Sunday, December 14, 2008
Re-defining Lucky
Since Reno is about an hour and a half and she lives beyond that, I offer to meet her half way. But she said she had to deliver hay so maybe she’ll send her husband. It won't be a Christmas surprise but there's nothing like immediate gratification!
I go home and grab Brando after work on Tuesday and drive down the hill to meet this lady’s husband. He is there in a nice big SUV and Brando immediately hops in his vehicle. I talked to the guy for a moment and then they drive away. It was much harder than I thought it would be. I’ve only had Brando five or six days but he is Echo’s brother and I really care about what happens to him.
About a day goes by and the new owner starts sending me hilarious emails about what the dog’s doing. They’ve decided to rename the dog to Rosco. She wanted it to be Hank but I think she was outnumbered by her husband and their kids. She also wants pictures of my pup and the mom and dad of the litter. She seems super engaged. And the best part is they want puppies so there will be little Rosco’s running around sometime in the future. I just don’t think Brando/Rosco/Hank could have found a better home.
On Wednesday she wrote:
Thought you could use a laugh! We can't remember his name>Brandon>....well anyway it's Rosco! I would have picked Hank! Mind you our two are really well minded dogs, no couches, no noses on counter etc...so this morning Jerry's in the shower and Taz [girl heeler] follows daddy into the bathroom with a look on her face like "Guess what he's doing!" Jerry goes out and he's on the couch!! Not unless called!
So today he can't quite figure out the llammas! And I was out on the dam shucking drywall over the edge to melt in and plug up the leaks! And the dogs are with me! Only he is walking on the ice, maybe up to 10 feet from the side, now mind you the girls are barking and playing but not going on the ice! I was laughing my asss off thinking I'd have to go in and get Jerry's Christmas present if he fell in, ya know true love and stuff! Eventually he got to thin enough to fall in and managed to get out as by this time he is close enough to the shore to touch the side [I think] but instead of getting on dry land he goes back to running along the side still on the ice!!! Finally I get him to the dirt and he decides to bark, well then the hills echo....yep then I really couldn't get him to quit! So I walked back to the house to have a soda, write you and hope he forgets when we go back out!!!
Thanks again!!!
Your welcome to come visit!
Thursday this came:
So it was going good....then.....he went under the neighbors [he's a cardiologist and does endurance riding!] fence!!! It wasn't like he was really chasing their "prize" Arabians, more like following them which gave them a good chance to run [and visa versa]! But....! My "girls" just stayed with me and he didn't even care, it must have taken us an hour to catch him! The good news is they are on vacation in South America and their ranch hand [our friend] was up in the hills riding one of their horses! I have enough horses he could have chased/followed! So now he'll have to be leash bound till he gets over it!
We have a German Shorthair, awesome dog, now thinks she's a cow dog, barks [loud] when I tell the cows to move! Also wanting to go after the feet like Taz our female heeler. When she came she ran, and ran, and ran... till she realized she could run whenever she wants, so now she runs when she just hangs out with me, and Taz, and ....Rosco! I was vote'n for Hank! I guess there is Hank the cowdog books I could get for the Grandson's hopefully to learn more read'n! ... I don't think I'll when on this!
Well, "we're" headed to Battlemtn for a hay delivery, he rides good in the car! Oh also he puts his feet on kitchen counter! And thinks he can get on the coutches! But not for long!! He is really smart! We get to get baby llammas for the grandson's Christmas! Have a great day, and thanks again! It would be cool to get his sis's pictures too!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Grand-dog
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Adopt me!
Echo loves Brando. When I used to work in the valley all day, I would take Echo to play with him. They said the dogs wrestled the whole day. I believe it because Echo and Brando do nothing but wrestle now that he's staying with us. And when she came home from a day with Brando she slept like the dead. It was sweet.
Friday, December 05, 2008
If I had an image of the day section
Monday, December 01, 2008
Nothin' but class
I'm glad I have the leftovers. But next year I think I'll make the effort to be with my family. Not that I didn't want to this year. It just didn't work out like I had hoped. It looked pretty though.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Moments
But sometimes in everyday life there are moments of realization or recognition of something we never quite saw before. Or at least something we see in a new way. We discover something new in the familiarity of our lives and feel alive, refreshed, and awake.
Last night, a Thursday of all days, I was sitting in a cafe sipping soup and listening to some older Jack Johnson they had playing when I realized I was feeling that warm, fuzzy, tingly sensation all over. The cafe was all rustic wood and I was watching people come in and out ordering smoothies and sandwiches and it felt like I was somewhere else, on vacation. I can't really pinpoint what it was, but I felt happy and relaxed. And I started to think about that feeling and how much I love it. There is nothing like it. It's a high of sorts. Like detaching your body from your worries and cares and just being in the moment.
