Resolutions? Goals?

So, with 2010 gone and 2011 here.  It might be time to state some resolutions/goals for the year.

(For the record, on Dec 31st Hubs and I resolved to NOT order pizza in the month of January.  Can you guess what we had for a late dinner on January 2nd?)

In 2011 I resolve to:

• Be more patient with Hubs.  And Tyson.  
• do at least some type of physical activity everyday, even if it's just walking the dogs.
• do at least SOME laundry every day (or week.)
• call my sister at least once a week.  Even if we have nothing substantial to say...
• Finally learn how to knit.  I said I was going to do this with my Grammy but that didn't happen so it's all up to me now. 
• Get back to reading.  I used to read a 3 or 4 books a month an now I'm struggling to get past the 'sample' portions when I read on my Nook. 

Sure these resolutions may seem easy, and maybe they are...but the point isn't to make goals/resolutions that are hard; the point is to make a difference.  And these goals would definitely make a difference. So, I'll keep you updated on the progress of the aforementioned resolutions. 

I have a feeling this year is gonna be different.

What are your resolutions?

It's Not Easy Making The Hard Decisions

I’ve never been able to understand how people could abandon their pets.  How do you drop your dog or cat or new litter of babies off on the side of the road and drive off?  I don't know how people live with themselves.  When I was growing up we found a litter of tiny kittens wondering around a car dealership way after hours. “We” convinced my dad (I wasn’t that old, maybe 8 so I’m not exactly sure who did the convincing but we ended up bringing these kittens home. And we kept one for it’s whole life (it “ran” away although now that I’m older I’m thinking she might have died and that’s just what our parents told us.) I’ve always brought home stray animals. I accidently ran over cat on my way to cheer practice once and brought her sweet kitten home (my parents weren’t quite as open to keeping that sweet baby but I still saved her from a motherless life on the streets.) And numerous dogs, I’m the first one to stop and check for a tag on a dog wondering around in a neighborhood, highway, or parking lot.

        So, I never understood how people could care so little for man’s best friend. But now I get it. Perhaps these people were just fed up. Perhaps these dogs were peeing in the house incessantly. Or pooping in the kitchen--- daily. Maybe the dog had destroyed doors, and kennels, scared every person that ever knocked on the door, and made himself bleed trying to claw his way into the house or out of a kennel. So, here it is: I’ve hit my limit with Tyson. Sure he has sweet eyes and loves cuddling but he poops in our home and is constantly breaking out of his kennel and destroying things.  I think the hardest part is knowing that it’s not really his fault. He is acting out. He just doesn’t fit into our lifestyle or townhome.  And he’s getting blamed.

       Of course, every time I bring up finding a home for Tyson, Hubs gets super upset. And I can’t blame him.  I can't imagine how I would feel if he were suggesting we get rid of Maggie. But the fact of the matter is this: Tyson just doesn’t fit. Now don’t get me wrong; I’m not talking about dropping him at a local shelter. I’m talking about finding a family that has the energy and initiative to give him the time and attention he needs....

       So, when I broach this conversation, Hubs convinces me I'm being rash, I feel bad, and let it go.  And then, the morning comes when Tyson hasn't been walked and I'm greeted with a big pile of steaming crap first thing in the morning and I feel like putting him outside (in our unfenced side yard) and going to work.  

        I guess my question is this: When do you stop being the nice guy and start making the hard decisions?

Dear Puppies

Dear Maggie,

 I’m totally diggin this new calmer you. I’ve missed cuddling with you over the last couple years.  Your barking is down.  Your sweetness is up.  I hope you are feeling ok.    

It’s also nice to see you and Mr. Tyson getting along…even if he does have a tendency to poop in the house; near your puppy bowl.  If it’s any consolation he probably poops closer to our dinner plates than your bowl…I’m just sayin. 

I suppose if dog years are calculated 7-1 to human years we are about the same age right now!  You have a couple years on me but we are as close in age as it’s ever going to get…you are still the cutest, smartest, bestest dog in the whole world.   Even if you are kind of stubborn.

Love,  Mom

Welcome to Puppy Detail

So, this morning I was planning on getting up super early and making it to Fusion by 7 so I would have plenty of time to cool down, shower, and stop by the office prior to my 10oclock appointment.  But, then my mommy rained on my parade reminding me of Miss Maggie’s much needed trip to the puppy spa.  (She has to be there between 8-9am and it’s really close to my house (Fusion is really close to my work); so I had to pick one or the other…Fusion or Puppy Spa.)  Then I had a brilliant idea:   Hubs could drop Maggie off at puppy spa on his way to work...sure it a little out of his way but I was certain he wouldn’t mind.  Last night when I explained this plan to Hubs he just looked at me and said this:

Hubs:  I have a 10am meeting.

