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.

'Solo' and other stuff

I just finished reading this amazing book called 'Solo' by Rana Dasgupta and I had to share it before I forget everything. When I go to the library I usually check the staff pick section and then wander the fiction isles looking for something interesting. It satisfies my shopping urge, but I don't have to pay anything (unless I return it late) which is wonderful. Anyways, the cover had this black silhouette of a man and the top half is a flock of black birds flying away. It caught my attention so I thought I would check it out. Essentially it is about an old man reflecting back on his memories. It is set in Bulgaria mostly, which made it more interesting since I know nothing about Bulgaria other than they seem keen on water polo, and has that historical aspect that I love. About half way through I got a bit lost and I struggled to continue, but by the end I was just blown away. I think what makes a great story for me is when you feel complete loss and sadness when it's over, some things are resolved but the ending isn't too neat and tidy, the future is open and there is a glimmer of hope. 'Solo' really did that for me and I guess I was really surprised. It is the best book I have read in a quite a while. I recommend it, if you get a chance!

Other than that, I am now dog free at home. Murphy has been adopted and Zayda is back home at the rescue. Hal is ecstatic and has been spending most of his day napping on top of the kitchen hutch. It has been nice to have that extra couple of hours every day not spent walking to do other things. I am of course not always as productive as I should be, but the kitchen is now hygienic and the house cleaning is coming along.

I ordered some new shoes online and am awaiting the shipment. Unfortunately I think I have to pay duty when they arrive because the company (Shoebuy) didn't include that at the time of purchase like Land's End does. However, I think it is still a good buy and I did it through my new Lyoness membership so you get really good benefits. Hopefully they fit great and my feet will be super dry through all the rain this coming winter.

That's pretty much it. Other than that I am waiting for the new T.V. season to start - particularly the new Agents of Shield show, and Hannibal whenever it starts. Since So You Think You Can Dance is over I haven't had much to watch. Though I would like to give a shout out to Camp. It was surprising really good and I hope it gets a second season for next summer.

Ok, bye.

Update for Cousin Mikie (and whoever else is interested...)

I have been spending what little spare time I have lately playing Temple Guardian (addictinggames.com) or Sims Free Play (phone app) so I apologize for not sharing my very interesting and exciting stories. My hoarder kitchen continues to develop, though I did manage to get a load in the dishwasher on Canada Day (a real full day off!) so I have had plates and knives for peanut butter all week. Previous to that load I had been using the other end of forks and spoons for peanut butter and Tupperware lids for my toast at breakfast. Sad. There have also been a few days where I have had waffles for breakfast and dinner. I really need to get my sh&% together someday.

Life has been very dog oriented and therefore I have been walking a lot. It is now at a point where walking for leisure seems insane to me. I do however still love my work and the dogs and would take it over an office job any day. I am an unusual dark creamy colour now, at least on my arms and feet. I guess this is what they call 'tanned', with freckles on top. I am usually very good about using sunscreen due to some very horrific blistering I experienced as a kid, but I have been terrible this past week and have consequently burnt a bit. Is there such a thing as a 'dog-walker tan'? If so that's what I have. You can totally tell which sandals I have been wearing the most, due to the weird pattern on the top of my feet. My wonderful new canvas shoes have totally disintegrated and I can no longer wear them without getting blisters. They were cheap though, so you get what you pay for. My ankle/lower calf pain is developing nicely. I now use generic Aleve (naproxen) or ibuprofen daily, as well as muscle cream or Absorbine Jr. repeatedly throughout the day. It wakes me up at night flailing which Hal does not appreciate. I really need to go to the doctor's.

My secret (don't tell my Mom!!!) foster dog Murphy is still with me, and I am kind of, almost, considering the possibility of maybe keeping him more permanently. Several months of fostering is tough, since now the idea of life without him is extremely sad. I am waiting to see if Murphy and Hal can eventually cohabitate safely before I can truly commit 100% in my mind. Things are still questionable with that, but every once in a while I have a bit of hope. The problem is that Murphy wants to chase (and eat?) small animals, particularly bunnies, and cats are kind of small too so are on the line between wanting to maybe eat it and being scared of it as well. I guess we'll see how it goes. Maybe he will suddenly get adopted and then me and Hal will be all alone...:(

Other than that, I don't know, I guess I should mention my increased usage of fast food - in particular either the Mama Burger combo or a Junior Whopper Combo. These are really keeping me alive, along with yogurt, waffles, and peanut butter. What I really want however is a Salisbury House Nip, fried onions only pure burger. I even swear I smelled Salisbury House one day while I was on a walk. I do love my Mom but getting a Nip is definitely a primary reason to visit home. I think she would totally understand if I told her that since she likes a Nip once in a while. Perhaps I will get healthy next week, after I do the dishes and clean up the kitchen. Sure, that's totally going to happen.