What a wonderful trick it would be to learn to embrace that feeling and carry it with you in your life. To look at your everyday life with affection and contentment. To drive the same way to work everyday but love it more each time. To hold your love in your arms but feel the beating of your heart and longing for having been away from each other. To enjoy your morning walk like you're doing it for the first time.
I think this is possible and an entirely admirable ambition. There must be people who achieve this every day. But even to experience such detachment and calm once a week would be therapeutic at its worst.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Uh oh.. what happened?
I think she's trying to say "I'm sorry.. don't kill me!"
In my new house there's a tile floor in one room where she stays during the day. And for some reason she refuses to believe me when I tell her it's not okay to pee on the floor. I'm fairly trustworthy I'm not entirely sure what the issue is. But she insists. So I have this bitter cherry spray that I spray on her tongue right after I literally wipe her nose in her urine. Just the sight of me when she's peed on the floor provokes more pee presumably a direct result of her fear of the cherry spray my harsh words. Poor baby. I know she doesn't mean it, but it still doesn't make it okay.
Apparently dogs know they're not supposed to pee on the floor. But they don't have the mental capacity to choose not to do it when they have to go. They only remember when you walk in the door and they suddenly have an "Oh shit" moment. I still think the "I'm sorry" face is very cute.
Friday, November 14, 2008
I would describe myself as Type A
Sigh...
I've been talking about trading in the Civic for something a little more Tahoe-worthy for probably a year now. Last month I finally pulled the trigger. I applied for a loan, got pre-approved for twice what I really needed, and went to work on finding a car I liked.
I finally settled on a '99 Subaru Forester from a mom and pop place called Shillers. It's a great car with all of the important stuff: tires, an engine, headlights, and all-wheel drive. (oooh..) The dealer seems like a really nice guy, he has a really good reputation, and he's been doing it for years.
I take my bank draft from Navy Federal and drive the four hours to Santa Rosa. I test drive the car and love it, and then I discover they can't accept bank drafts. I'm sorry, what?? I'm such a retard. This whole problem could easily have been solved if I had just called and confirmed, "you accept bank drafts right?" I am obviously not a banker.
I proceed to spend an hour or so on the phone with the Credit Union and finally come to the conclusion I will not be driving this car home. Damnit. But in another few days the check should be mailed and everything will be peachy. The dealer graciously agrees to hold the car for me and I'll be back in two weeks to pick it up.
I sulk my way home and I wait. No check. And wait some more. No check. I call. We need more info. I give them the info and I wait. I call back. Still waiting. I call back again. Still waiting. I call back again. Denied due to insufficient collateral. Seriously? It's not my credit or my income, all that is great. The car is not worth what the dealer is asking. But I have the blue book printout in my hand. I did it myself. Sorry, no can do. (WTF?!) But if you can re-negotiate for a lower rate, perhaps they would approve the loan. Sigh....
So I wait five minutes and call back. Hey! I was able to negotiate a lower price!!! (Amazing isn't it?) I'm sorry you'll have to fill out another application. Can't you take the information from the old application? I'm sorry ma'am we can't. Okay, let's fill it out. We'll need the VIN. (Silent cursing). I don't have the VIN (it's on the application), I'll have to call you back.
At this point I give up and go to Bank of America. I'm sorry, we only do auto loans on line. Thanks. I go back home and I apply for a loan online. Accepted! Call this number to speak with an associate. Hi, Thank you for calling Bank of America. You have reached us outside of our normal business hours. Please call back between 8 and 5 Monday through Friday. It is now 8pm on Friday.
Back to Navy Federal. They're open pretty much 24/7. I finally get in touch with someone who understands my issue, modifies the old application (I didn't have to fill out a new one) and sends it in. Please call us back in 24 hours and we should have an answer for you.
So now if I don't get the loan from Navy Federal, I should probably hear back from Bank of America and then finally get my car. But this has honestly been one of the worst experiences I've had in a really long time. I'm not sure I've really learned anything except that I wasn't anal enough. This has taken absolutely all of the fun out of car buying.
With as much fun as I've had so far, I am not looking forward to selling the Civic.
Update: 11/18/08
I can't get a loan from Navy Federal or Bank of America. But I bet they'd jump on the chance to loan me $30,000 for a brand new car that is only worth $20,000 the second I drive it off the lot. So I'm borrowing the money from my parents. I feel like an enormous loser.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Halloween
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Phobias
The other day I got out my clippers to trim my own nails and she immediately put her ears back and proceeded to hide in my bed. I was like.. "aww, it's ok, I'm not trimming your nails today." She doesn't believe a word of it until I actually put the clippers away.