Me:  Me too.  I wanna go to Fusion in the morning and get my day started off on the right foot. So I was hoping you could drop her off.     

Hubs:  I meant I have a meeting at 9am.

Me:  (looking at him a little suspiciously) Well, ok that’s fine.  You can drop Mags off right at 8 and still make it to your office by 9. 

Hubs:  Can we reschedule it for Thursday?

Me:  NO!  We make these appointments weeks in advance.  Can you please just do it? 

Hubs:  Fine.  I’ll do it.

Well, I wasn’t super confident in his “Fine.  I’ll do it.” So, I decided to take his temperature in the morning before I left and make sure he knew how important getting Maggie to the groomer actually was….for those of you that know Maggie she is NOT suppose to have “Bernstein Bear” feet. 

Fast forward to this morning:

Alarm going off at 6: Hubs snoring. 

Alarm going off at 615:  Hubs still not responsive. 

Me:  Are you going to take Mags?

Hubs:  What?  Take her where?

Me:  Defeatedly resetting the alarm for 730 and falling back asleep.  (Keep in mind I was only moderately annoyed at this point.)

New Plan:  Drop Maggie off at 830.  Make it to work by 915.  And that would give me a few minutes to get some last minute things organized before my meeting. 

730  Snooze

745 Snooze

750  Snooze

755  Hubs gets in the shower

809  Hubs gets out of the shower

Hubs:  Doesn’t look like your morning plans quite worked out how you were hoping…

Me:  Well, I didn’t want to take a chance on you not taking Maggie to the place.

Hubs:  Yeah, that was probably good planning on your part.

Me:  (Steam coming out of my ears)

811 Hubs brushes his teeth – I get out bed

812 Hubs plucking hairs from his face - I’m trying to get to the sink to brush my teeth

Me:  You better hurry if you’re gonna make it to your “9am Meeting”

Hubs:  Yeah

813 I start looking for my work shirt in the laundry area and see Hubs sitting in front of his computer

814 Hubs sitting at his computer

I'm getting more annoyed by the second

815 Hubs sitting at his computer

I'm starting to realize that Hubs getting to work by 9 was not really a high priority

816 Hubs sitting at his computer

817 Hubs starts getting dressed

819 Looking for deodorant

Hubs:  Do you want me to take the dogs?

Me:  Do I want YOU to take the dogs?  No, I wanted you to take MAGGIE so I could make to Pilates this morning before work—I have class tonight.  And you shoveled out ten kinds of attitude because you didn’t want to take Maggie to the place….so, I changed my plans so I could take Maggie.  It’s 820 and you have some ‘alleged’ 9am meeting that obviously isn’t a priority PROVING that you could have taken the dog no problem.  But instead I’m going to do it.  Have a nice day.

Hubs:  I love you

Me:  Goodbye.  Go to work.

Hubs:  (realizing that I’m actually mad at him) I love you.

Me:  I love you.  Go to work.

825 Hubs finally leaves the house.

I always joke around when Tyson poops in the house that he better go get his dad before I murder him but what do you tell your husband when you are about to murder him?

Operation Roxie

So, Operation Roxie was a success.  Mom and Dad left Friday night and returned home Saturday evening--adorable new puppy in tow.  I, however, was disappointed to learn Mom had changed her name to Lacey.  So, little Roxie is now Little Lacey!   But she is still adorable nonetheless! 

So, Lacey, welcome to the family!  

Little Roxie

            So the waiting for my new little niece or nephew has been temporarily alieviated while I wait for the arrival of my newest little sister…ROXIE*!  She was born on April 1st (April Fools Day) and is currently living in Ohio.  Mom/Dad are making the long trek to Ohio today and little Roxie should be home on Saturday night or maybe Sunday morning but I have my fingers crossed for Saturday :) 

 

           Isn’t she the cutest little thing you have ever seen?  You know, except for Maggie and Lucy and Jakerrrs (although I suspect Jakerrrs might not want to be called cute….and he certainly isn't little!)  Anyway, I'm so tempted to go with them but I have so much stuff to do, you know, with all of Hubs treasures sitting all over our garage, (and we'll be gone for most of the following weekend) so, Hubs and I will clean the garage on pins and needles waiting for our newest addition!

