Grandbabies

I realized I forgot a very monumental development in my last post - my grandbabies! They are just 2 months old as of Friday and the loves of my life. For those of you who don't know me well you may assume I would be talking about homo sapiens but for those that do know me well you should realize I am speaking about a more furry variety. And, yes, you are correct I am referring to my dear dog friend Hannah's puppy litter of 7. They are the most beautiful, adorable, sweet, amazing, wild, vicious, chewy, klutzy, fast-growing, sharp-teethed grand babies in the whole world. There are 2 girls and 5 boys: Ripley (the eldest), Holden, Cooper, Parker, Badger (the sharpest teeth, though that wasn't why he got that name), Claire, and Francine.

I was pet-sitting when Hannah gave birth so had to play 'midwife' during the event. It was terrifying and amazing and it is why I feel I have the right to call them my 'grandbabies'. Ripley came out paw first so I freaked out a bit but luckily had a helper that was able to google info and keep me calm. Hannah had a really hard time pushing Ripley out but eventually he plopped out and was just fine. I got a little teary of course. There was one more that came out foot first, but the rest were the proper way (coming out with the sac intact). Hannah did all the hard work of course, eating the sac and chewing off the umbilical cord, so all I really did was sit by her with a worried expression and try to keep her as calm and comfortable as possible. It was a long stressful experience for all of us, but the puppies were all good and have been growing like weeds. I can't believe how big they have gotten already. And they all have very unique personalities already. They all love running and playing and eating and attention. But, a few of them are much bolder and more confident, particularly Francine. Badger was named badger because when he came out he had a dark stripe on his butt that reminded me of a badger, but now the stripe is gone and he is honouring his name by being a big biter. Cooper is the biggest and he watches his surroundings and seems to think about things before he acts. Claire is the smallest and very sweet, she is the biggest cuddle monkey. Parker can be very sweet too but he also gets a bit bratty and will play rough, though that really applies to them all on some level. Ripley tends to go off on his own the most, exploring and is one of the more bold ones. Holden can be cuddly but will scream bloody murder if he does not want to be picked up and taken somewhere (Badger does that too). I have bites on my nose, cheeks, neck, and especially my hands. They also love chewing my hair. If you have to be mauled by anything I think puppies are a good option.

That's about it really. They continue to grow and it makes me sad but is also exciting to see. I hope they all find good homes so I can avoid the temptation to adopt one myself. It is sometimes very very hard to work with dogs and not have one (or 7) of my own!

Game of Thrones and chia seeds

I have been meaning to post for a long time now and have finally gotten to a point where I have the time and subject matter I wish to go on and on about. So here goes...

First the chia seeds.

I eat very poorly when I am busy and have been looking for a better way to keep up my energy throughout the day without giving in to fast food and chocolate. Juice makes me have to pee so that didn't work well because on a long dog walk the only place to pee is in my pants. Fruit snacks and granola bars are fine but don't fill me up. A good friend mentioned the Holy Crap brand of cereal as an option. But, instead of getting the cereal which is a little pricey she gets just the main ingredients in bulk. So you add just a couple spoon fulls split in equal amounts of a  1/3 each of chia seeds, buckwheat, and hemp seeds. You don't need much, and just add some milk or add it to yogurt. The chia seeds need to soak for a bit before you chow down though. I have been adding it to oatmeal which is working really well as my 'second breakfast'. I am finding that I am still hungry at lunch time but if I eat something I am good till dinner so it is helping me to keep going and avoid temptation. The only time it doesn't work is when I am menstruating. Nothing but chocolate and burgers work then so I don't blame the chia seeds at all.

Now for Game of Thrones.

I just finished watching Season 3 this morning and WOW! As some of you may know I hate spoilers but man do I want to break that personal rule. However, I won't. I will say though that it is bat sh$% crazy and the most awesome show ever. The closest I can think of is maybe True Blood. I couldn't stop watching it. And, WOW! And, I didn't see that coming! And, crazy!!! And, OH MY GOD! And, AAAAAHHHHHH! And, hands in front of face. And, that's all I will say. Except that I hope the dragons kick butt, or at least set it on fire, when they finally get to Westeros. Or at least certain butts, other butts I would like to survive. But, that is all I will say. I can't wait for Season 4!

Work stuff.

Well, the Fall and holidays were crazy busy which is a good thing overall. I got a bit lucky and had mostly cats to take care of over Christmas which makes things easier (Dogs are a lot more work). It got a little crazy though because some regular clients were only off work certain days so I had a few dog walks throughout. Some clients just needed me a few days, and others a few weeks, some came home early, and so on. I had to write it all out so I could make sure I didn't forget anybody. My greatest fear work wise  is forgetting to go (personally it is drowning and sharks), as well as dealing with a medical emergency. Overall though the year was pretty successful. I exceeded my initial projections a little bit and that is a really positive thing. Hopefully this year will be as good or even better.

Personal stuff.

Don't tell my mom but I actually need underwear and socks, among other things. When I mention I need something she always goes a little above and beyond. I am totally broke right now though thanks to Christmas stuff and a plethora of bills all due in January. Until things recoup over the next few weeks, hopefully, I am making due. I have thrown out several pairs of socks that have worn through the heal and a few toe holes. My ankle is really hurting as well. I often have to wake up in the middle of the night to reapply Absorbine Jr. I also soak my feet in hot water with some epsom salts when time allows. I really need to go to the doctor. Luckily the next few weeks are not too busy so hopefully I will get my crap together and call for an appointment. Can they actually help though? I am doubtful, but maybe something will help.

That's it I guess. I will try to post more often, but you know me. Good intentions and all.