But then I realized she's way smarter than I thought. She recognized the pattern. I get my clippers out, trim my nails, then realize she probably needs it too. Good doggy.. too smart for her own good!
Friday, September 19, 2008
I love it here
Friday, July 25, 2008
Sailing in Tahoe
Six and a half months
She loves our walks in the woods. She bounds around chasing squirrels and birds. And every minute or so she looks to make sure I'm still there. Sometimes I hide behind a tree to see what she'll do. She usually books for home thinking that's where I've gone. But I don't let her get far.
It's a little shocking how much I love her.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Poor puppy
During the few days leading up to her surgery I would just start crying randomly because I was so scared for her. And of course I cried when I dropped her off. But she made it out fine.. And now she's just the saddest thing you ever saw.
The vet recommended I have two of her back claws removed because they can get infected. So now she has her belly scar and her poor little back feet are stiched up.
It's only the second day and she's already found a way out of her collar to chew off the bandages on her legs. I had to go get a bigger collar tonight and it's even more pitiful than the first one. It's enormous! Poor baby.
I have to laugh when I look at her. I think she hates me.. but I can't blame her. At least when we go for walks she doesn't have to wear the collar. Only when I have to leave her alone so she can't chew out her stiches. What a sweet girl though.
The vet says she has to "be calm" for the next two weeks. No jumping, no running, no water, no excitement. TWO WEEKS?! Echo has never been calm for more than two minutes!!!! This should be interesting. Wish us luck.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Belle of the Ball
"aww.. what kind of dog is she??" "she's so cute!" "healer right?"
Different is good
I'm sad that I haven't been inspired to write as much, though. I still write occasionally, but struggle and pain were always such compelling reasons to write. It always forced me to organize my thoughts enough to get them down. I suppose if that's what it takes then I don't need to write so much anymore. Maybe not at all.
Tahoe is like a dream. You wouldn't believe the amazing views in every direction. I took a short walk up to the highschool the other day and was simply awe-struck at the view from the football field. You look out at layers of trees and beyond that, mountains covered in snow. I just stood there staring with my mouth hanging open in wonder at the beauty. I can't imagine what it must be like to grow up here.
When I used to live on the Outer Banks I remember one of my friends was from Crested Butte, CO. She would say that she wanted raise her kids somewhere cool so they would grow up to be awesome adults. I figured Colorado had to be just about the coolest place on earth and envied her childhood. I think Tahoe would be right up there. I haven't talked to her much since then, but I bet if she has little ones they'll be hitting kickers and riding "pow" by the time they're 3. Just like the little Tahoe kiddies.
I guess the point is I'm happy. And from what I read tonight I didn't always feel this way. One of the goals I set before I moved a year ago was to "have an awesomely different life by this time next year". I think I can safely say my life is diffent and awesome. Mission accomplished.
Btw, this was the coolest day ever. It was when Steph came to visit. It snowed a bunch and the road was closed heading out to Emerald Bay where it tends to avalanche. So we decided to park and hike out to the overlook. It was totally surreal. In places along the road there's a complete 360 degree view. Completely amazing.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Confident Dog
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Look how cute I am mom!!!
Ghetto doggy
Update:
It's only a month later and this sweater is already almost too small. I knew it would be before next winter, but she's growing so fast!!!
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Mixed feelings
Sometimes though, I feel completely exhasperated and seriously cannot figure out why in God's name I felt compelled to let a wild animal live in my home. I don't mind getting up at 1am and then again at 4am in case she just woke up because she has to go to the bathroom. But I don't understand why the other night after we get home from a long walk she proceeds to do laps around the couch and launches herself off of anything she can manage to climb. I can't figure out why she won't come to me when I call her, especially when we're about to go for a walk. I get really frustrated when she bites my lip or my toes so hard I want to cry. She's usually really good about going to the bathroom outside but last night we stood outside forever while I froze my butt off. Later I walked through the enormous puddle in the bathroom. And today I finally found the pile of poop under the dining room table. I know she's just a baby and she's going to grow out of a lot of the annoying puppy behaviors, but I can't help getting upset with her.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
When I'm good, I'm good
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Puppy love
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
7 weeks
The kitty is still her favorite toy. She's getting much better about chewing the kitty and not my fingers. She still loves to chew on my hair though. I'm not sure I'll ever break her of that habit.
She might be just a little jealous of her sister River. But they love to play together and cuddle together. It's seriously the cutest thing you have ever seen in your life.