*As of now Mom is keeping the name Roxie but that is subject to change after we meet the little fuzz ball!  Also, having a name already puts her a little bit ahead of the game considering Maggie thought her name was Puppy Wuppy for months and little Gwacie didn't get named for over a week!

 

1975-2009 Being Cleansed As We Speak (Twitter sent by Dashaun 2010)

This year has been a world wind of change for Hubs and I....well, mostly Hubs, my life is really the same with a few amazing additions—Hubs and Tyson.  Oh, and a new little niece or nephew on the way but that really has nothing to do with this post about Hubs and I. 

            The only things that have really changed in my life since Hubs:  not being able to sleep in the middle of the bed, my last name, and dad started ringing the doorbell instead of just coming on in (which by the way, I still think is stupid.) 

            Hubs on the other hand has turned his entire world upside-down---something I hadn't really thought about until this week...

            We are dangerously close to closing on his house so we posted several things to sell on Craigslist insisting that everyone MUST  pick up by Tuesday night.  And then, we posted a "FREE Moving Sale" for Wednesday to encourage people to come and take the remaining stuff so we wouldn’t have to pay the "junk" people to haul it all off.  After the 'sale' I think he felt a little violated; which I totally understand as I feel unsettled and a little violated when HUBS moves anything in the house (or garage for that matter.)  And yes, I know it's a little bit of a double standard considering every time he brings something over I say, "where are going to put that!?" in my most annoyed wife voice but I can't imagine how hard it must have been to watch strangers rummage though the treasures of his life.  Anyway, he was clearly  down in the dumps a couple nights this week and I got to thinking about all the things in his life that have changed since we moved in together and how I would feel if the tables were turned (Keep in mind, I don't even like it when HUBS moves my phone charger from one plug in to the next--nevermind STRANGERS rummaging in my stuff (albeit unwanted stuff, but still, MY STUFF.  Yes, I need therapy.) 

          I suppose in all relationships there is a time to purge old relationship stuff, ie. pictures, clothes, keepsakes ect. and make room for the new.  But our union has caused a series of events that has basically transformed his world from what is was a year and a half  year ago. 

           It started immediately, with the prompt removal of a tattoo (seriously, seeing an old girlfriend’s name tattooed on my husband (well, boyfriend at the time) for the rest of my life?  No, thank you!), to selling his motorcycle to help pay for our (perfect) wedding, to trading his truck (and getting rid of those old personalized plates of his x-wife---bonus) for a new truck we bought together, and finally, the cherry on the top of the sundae, selling his house and finally getting to enjoy the spoils of a two income household! 

            I can’t imagine how I would feel if I had to sell my car, house, and most of my belonging to move into a home that requires me park outside in the snow during the winter and crawl into a car as hot as the Sahara Desert in the summer.  But Hubs hasn’t complained once.  He’s gone above and beyond to make sure I feel comfortable and secure in our life and love and I don’t think I tell him enough--I do notice, I have noticed, and I appreciate all he’s done to ensure I feel like the only women in his life (aside from his mother, of course :)

           So, after the aforementioned items are done (closing on his house being the final task at hand) we will be free to enjoy our happy, healthy, and fart filled lives together without anymore 'previous relationship' red tape.  Because really, nothing spoils a party quicker than having to confer with an x-wife on issues that have nothing to do with her....

          Jokes aside?  When you put all the red tape and nail biting (waiting for signatures) up against not being with Hubs at all---there is no comparison.  I would put up with a lifetime of red tape and drama if it meant I could spend the rest of my life lying in bed, giggling, laughing, and sleeping in a pile with Hubs and Maggie and Tyson.  I'm still trying to figure out how I got so lucky...

My Name is Maggie and I Approve This Message

Last night while we were lying in bed listening to the thunderstorms, cuddling Maggie, and discussing the possibility of not actually owning a house anymore when Maggie ACCIDENTLY jumped on Hubs’ balls.  Yes, all 31lbs of her landed right in just the right spot---Hubs’ of course acted all dramatic and practically cried:

Hubs:  MAGGIE!  Owe!  Those were my BAAAALLS!

Maggie:  Dude, sorry.  She stopped petting me so I was coming over to cuddle you!  You can’t really be mad…can you?  Have you seen this face?   

Hubs:  Ohhhhhhh, my balls hurt. 

Me:  I don’t think she did it on purpose.

Hubs:  I know, but it huuuuuuurts.  Tyson never jumps on my balls!

Me:  Hmmmmm, no but Tyson does poop in the house.

Hubs:  Yeah, but that doesn’t hurt my baby making tools.

