Road trip. Charlie did really well. We were in the car for over 5 hours.
The sky was beautiful.
I finished a pair of socks. The first pair I've kept for myself!
Charlie sleeping with his baby doll as a pillow!
Friday, June 27, 2014
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Pictures and a post
Wow. I've been hiding under a rock or something! I'm sorry I haven't posted in a long time! I've been really tired. Here are the best things from this week.
I got an amazing gift in the mail today, from a friend with the user name "littletoe" on ravelry:
He's needle felted!!!! It was an "S" themed swap, so his name is Stuart. ;)
Charlie snuggles and kisses
A doodle of Superman I drew on LittleToe's box
Cutting my first afterthought heel!
Misha Collins was on "Whose line is it anyway?", and The Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen is accepting applicants, I signed up today under a scholarship. I'm not above being silly in the name of fun. See my gummy worm 'stache? ;)
Thursday, June 19, 2014
I’m oh so tired
::deep sigh:: I just got off the phone with my primary care doctor’s office and MetLife short term disability. Yes, friends, I am still battling to be covered for March 2014. I still owe my employer 65+ hours of PTO that MetLife was supposed to cover. Now the little snots are saying because the doctor’s office didn’t put my claim number at the top and bottom of every page, they did not properly receive it via fax.
I’m not even close to kidding.
It makes me want to tear my own hair out in frustration! (I won’t do that, because…ouch!...and my hair in thin enough, thank you very much.)
Today is a very high pain day. I almost want to just take a nap here at work. I keep telling myself “It’s just a few more hours…” like that tune from “My Fair Lady”. I’m almost through with a sock, but then I have to put the heels in them. It seems like with as many stitches as I’ve put in, they should be leggings for a giraffe by now! I don’t know why these seem to take so long. I guess I’m just bored with the simplicity of the pattern. Maybe it’s because I’m making them for myself. Who knows.
Charlie is doing well – at least he was when I dropped him off this morning. He was supposed to go to knit group with my mom and practice in his harness. I wish I could bring him with me today. I’d get even less done though, I’m sure. I’d just be petting his ears (if you haven’t done that yet, they’re super soft!) and teasing his whiskers to make him play with me.
Hang in there, friends. It’s almost Friday.
I’m not even close to kidding.
It makes me want to tear my own hair out in frustration! (I won’t do that, because…ouch!...and my hair in thin enough, thank you very much.)
Today is a very high pain day. I almost want to just take a nap here at work. I keep telling myself “It’s just a few more hours…” like that tune from “My Fair Lady”. I’m almost through with a sock, but then I have to put the heels in them. It seems like with as many stitches as I’ve put in, they should be leggings for a giraffe by now! I don’t know why these seem to take so long. I guess I’m just bored with the simplicity of the pattern. Maybe it’s because I’m making them for myself. Who knows.
Charlie is doing well – at least he was when I dropped him off this morning. He was supposed to go to knit group with my mom and practice in his harness. I wish I could bring him with me today. I’d get even less done though, I’m sure. I’d just be petting his ears (if you haven’t done that yet, they’re super soft!) and teasing his whiskers to make him play with me.
Hang in there, friends. It’s almost Friday.
Monday, June 16, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Ravelry - nerd wars - team Impala
I know to is won't make a lick of sense to my regular blog visitors, but I am a yarn artist. ;) I crochet, knit and spin yarn on my drop spindle. I'm a member of www.ravelry.com, participating in Nerd Wars (a 3 month challenge where you craft items in response to challenges, and receive points for your team) on team Impala (we're fans of the tv show "Supernatural").
Our team captain asked us to take a picture of ourselves with pie, to honor one of the main characters, Dean Winchester. I decided to make him an apple pie that is vegan! I made stars in honor of the 5 pointed star that is the first A in the word supernatural on their opening logo, and Apple pie in honor of the episode from season 3, "a very supernatural Christmas" in which Dean is being held hostage and he says:
"I HOPE YOUR APPLE PIE IS FREAKIN WORTH IT!!!"
I hope it is too. :)
Yes, that is Dean in that episode playing behind me and the pie on tv.
And the photo for the team unity challenge must display our current project too, so here we go:
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Picture pages, picture pages...
Time for fun with picture pages! ;) ...sorry the '80s kid in me came out.
I know these aren't the best pictures of Charlie, but I think it shows his funny personality pretty well.
First, pouting because he dropped it, then getting the brilliant idea to involve me in play, then gloating in joy that he won the squeaky toy. :)
Happy Saturday!
Thursday, June 12, 2014
"Teamwork, Teamwork, everybody everywhere...
...Teamwork, teamwork, everybody do your share!"
Charlie and I were not speaking the same language this morning. Rather, we were like the great, mythical beast - the Pushmi-pullyu - one going one way, the other dragging the other way.
Last night, I had insomnia, so that probably set us up for a rough morning. I decided in my fatigue, that I would run Charlie through his paces and make sure he's still remembering tasks we haven't been pushing as much consistently. Lately he's been in the habit of laying down when asked to sit, or rolling on to his side without an order when he's told to lay down. That kind of "anticipation" is unacceptable as a service dog, and it's poor training when it's a regular pet. It's his way of saying, "Yeah, sure. This make you happy?"