Monday, February 18, 2008
She's getting bigger...
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Whiners
Since I've been sick I noticed I'm way more whiney when other people are around. But when it's just me, I sort of just plow ahead and deal. I once was mountain biking and did a header over the handlebars and busted myself up pretty good. But I was alone with nobody to whine to. So I pealed myself off the ground, got back on, and kept riding.
Weird.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Moments of weakness
On Sunday around 5am when the coughing wouldn't stop and I was seriously fed up with the whole thing, I decided I would go to the doctor when they opened. This was not an easy decision, but I really didn't know what more to do. I sort of pride myself on being in control of my body and knowing how to care for it without the intervention of much in the way of pharmaceuticals.
So I break down and go to the doctor, and of course, there was an hour wait. But an hour turned into four and as I'm still sitting there the manager, who I know through work, comes in to tell me about the people ahead of me with some rather serious injuries. I completely understand, my little cold will not kill me, but lacerations and chest pain might kill those in front of me. But the four hours leading up to this point could have just as easily been spent in bed. So I leave, and to my surprise I'm fairly exasperated with the whole situation, thus the uncontrollable tears being excreted from my tear ducts. I hate crying. Seriously, lots of passion and dislike. Unfortunately I do it with rather annoying frequency. What can I say, I'm a girl.
H'enyway. Monday, I felt better. My mom told me about some other vitamins I could take that I happened to have, so I took those and kept up with the rest of the vitamins. And I went to my chiropractor and he made me feel quite a bit better. Did you know they can adjust your head? My sinuses have been draining all day. It is truly awesome. I mean, God or whomever must have been trying really hard to tell me not to go to the doctor. I think I'll listen.
Today I went to the healthfood store in search of a Neti Pot. My dad recommended it and I am up for just about anything at this point. A Neti Pot is pretty much the strangest thing I have ever experienced, but it is awesome. It's this little ceramic teapot that holds about a cup of warm salt water. You literally pour the salt water in one nostril while tilting your head to one side, fill up your sinus, and it runs out the other nostril simultaneously. It's totally bizarre, but feels absolutely wonderful when you're done. It's the coolest.
I had a moment of weakness but was saved at the last moment. I am happy to say I am "through the woods" and on my way to good health. :) No doctors, and no drugs.
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Good times...
I'm getting a puppy, that should be good. Oh man are they cute. I think I might be switching puppies. Can you do that?? My little girl is the one always brawling with the other pups. That doesn't seem cool. And she's not so fond of being held on her back. Supposedly that's not a good sign. She's also going to be red, and I kind of had my heart set on a blue heeler. "Sorry honey, but you just weren't quite what we had in mind so we're taking you back.." Poor little thing.
So I think I'm going to try to shake this whole bad mood thing. I'm going to Florida in a couple weeks for a conference. The beach has got to cure some of this right? A little sun? Time with the family? I have been supplementing my diet with hot cocoa which makes me happy. Warm chocolatey goodness.. yum! And my cold is wearing off. What else could a girl ask for? I think this is the new baby..
Friday, February 01, 2008
Pupster!
She has this cute little black spot on her right eye. And all but one of her brothers and sisters are getting their color in. She's staying pretty light. Apparently that means she might be a red heeler. Her dad is a red and her mom is a blue heeler.
I was there the night they were born. They looked like little rats. And then a few days later they looked like piglets with cute little tails. Now they're like cute little polar bears. Mostly they just lay around and nurse. They are so sweet. Truly, there are not words.
Their eyes are open now and their little claws are coming in. They're actually pretty sharp. I have been reading all about raising a pup. This breed is really high energy and I live a stone throw away from the forest so she's going to be a mountain dog!! I can't wait! The mama is the coolest dog I have ever met. If this dog is half as cool as her mom she's going to rock!
I just have to figure out what I'm going to name her. Ideas? One of her sister's is named River. My sister suggested an "R" name, but I'm not sure yet.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
It snowed!!
So this is my road, normally a two lane road, now a single lane.
My roommate drives a subaru and she had a tough time getting out of the driveway. The civic was going nowhere. I was lucky to make it home a couple of hours after the snow started. I actually got stuck in my road but fortunately made it into the driveway.
This is our mailbox. It's kind of cute actually. It could totally be a postcard.
And my poor car. There was a solid 3 feet of snow on top of it.
When I finally got around to digging it out the snow was thigh deep around it. And then after knocking the snow off the roof, it was waist deep. The picture's a bit deceiving.
Thank God for snowblowers because this would have taken forever.
Seriously though, the powder was some of the best I have ever seen. It was so deep and so smooth. This is what I moved out here for.