Me:  Yeah, I guess you’re right.  Poop only causes burning in your nose as you walk down the stairs and then causes dry heaving while being forced to pick up a human size deuce.  Oh, and let’s not forget you getting yelled at because YOUR dog is out of control.

Hubs:  OK OK, you are right.

Maggie:   Now, I don’t claim to be perfect.  Sure, I bark incessantly to bring possible dangers to you attention and yes, I hate kids, bikes, and pizza delivery personnel but you know what?  When the going gets tough and the minutes tick on during a long day trapped in the confines….I don’t poop in the house!  You can leave me alone for hours and hours and hours---poop free….unlike OTHER dogs (screen shot of a local boxer we all know and love)  Vote Maggie.   I don’t poop in the house.   I’m Maggie and I approve this message.

Do You Hate Poop? VOTE Maggie!

Today I did my very first proposal!  Well, technically, it was Robert proposal but I did all the calculating and he checked my work but I did get a little bit of much needed practice.   This week is going by so fast.  Between learning, AAKC meetings, and a YARCO event at the Argosy tomorrow this week will be over before I know it.  I am flashbacking to the days of The Mortgage Store when I actually LOVED my job and while it might be too early to make that official announcement… I think those days have returned! 

         We received an offer on the townhouse today.   Hubs and I had pretty much resigned ourselves into believing we would be staying in my townhouse for a little while longer since we’ve only had 4 or 5 showings since January.  But this last showing was a winner and it appears we have the opportunity to sell it.  And of course we still have his house, so it looks like we might be moving to Belton, ick---for more reason than one.  I hate change  and have a difficult time pulling the trigger on big things.  When I decided to sell my eclipse I spent a year hem-hawing around about it.  When I left Chicago I totally cried.  When we sold my very first car I totally cried as the new owners drove off.   I don’t even like it when my family changes up the seating arrangement at family dinner.  Now, it’s time to sell……my HOME.  It makes me very nervous.  I guess I didn’t really think this day would come---it makes perfect sense to move into Hubs’ place but I am still reluctant.  We have some serious discussing to do tonight. 

          On a brighter note, this morning is the first morning in about 4 days when Tyson didn’t take a big crap in the kitchen so that's a total plus....

The last four days:

Tyson:  I think I gotta poop. 

Maggie:  Dude, you're gross.  

Tyson:  I'm gonna lay one down right here in the kitchen.

Maggie: They'll be downstairs in two minutes. 

Tyson:  You’re gonna wanna go upstairs Mags…this is not going to be pretty.

Maggie:  Dude, seriously, they're gonna kill you

Tyson:  Nice Haircut Loser

Maggie:  I don’t think it’s a good idea

Tyson:  (poop stance)

Maggie:  (running upstairs)  Tyson is pooping in the kitchen!  I’m going to stay right by your side and be really sweet so you don’t think I did it.  He is so stupid….

Me:  (headed downstairs)  Does it smell like poop?

Tyson:  Wait, What?  I don’t smell anything

(Huge pile of crap on the kitchen floor)

Me:  Tyson!  I’m going to kill you!

Maggie:  I told you so.

Tyson:  Why is she yelling so loud?

Maggie:  She is yelling at YOU!  You big Dummy!  For pooping on the floor.

Tyson:  Really?  Reeeeaaaallly?

Maggie:  Hi!  My name is Maggie!  And I don’t poop in the house!  VOTE MAGGIE!

The Unemployment Experiement

It’s over and I did it!  I got my paper turned in, attended the AAKC meeting, spoke in public without peeing my pants and managed to make it through my oral interview in Espanol with only two major sweat attacks, yes, I said sweat attacks!  So, that was awesome!

My days as an unemployed stay at home wife and mother of two (puppies) is coming to an end.  On Monday I start my new position with MC Flooring!  (After I accepted this job, a company from the Apartment Association asked me to interview.  I have good relationships with several of their employees so of course I said, “yes!”  We worked out all the final details last Friday and I start the beginning of May.  It’s basically the exact same thing I was doing before just change pest control to flooring!  I think it should be a pretty seamless transition especially since I managed to stay pretty active in the AAKC during my hiatus.  Also, I have a little break from school after finals so I’ll have a couple months to really focus on work and building a solid base before I start summer classes—sometimes I get so frustrated that I didn’t finish sooner!  (PSA:  Kids, finish school early!  If you find you have no motivation to go to class, then perhaps you should take more classes.  This assessment is based on the unemployment experiment—you know, my life the last 2 months.)

