My Messy [Current] Reality

Here are the promised pictures of what purging and reorganizing has been like around chez moi. I'm not going to type much because I just got back from my first Irish dance class in a month, so, I'm a wee bit... oh how do you say... out of it!

Enjoy!

Of course, where there are bags and boxes and rustling of items, there must be a cat in the middle of it all. Tibby obviously doesn't see a problem with this, and I failed to negotiate a border treaty with him. Ah well, at least he was cute about it!

I managed to consolidate four file folders into two, numerous college binders into one, and so on and so forth. I felt the rainforest sob, I did. Thank goodness for recycling to ease my guilt.

Today's effort resulted in about a hundred dollars worth of pots and pans to donate (there are more bags and boxes btw). The shelves have more room and are cleaner to boot. Can I hear an 'HALLELUJAH!!"?

The result of Jon's efforts in the garage, and my clearing of baskets, folders, one closet, and three large tubs. The garbage men are going to HATE us...

We're going to need a [MUCH] bigger bin.

A Universal Truth

If there is a suitcase anywhere in the house, with or without stuff in it, a cat will find it and be in it. This is a scientific fact. At least, it should be.

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I'm in Nashville watching and photographing my friends as they get ready to dance at the Irish dance North American Nationals. This competition is HUGE folks. I've literally rubbed elbows with at least three world champions and have seen some amazing dancing. More pictures to come!

Dog Days of Summer

I don't know who's enjoying summer more, me who's getting more sleep and dance time in, or the boys who can't manage to leave each other alone for five minutes. The answer is alluding me. You decide!

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Happy First Day of Summer Everyone!

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Oh yes, Leo usually looks like this when he's napping.

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Last night in some cruel twist, I woke up from a nightmare that I had discovered illegal drugs at my school. Okay, that was weird. I managed to go back to sleep, but, then... then 4am rolled around I woke up, again. Did I fall back asleep? Oh, no, no no. So here I am, 16 hours of being awake on less than 4 hours of sleep, after a (first day back) 8am-6pm work day. I. am. tired.

Guess what I'm going to try get a lot of tonight? ;-)

A Little Interlude

Mina on top the Ann Taylor box (my gift). What can I say? The cat has good taste.

Yes, I know, I am not writing more Christmas memories. I will continue those I promise, after all I have until January 6th (Epiphany signifying the last of the 12 days of Christmas) to get all those Christmas memories in there! This is just a little update what I've been doing lately. The current Christmas memories I'm forming right now if you will.

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I have been taking care of lots of Christmas business since I went on break. I am happy to report that the load of shopping with Leo in tow was not only successful in terms of his training and present getting, but, actually fun. I know, Christmas shopping in major stores and a mall a week before Christmas doesn't seem like it would be fun, but, people seemed more friendly and happy to see Leo in the stores. That and I was given wide berth thanks to the service dog 'attatchment'. Made things a lot easier for me.

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Today I'm taking care of a sick boyfriend and getting things cleaned up around here. I'm happy to report, this house is almost as clean as pre-sick, worn out due to work me! Woo hoo!! Okay, the laundry still needs to be done, but, there are enough clean clothes to keep going. Presents have been wrapped, a Christmas activity I love to do. In fact, I used to be the 'family wrapper' of sorts. Not only could I wrap gifts well, I also had a horridly messy closet and under bed where the little treasures could be hidden until I got around to wrapping. In fact, one year I managed to hide wrap an industrial sized car jack that weighed God knows how much. Fun story, but, not an feat I'd like to repeat any time soon.

Louie and Leo tired after lots of playing. I'm pretty sure, Lou likes having us around all day.

Baking activities will be commencing Thursday at Jon's parent's home. After the scare Jon's mother had last week (hospital visit, but, all turned out a-ok) we are making sure to spend plenty of time with her this season. I plan on baking chocolate and chocolate and peppermint macarons and palmiers and maybe make another from scratch pumpkin pie. I will also be getting a visit from my brother soon too. This is turning out to be a great Christmas for me despite all the busyness of work. There's a real tree, many decorations, lots of music and Christmas movie classics, and a sense of happiness at the thought of being around loved ones sharing food, laughter and good times. I'm feeling quite lucky and blessed this season and I hope you are feeling the same too.