So we went through his command list at random, and he did really well. Then we played really rough, (so my arm is KILLING me today) and I tried to make sure he was worn out.
This morning, I woke up to cat fights, and Charlie, in his surprise and rough/rapid retreat from the hissing and high pitched yowling, nipped my arm. Mayhem was trying to bust through the window, because Zeus was sitting on the other side of it staring at her. For some reason, I fell apart from there. I was running behind, and while I was doing my hair, Charlie decided it would be fun to take off at a run to the livingroom with my towel. Then, I told him to sit while I fed the cats, and he jumped up and knocked the scoop out of my hand. So I raised my voice at him, and broke his spirit for the day. I felt like a monster yelling at him, because he's usually so sweet and gentle and helpful. Today, he was all puppy - 110%. I forget he's only a year old sometimes, because I rely on him and he's so large. He's usually restrained and well behaved, so when he's acting like a puppy, I tend to get irritated. I know I need to take deep breaths and count to 5 before commanding or reprimanding but I fail to do that sometimes.
From that point until we got to my parents' home, he had his tail between his legs and refused to even enjoy the air coming through the car. He just laid his head on his paws and sulked. When I opened the back car door, he looked at me like, "Now what, angry woman?" and I called him over to me. He didn't want to come - I'm sure he thought I would speak roughly again - but he slowly ambled over. I pet his ears and said I was sorry, and I sat next to him on the back seat. He leaned in and put his head against my heart and sighed deeply. I leaned over to kiss his neck, and he pushed in harder, like he needed a longer hug. Sometimes his responses are so much like a toddler that it's a bit jarring to me. He walked in perfect side with me, and when I asked him to do his business (off leash!), he quickly did, and walked over to heel again. I'm hoping he's having a better morning with Mom, because we agreed that today he would be put through the paces again, because he needs to work longer and harder if we're going to make up for lost time of training while he was a true puppy.
I guess this is just all to say that even we have bad days together, where teamwork seems like the chore, instead of all the tasks we have to get through. I just want to make sure that bad days are few and far in between - and to be real with y'all that training together, while delightful and it being a Godsend, isn't perfect or easy all the time.
Charlie and I were not speaking the same language this morning. Rather, we were like the great, mythical beast - the Pushmi-pullyu - one going one way, the other dragging the other way.
Last night, I had insomnia, so that probably set us up for a rough morning. I decided in my fatigue, that I would run Charlie through his paces and make sure he's still remembering tasks we haven't been pushing as much consistently. Lately he's been in the habit of laying down when asked to sit, or rolling on to his side without an order when he's told to lay down. That kind of "anticipation" is unacceptable as a service dog, and it's poor training when it's a regular pet. It's his way of saying, "Yeah, sure. This make you happy?"
So we went through his command list at random, and he did really well. Then we played really rough, (so my arm is KILLING me today) and I tried to make sure he was worn out.
This morning, I woke up to cat fights, and Charlie, in his surprise and rough/rapid retreat from the hissing and high pitched yowling, nipped my arm. Mayhem was trying to bust through the window, because Zeus was sitting on the other side of it staring at her. For some reason, I fell apart from there. I was running behind, and while I was doing my hair, Charlie decided it would be fun to take off at a run to the livingroom with my towel. Then, I told him to sit while I fed the cats, and he jumped up and knocked the scoop out of my hand. So I raised my voice at him, and broke his spirit for the day. I felt like a monster yelling at him, because he's usually so sweet and gentle and helpful. Today, he was all puppy - 110%. I forget he's only a year old sometimes, because I rely on him and he's so large. He's usually restrained and well behaved, so when he's acting like a puppy, I tend to get irritated. I know I need to take deep breaths and count to 5 before commanding or reprimanding but I fail to do that sometimes.
From that point until we got to my parents' home, he had his tail between his legs and refused to even enjoy the air coming through the car. He just laid his head on his paws and sulked. When I opened the back car door, he looked at me like, "Now what, angry woman?" and I called him over to me. He didn't want to come - I'm sure he thought I would speak roughly again - but he slowly ambled over. I pet his ears and said I was sorry, and I sat next to him on the back seat. He leaned in and put his head against my heart and sighed deeply. I leaned over to kiss his neck, and he pushed in harder, like he needed a longer hug. Sometimes his responses are so much like a toddler that it's a bit jarring to me. He walked in perfect side with me, and when I asked him to do his business (off leash!), he quickly did, and walked over to heel again. I'm hoping he's having a better morning with Mom, because we agreed that today he would be put through the paces again, because he needs to work longer and harder if we're going to make up for lost time of training while he was a true puppy.
I guess this is just all to say that even we have bad days together, where teamwork seems like the chore, instead of all the tasks we have to get through. I just want to make sure that bad days are few and far in between - and to be real with y'all that training together, while delightful and it being a Godsend, isn't perfect or easy all the time.
