hoping that being on the computer will at least make my eyes tired enough to want to go to sleep for at least a couple of hours.

Unfortunately, tomorrow I have to get up earlier than normal to travel to Waco and teach two classes on a very boring topic. Instead of being worried about keeping my audience awake, I may need to worry about keeping myself awake. The only good thing about the trip is that someone else is driving.

Favorite House

I grew up in the town of Stephenville and we always lived out in the country, but I always wanted to live in town. There was this one house on Long Street which was near the City Park where we would go for basketball practice and to swim during the summer. When I would walk back to my grandparents house, I would always go out of my way just to go past this house. It was a two story white house with a large front yard. The house just looked so majestic and I always wanted to see inside. I never saw people coming in or out of the house, so that made it all the more mysterious. As I would walk home, I would daydream that someday this house would be mine.

Well, believe it or not, that house is now up for sale. Unfortunately, I cannot afford to buy the house, but with the aid of the Internet, I can finally see inside. The inside was nice, but in the pictures I was drawn to the back yard. I never really thought about the backyard before, but from seeing it on the Internet, it is fabulous. There is a sunroom on the back of the house with a big deck leading into two backyards. The main backyard is huge and the grass is a beautiful green. Beyond the main backyard there is a rock fence that leads to the secondary backyard which has an orchard of pecan and fruit trees. The look in the pictures reminds me of a southern plantation.

Sometime as kids the things we are drawn to are not a spectacular when we become adults. This is still just as appealing to me now as it was as an adult. Someday, I may be able to own this house, but not today.

Lazy Weekend

I think this has been the laziest weekend in recorded history for us. When my meds kick in, it makes me really sleepy. Considering I am taking them three times a day, it seems like I am sleeping most of the day. My meds must be stronger than I thought, because they are making hubby and the dog sleepy too!

Today we decided to head down to Central Market and see what they had that looked interesting. Anyone who has ever been to one of the Central Market stores knows that can be dangerous. We walked the store and actually came out better than normal, only $70. Usually that place gets a minimum of $100 when I go in there. They now offer curb side grocery carryout service and the young gentleman who was coming to help me had one arm in a sling. I couldn't make him carry out my groceries when I had hubby with me and he had two good arms.

Tomorrow, I have to get my PowerPoint completed for work. I was having our summer interns work on the handout and PowerPoint for my presentation, but it just needs a little more pizazz too it.

On a great note, I did a bandage change today and the wound is completely closed over. Tuesday could be my final visit to the doctor!

Almost Done

I haven't blogged in quite a while because I have been so tired. I am trying to get back in to the groove of things at work, but my body is still not 100%; I tire out more quickly than I did previously.

This week the doctor blessed me with yet another round of antibiotics - yipee. This time they are really strong and are kicking my butt. About 1/2 hour after taking them I can barely hold my eyes open and then the other pleasantries kick in. I have to be sure I am within reasonable distance from a bathroom when that happens. This is only for 10 days, so I can do it if it means getting well once and for all. I just need a good supply of milk and saltines.

Next week I start on a presentation circuit at work, so I have to be sure to take a supply of crackers . I don't think it would make the greatest impression if I ran out of the room while make a presentation to all of the supervisors, manager, directors, and VPs in our company.