They Call Me...

Sorry! I promise I didn't forget to name Newbie, just got a wee bit distracted and didn't get around to telling you all. I do have a variety of good excuses I promise! ;-) So without further adieu....

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Drum roll please....

His name is Tybalt!! Most of the time we call him Tibby or Mr Tibbs (in our best Sydney Poitier accent of course!). Jon thought of his name as I wanted a good Shakespearean name that I could also get a cute nickname from. Tybalt was mentioned and Jon's theatre training reminded him that there was a Tybalt character in another play who was known as 'The Prince of Cats'. Perfect.

Tibby, has totally fit in around here. It's almost as if he's been here from the get go. Mina and him play extremely well and while he's still a bit jumpy when the dogs get revved up, he doesn't mind the dogs being near him as long as they're pretty calm. In fact, Louie loves his Tibby especially at night when they both like to get on the bed to sleep. Louie can even groom him a little bit! Soooo cute. Tybalt is a great addition, he's healthy, growing well, and handles most situations with ease. Love, love that I found this little guy and he has become a great member of my little 'family'.

The Name Game

Too cute for words sometimes.

First off thank you all for the support! Louie is fine, he had some seriously bad bacteria in his GI tract (don't ask what had to be done to find that out), but, we have meds and he's practically back to his old self. Leo doesn't seem to be having any issues, so, knock on wood all is well around here. Phew!

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So here are some recent pics of Newbie, mostly taken from my phone, hence the lower quality. I love, love this stinkin' cute putty cat. However, I cannot for the life of me decide on a name. I was going to go for Gambit, but, when I started calling him that it didn't 'feel' right. I've tried the ones you all suggested, but, again not feelin' it. Sooooooo back to square one I go.

What cat chills out in the waiting room at the vet's office surround by large dogs who are curious about him? Newbie, that's who.

I have issues about making decisions. I will sometimes send a waiter back back two or three times before I decide on something to eat. It's sad actually. Though, I have been lucky with pet names recently... My friend named Mina, Louie came with his name and it fit so nicely I couldn't call him anything else. Leo was named by a foundation who donates money to Therapetics. The last time I had to name a cat it took me four to five names to finally settle on Skittles. She was a good cat... I miss that cat.

Louie loves to play with Newbie. Leo hasn't quite learned to be as gentle as LouLou though. I'm sure he'll figure it out at some point.
Anywho, back to Newbie's 'nameless' status. I think part of the problem is when I was born my parents took two weeks to name me. That's right two weeks. They were arguing about the name order actually, as they settled on two names they liked, but, couldn't agree what order was best. See, they expected me to come out a boy, so they were a wee bit unprepared. Finally they flipped a coin to decide on the order- my mother won. The reason why they resorted to a coin toss was because the hospital called them to let them know if they didn't pick out my name asap my legal name would've become Baby Girl (my last name) on my birth certificate.
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I'm convinced I'm doomed to be indecisive about names thanks to this situation in the very early days of my existence.
Chillaxin' in the back of Jon's Prius. Forgive the mess, we were running a lot of errands that day.
I do not look forward to having to name a baby btw. I mean I can't even figure out a good name for this fantastic kitten. He didn't hiss or yowl in the car or at the vet's, just found places to chill out and purred when he was petted.* Ahmazing. He's playing with Louie and Mina like they've been best buds forever. It's so sad I can't think of a fine name for such a great kitten. Oh and Jon's no help at all, as he 'doesn't really care' what I name him. Gee honey, thanks.
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*sigh* This may take awhile.

Little Surprises

You see this guy? Yup, that's a kitten. And yup, he's sitting in the little kitty cube of fun that I own. So, yup, SURPRISE! I've adopted a kitten. I found him Saturday night. He was outside a friends basement apartment and didn't run when I picked him up. In fact, he purred. And it was pretty much all over at that point. My friend thought there was a chance that a neighbor was taking care of him (along with a gob of other neighborhood outdoor cat), but, I couldn't just throw him outside and check in the morning if he'd back. I took him home and my friend hasn't informed me that he belongs to someone else.