Being home for two months really made me rethink a sarcastic joke my dad always makes when I'm complaining about being busy, he says, “a busy person is a happy person,” and after this little experiment in unemployment---I think that philosophy might prove true.   I’ve already looked at the gym schedule to see when I could fit in working out between work and class—which is sort of ridiculous considering I’ve pretty much taken the last month off from any sort of physical activity that doesn’t involve my husband. (Seriously, being unemployed is a full time job that sucks pretty much every ounce of initiative out of a girl!)  I did go for a bike ride today though...

So, until life starts again on Monday, the schedule is as follows:  Friday, I take Maggie to the puppy spa for her summer spa treatments (aka bath, nail clipping and lion cut), directly following?  A pep talk convincing Maggie that the other shelties made fun of her hair because they’re jealous of her trendsetting cut!  And taking a Spanish final on Saturday.  Stressful, I know!  Oh, and tomorrow night I need to pump Hubs up for his first day at Garmin!  Not that he needs it---he’s super excited and I’m super excited for him!

Yes, this last week of unemployment has taken laziness to a whole other level, but hey, I’m not planning on being unemployed again for a VERY long time;  so I might as well take advantage of the free time while I can!

Throw This...

Maggie has been staying at my parent’s house for a couple weeks.  My mom likes to “borrow” our puppies for weeks at a time; I think makes her feel like she has grandkids....

Anyway, while I was sitting at mom and dad’s waiting for the garage door man to show---Mags and I got into some pretty deep conversation, she said:

Throw this…                      

And then we wrestled around in the backyard---til she got tired and laid down...

Just look at that face...how could you not want her to stay over forever!

Does That Look Like The Face of a Killer to You?

Dear Animal Control,

I was wondering if you had time to re-evaluate our alleged aggressive dog.  Sure, he was in a hurry to attack welcome our new neighbors to the neighborhood.  Perhaps our new neighbors are simply evil dog hating neighborhood ruiners not dog people and were unnecessarily nervous around such a large dog.  And yes, maybe he was a little over excited when he tried to jump through a glass window welcome you into our home.  However, in his defense, you did ring the doorbell a gazillion two times.  So, I would like to submit the below picture as evidence on our behalf:



Does that look like face of a killer to you? 

Call me and we'll set up a time to review our case!

Jillian

PS.  Both our dogs are legal now.

PPS.  Not that they weren't before...I'm just saying. In case you ask again.

Threat level orange

Maggie HATES strangers.  Her disdain for people, bikes, motorcycles, and other dogs has been a chronic problem and her tendency to charge our neighbors has finally put the Wiggans/Carter household all over the radar.  (It is technically the Carter household but to say ‘finally put the Carter household on the radar’ didn’t really fit as it’s only been the Carter household for a short time and we’ve had years of issues getting Maggie to chill.)  So, the other morning, I let Mags/Tyson outside and they scared the living day lights out of one of our neighbors.  Maggie’s lack of hesitation to run after people is no secret; to me or our other neighbors but Tyson is usually a happy and mild mannered dog.  He must have gotten caught up in all the excitement and ran towards the new neighbor with his partner in crime.  Well, the super nice animal control lady informed me of all the rules and stigma attached to both breeds and assured me if even one person called with a suggestion that either of our dogs were off leash they would take them.  And let a judge decide their fate. 

I guess I’m mostly upset with myself as I know Maggie is prone to charging and I knew it was only a matter of time before she REALLY scared someone.  The other morning was that day.  I know better.  I know Maggie needs to be on a leash or chain.  All.  The.  Time.  She’s always needed the restraint.  But, after a little while I relax, believe I can trust her, and then she proves me wrong all over again. 

I think worst part is that Mags is at fault 99.99% of the time but this one particular instance puts BOTH of our dogs on the radar. 

PS. I've never wanted a backyard as much as I do right now.

I'm pretty sure mags isn't a marathoner

So, maggie went on her first 5-6 mile run on Thursday night.  I wasn't there but Hubs said at about mile 5 she gave up and stopped.  So, he did what any responsible dad would do--he picked her up and tried to carry her home but miss mags is not a fan of being carried; she's a big girl! She finally squirmed enough to get put down and then proceeded to walk home ever so slowly.

Yesterday morning Mags was acting all kinds of weird. She had her ears down and woudn't go down the stairs at all--(insert worry).  Later in the day I watched her hobble down the stairs and I totally knew what was up....she was sore.  So sore she could barely move...

Poor thing.  She isn't hard core.  She's pretty.