Computer issues and general craziness

It has been a crazy few weeks. I had a booth at a pet show last weekend and had to prepare for that. Then I ended up staying at the dog rescue for a few days to cover for another lady who got called away to work last minute. Between all that and my foster dog Murphy it was just crazy busy and I really got off track with stuff, including invoicing and other important things. I also lost my part time job - DO NOT tell my MOM!!! - which is ultimately a relief, though a bit scary. I am officially 100% dependent on my business now. Yikes!

However I made some extra money, the show went well, and I am doing really well business wise. In January and February I am making as much as I did working full time at my last proper job, and there are several client bookings in March which is good.

What has really been scary is my computer issues. I had put in a movie when I was house-sitting last week and my computer started to lag so I ended up shutting down and went to bed. The next day when I restarted Windows recommended I do a system recovery so I did and after 4 hours it still wasn't getting anywhere so I shut it down. It restarted fine so I was relieved but immediately backed up my photos & other important documents. Since then I have been having trouble in Publisher and Word, it gets bogged down and I can't move photos or click on things for a minute until it sorts itself out. I ran a few clean-up things but it didn't really help. Then the other day things were also lagging online and I was starting to really get annoyed. I tried a memory check that Windows recommended but my computer shut down midway through. I took it in to Geek Squad but they couldn't find anything major wrong with it and thought it may just have been overheating. When I got it home and restarted it shut off after a few minutes use. So I restarted and then it happened again, and again, and again...I left it to fully recharge and tried to prop it up a bit on the table so the air can flow and it has been working well all afternoon. It was so frustrating and it is really scary to think of being without it. Business wise it would be a complete nightmare. Getting a replacement would be a financial disaster. But, I am mildly hopeful that all is well now, and at least I still have a bit of time left on my warranty. Wish me and my computer luck!

Cough subsiding

I have been trying a combo of generic Naproxen, Robitussin extra strength cough suppressant, a Sucrets lozenge, and Watkins ointment on my chest and neck for the past few nights and I have actually been sleeping better. This morning I have not been coughing much at all. Perhaps I am actually getting better! About time! But maybe the excitement of the "!" is premature. We shall see.

On another note, I am fostering a dog if I haven't mentioned it. His name is Murphy. Things have been going well, except with Hal. However, Murphy has been mostly good about understanding the boundary into the bedroom so I am mildly hopeful. Hal is concerned and will hide under the couch in the bedroom but he has been out a bit more, especially if Murphy doesn't make a peep for a while. The problem is Murphy does occasionally bark if he wants to know what you're up to, if he wants to be involved with what your doing (like making dinner - not gonna happen by the by), and if he hears something strange. Hal hates barking so will head under the couch immediately. The great thing is that Murphy has been really good about sleeping out in the living room on his own so Hal and I can have our normal cuddle time before I go to sleep and in the morning. Lucy was such a suck I had to sleep out on the couch for the 3 weeks I had her here. Poor Hal. 

Coughing up my esophagus

I am so sick of coughing, I can't take much more of it. I took Cold FX which really helped with the first part of the cold, my sinuses cleared in a few days. But, I just did the main treatment which is 3 days and didn't get more to keep up the daily dosage. I feel like I am now paying the price, like the cold is worse now because the first part was so easy. I have tried NyQuil, Buckley's daytime/nighttime, and now extra strength Robitussin and Sucrets lozenges, gurgling with salt water, tea with lemon and honey...It is truly the cough from hell and I keep peeing my pants. It is bound to get better right? But, then I hear people say how they had it for weeks, or months even. Yikes. It will permanently damage my body if it lasts that long. I am going to try to go to sleep but that hasn't been going well either. Wish me luck or provide a cure!