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So, as I said, it seems I've adopted a kitten, or him me... you never know with cats. ;-) He's adorable, sweet, loving, low key for a kitten, is already beginning to tolerate the dogs and knows to leave my cat Mina alone until she's full accepted his presence (she'll get over it soon enough). He perches on shoulders, curls up by my face when I'm in bed, give kisses, and purrs every time I approach. I've already made an appointment with my vet and Jon is already talking baby talk to him. I guess he's staying put! I know I can deal with it, but, I've been wanting another cat for a bit now so... kinda biased.

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The only problem is a name... what should he be named? Right now he's 'Little Guy' and that just doesn't roll off of the tongue nicely does it?

Thoughts? What does this name should this cute, loving, sweet face be called?

Finding a New Routine

This post is going to feature Leo's new routine picture wise, but, I'm really going to discuss little ol' moi and my new routine. Today marks the third day of my new kinda unemployed status. I am still teaching as you know, however, it is so WEIRD not having a pile of emails, calls, and projects to worry about. To be honest I didn't even think I worked all that much as I did quite a bit from home, but, I'm beginning to realize I did put in more time than I originally thought.

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So, I've been spending plenty of time with Leo and Louie. We can't go outside for walks as it is WAY too stinkin' hot around here. And technically Leo is not supposed to be doing much of anything so my new routine has consisted of keeping him (or attempting to as reflected in yesterday's post) calm and as still as possible.

My boys. Those faces make any gloomy day better.

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Easier said than done of course, but, oh the satisfaction that comes when I and the Benedryl succeed in taking down the puppy energy. Leo's pin removal comes at such an interesting time too. Now that his pins are out I don't have to spend so much time keeping his leg cleaned. Seriously, cleaning those blasted pins could take up to 10 minutes though by the end I was getting it done in about 5-7 minutes. Now mind you I don't mind not having to take care of all of that at all. It's quite a relief actually. However, that leaves me with more time.

The pin wounds have already closed up! I've been looking at those babies, cleaning them, and praying for them to close up and there they are closed up just a mere 24 hours post-surgery.
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More time to do what exactly? Well, read blogs, post blog entries, do laundry, clean up, and....?? If I had a/c in my car I would go ahead and run errands, but, since there isn't a/c and the temps have been in the 100's I'm not getting in that hot box on four wheels unless I absolutely have to.

Leo still needs to take anti-biotics- that has stayed the same.

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What's a girl to do? I've already put on hold library books to read, have been putting in inquires about jobs. Yet despite all I've been doing and will do, I still feel as if I have a bunch of time one my hands. I may have to start scheduling projects if this keeps up. I think I am going a bit stir crazy, which is just silly but, there nonetheless. Then there's the fun conflicts that have begun to surface. This morningI cried on the phone with Jon frustrated that the Irish dance class schedule [starts in September] will likely conflict with my [current] work schedule. How the h*** did that manage to happen? I have TONS of time during the day, as I'm not working full time any more, but, when I do work it conflicts with my life/activities?? Really?

Leo's the best pill poppin' dog in Eastern Oklahoma.

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It's a challenge isn't it? Finding ways to keep preoccupied when I have all this free time. I may have to get more organized than ever before just to feel productive. I know it's too early to really have a 'new routine', but, I'm ready to have one soon. In the meantime at least I can enjoy time with my pets and getting to sleep in a bit. That's someting right?

Waiting

Louielou keeping Leo's kennel warm for him. Isn't that ear sticking up hilarious?
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Nothing major to report, but, as I'm full of nerves and anticipation I just had to take a picture and post. Call it a compulsion, coping mechanism, whatever I just had to post something. Leo's at the vet and is going to be neutered and maybe be 'de-pinned'. I don't know when the vet will call me to tell me how everything went and if we have to wait another week or not. So here I am, an hour away from work, tons of things around the house to clean-up and all of those things I can't really think about as I'm anxious and waiting to hear some news.
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Where's Prince Valium* when I need him? ;-)
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*please note that's a joke!

Cuteness Break

To say Leo's recovery has taken over my life, and my blog, is an understatement. I appreciate all the well wishes, btw! Leo is recovering, but, as he's off of sedatives now the situation has changed. He's more bored, more vocal, less cooperative, and feeling the need to run if allowed. Yeah, so it's to the kennel Leo goes. He doesn't like it and I can't blame him. But his persistant whining and clanging into the cage with his collar is fraying my nerves.

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Next week is the studio's summer break and I'm trying desperately to hang in there until then! So, too keep my chin up I had a brilliant idea. Post cute puppy and kitten pictures. That'll lift your spirits I thought. Now prepare yourself... if you hate cuteness do NOT scroll down!

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You have been warned....

8 week old Leo. The day after Therapetics gave him to me to raise. He still has those jowels btw. Feeling cute happy feelings already!

Louie at about five months (one month after I got him). O-M-G!! This is before he became a fluff ball. I love his little puppy sit and expression! Just too much.

Oh gawd!! This makes me want another kitten. Like bad! Mina was about six weeks. She is still freakin cute. Dang... I have some cute animals around here!

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I do feel a bit better. I knew this would work! Hope it helps you all too. Whether it be a bright spot in a gloomy day or just another thing to smile about during a good one.

Someone to Watch Over Me...

It has been a long, long week. Leo is getting better and more settled everyday. Louie is being a fantastic 'big bro' and keeping an eye out on Leo, sleeping downstairs with him at night, escorting him and me outside, as well as resisting temptation to play. Louie is kind of my hero at the moment. I couldn't be prouder of him for standing in harms way with Leo after the accident. It's going to be some intense weeks of recovery, but, I know I have a bit of 'help' along the way from my puppy.

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And I think Leo appreciates it too.

Because We All Need More Cute Dog Pictures...

At the end of a much needed lazy Saturday the dogs decided to pay far too much attention to Jon. With their tongues. Like the good girlfriend that I am, I took grabbed the camera and took advantage of his plight.

Look at Lou. Oh you know, Louie knows exactly what he's doing. Can you tell? At least Leo is young and doesn't know better. What a poor example Louie is setting here. Speaking of Leo- do you see how big he is. The growing will just not let up! Imagine that much puppy on top of you/in your face/good morning wake up call. Let me tell ya it is as much 'fun', and as heavy, as it sounds.

Don't ask me what kind of noise I had to make to get Louie's head to move that way. It's better to remain in ignorance and soak up some serious doggy cuteness. Not sure if Jon appreciates it though- he has some not so happy looks aimed at me right now. lol Meh, doggy cuteness trump boyfriend crankiness anytime, right?

Different Perspective

I want to share some photos taken by different people at yesterday's Farmers Market.

Courtesy of the mother of the littlest dancer who danced with us. A pretty good air shot, and let's face it getting a great shot of a jump/leap is really, really hard! Fun stuff. Thanks to Mrs. S for this picture!

Jon took this picture of Louie-lou. Louie loves, and I mean LOVES crowds. He was pulling around a bit too much (still not out of control though) as he was just SO excited to be around people and other dogs. I think this picture captures his excitement for the Market perfectly. I think we'll have to go the there again, if not for the awesome produce and such, but, at the very least to get Louie accoustomed to crowds.

And here's my [not so] 'little' guy. Loveable Leo, just checking things out and taking things in as calm and placid as can be. He and Louie are a perfect pair. They balance one another out perfectly.
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I love seeing different perspectives. Looking at the same surroundings, but, through a different lense is refreshing non?

Bright and Early

This morning I got my half-awake body out of bed (I only slept a small handful of hours), got in the shower, got 'dolled' up, and had Jon take me and the boys to the Cherry Street Farmers Market. Why was I there? For food? Nope. For fresh produce? Nope.

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I was there to dance!

An Irish music band, An tír glas Céilidh, invited us [students of my Irish dance school] to dance while they played for the market crowd. As I'm going to compete in a dance competition soon, I figured this would be a good experience. I haven't danced in front of a crowd since I was nine.

With the boys in tow, and no coffee in my stomach, Jon and I arrived at the Market.


Of course, a pow-wow is neccessary even for a relatively low key dance like this one.

As well as, an obligatory 'check out Cathleen and I rock this parochial school girl look' picture. I've never worn a plaid skirt that made my legs look somewhat decent, so, I had to document it. Vain, I know, but, when you have a complex about your legs like me you would understand.

The boys were pretty excited. I had to reign them in several times, especially since Jon wasn't in the mood. He hadn't had breakfast, poor guy. Understandable he lacked the strength to handle the puppies. ;-)

Oh, yes, right the dancing part. Yes, there was some of that. I screwed up a couple of things, at first, buuuuuttt, I recovered and had some fun. Hmmm... will have to work on that arm and upper body carriage though.

Sorry! Can't help but analyze! Check this lady out-her name is Sarah, she's 52, a dective, and she can dance circles around me. She's one heck of an inspiration.

A quick note- what we did today, dance wise, is called a step-about. Everyone takes a turn to dance a step or two (step= equals a bunch of steps done with one leg leading then the opposite). Anyways, in a step-about there's a bit of waiting, but, you have to pay attention 'cause if you don't, you look like an idiot starting late.

Please note, that idiot comment was not a reference to me nor any of the other dancers. Okay, so maybe I was a beat late, but, it didn't look like it to anyone soo... doesn't apply. Right? Right?!

After some we danced the dogs, who did a good job waiting around with the crowds, had to be loved on. This is me with Louie (who you all know well!) and Maddie- an eight year old spitfire who I have to keep up with in class every week! She's cute, and nice, so, when I can't keep she's very sweet about it.

No worries, Leo got plenty of love too!

You know what the best part about today was? It wasn't learning to dance in front of a crowd, not dancing with live musicians, not seeing the market, or the goods there- though all of that was fantastic mind you- it was being with a bunch of really nice people who've embraced me as one of their own and made me feel a part of a family.

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You may all say, "Awwwwwwww!!" now. ;-)

Destruction

What happens when you cut off two very active dogs from the outside while the lawn gets mowed?

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This...

And this...

Major paper product carnage.

We lost some good rolls that day. Their sacrifice will not be in vain.

April Fools Joke Fail

I totally wish I could've wrote, "Mina did the laundry today- APRIL FOOLS!"

Let's face it- cats can't do laundry. Even if they could fold things, there's no way they would allow us to use them like that. Though obviously Mina enjoys the laundry quite a bit.

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Happy April Everyone!

Photo Obsession

I have an obsession with taking pictures of sleeping animals. I would probably take pics of sleeping humans, but, I don't think my roomie and boyfriend would appreciate me slipping into their rooms at night- can we say creeeeepy?

Animals it is then and as I'm surrounded by at least three-four on a daily basis I am fortunate enough to have ample opportunities for a photo shoot. I have honed my 'ninja skills' and am now able to successfuly sneak up on a sleepy and unsuspecting critter without waking them and take more pictures than my hardrive cares for

. I was babysitting this week for Therapectic's Exec. Director's kiddos- her family recently took on a new puppy to raise as a service dog and I could bring Leo with me. With this knowledge I had my camera in hand I went on a veritable photographic spree of the puppies. No worries, I did watch and feed the children when I wasn't taking pictures. I have so many great pictures, but, for now soak up some sleepy cuteness!

Here's the new little guy, Saint. Is this not the definition of adorable?!? I ask you to resist this face. Yeah knew you couldn't! It is simply impossible. ;-)

One thing I cannot get over with Leo is his ability to strike amazing poses and travel when he sleep. Because of this 'talent' I was forced to give in and buy a huge kennel well before he's fully grown so he could be comfortable at night and I could actually sleep through one. I mean look at that- that's just one of like fifty positions he'll sleep in. Not kidding about that number folks, he's a mover and a shaker.

They just look so innocent when they're asleep don't they? Though I swear every time Leo takes a nap he grows more. This pic was taken two days after the previous one and you can tell, eventhough he's curled up, he has grown like a weed on radioactive steriods. I think Leo should be studied- his growth is astounding.

I swear this picture was NOT posed in any way! I was just lucky enough to have the camera in arms reach. Leo again sacked out, on his back, with all that loose skin of his smushed to sharpei-like levels. Once again I had to take a picture, I mean come on! A perfectly still puppy is a hard thing to find.... hmmmm maybe that's why I like taking pics of them asleep so much.

There are those of us who do not appreciate the whole cute sleeping puppy thing. And to be honest I can't blame Louie for the look he's giving me. I mean after all, he's just been used as a body pillow by a 40 some-odd pound puppy and I being the opportunist I am didn't stop him, I just got the camera and started taking pictures lacking any regard to Louie's personal comforts. That's just the kind of pet owner I am.

Come to think of it though, I think I may need some professional help.