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
Sunday, June 8, 2014
I wish I had a photo of him in action today!
Charlie is a God send. Husband is working, and I really wanted a hot dog, so I thought "let's do it. Grocery store, here we come!"
All places of business have a right to ask us to leave until he is fully trained. I was prepared to leave if asked. Charlie did awesome. Obeyed all vocal commands and hand signals. He really wanted to sniff the honeydew melons for some strange reason. I told him no, he kept looking at it, I said to leave it and he looked at me, quickly back at it with tucked tail, then looked away for good. Bravo.
At the check out, my friend Gary helped us. He was so excited to meet Charlie. I could tell he wanted to pet him. That's the hardest part. Charlie is so friendly and warm that I always feel a pull to say "ok, just this once.", but I know he already gets SO much attention. It's just me having a hard time being selfish with him. I know it's critical to our working relationship that he believe I'm the only one worth any attention though. So I let Charlie get my money pouch for me, and then after I paid, he carried it out the store. It made Gary smile.
Then when we got back home, Charlie carried the grocery bag in for me. It's a little worse for wear, because I've never asked him to even try that, but it's hot dogs and frozen buns. He can't really hurt it. He was proud of himself. You could see it beaming out of him!
It's days like this, where I've been so worn out and listless that he gives me such drive and uuumph! He wants so much to be a good dog, and hear "Good Charlie!" And "I love you! You're MY dog!", that he's willing to try almost anything.
I wish you could have seen him walking with me behind the buggy. And sitting on my feet while I picked out a peach. The way the little toddler squealed "that lady has a oggy!" And the dad said "he's helping her shop!" In such a chirpy tone. No more sad glances tossed my way. No more random strangers asking if I need help, or "what happened? Were you in a car wreck? Your leg is all bruised up!"
It was me and Charlie. Me with a skirt and lip gloss (cane and bruises), Charlie with his harness and painted toes, shiny coat and eager eyes. Selecting fruit as if it was just an ordinary day.
I wonder if I'll ever lose the wonder of us working together as a team...I hope not!
Saturday, June 7, 2014
Thursday, June 5, 2014
100 days of Summer!
Summer is 100 days of high dives, ball games, and barbecues. It’s 100 ways to dress a burger, catch some shade, or get out of town. It’s 100 chances to clear the calendar for what’s most important.
Over the course of the summer, there are 100 chances to give hope to patients in need by donating blood or platelets through the American Red Cross. Choose your day to help save up to three lives.
During the summer months of June, July and August, on average, about two fewer donors give blood at every American Red Cross blood drive than hospital patients need. If at least two more donors gave blood at every Red Cross blood drive this summer – above what’s expected – patients would be better assured of having lifesaving blood products readily available to them.
Be sure a blood donation with the Red Cross is on your summer to do list. Donating is quick and easy, and like all good things this time of year, it’s worth celebrating! Make your donation appointment today at www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Over the course of the summer, there are 100 chances to give hope to patients in need by donating blood or platelets through the American Red Cross. Choose your day to help save up to three lives.
During the summer months of June, July and August, on average, about two fewer donors give blood at every American Red Cross blood drive than hospital patients need. If at least two more donors gave blood at every Red Cross blood drive this summer – above what’s expected – patients would be better assured of having lifesaving blood products readily available to them.
Be sure a blood donation with the Red Cross is on your summer to do list. Donating is quick and easy, and like all good things this time of year, it’s worth celebrating! Make your donation appointment today at www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Monday, June 2, 2014
Just another manic Monday.
Charlie was so tired yesterday from playing that he fell asleep while snorgling the ball. ;)
Today's just another typical Monday. I get to go in to work at 10 on Mondays, which is immensely helpful! Usually I have to be at work at 8. It helps because I use my weekends to recover from my week at work, and I can ease back into the game of pretending to be a normal working adult.
This morning, as an example, Charlie and I woke up at 6, and stayed in bed over an hour. I have to ease my body back into alignment most mornings, making sure that all my bones are where they should be. If I stand up without checking my legs, I could stand on a dislocated hip and that hurts like the dickens! So taking it at a snail's pace feels like a luxury.
Then Charlie took my clothes to the bathroom for me, and I poured him some kibble. While he ate, I sat by the tub and rested while my bath filled up. Charlie took my dirty clothes to the washer for me, and then I gave him a bone to chew while I got in the water. I feel comfortable with him helping even if husband isn't home, because of the ER trip. I know if I get that way in the tub, he will help me.
After "helping me" (read; kissing my feet) rest while the tub drained and I drip dried, Charlie got my brush off the counter like I asked him to. This is a totally new thing for him. Usually he gets things I drop off the floor, and the concept of getting something off an object over his head is bewildering at best. After dressing, I had to feed the cats, and then take Charlie out while Zeus ate. (A mangy stray will beat him up for his kibble if no one watches out for him.) Than we ditched my cane and took two trips down the hill to take the trash out. (I use grocery bags because they weigh less and I can do it myself instead of waiting on husband. I am very twitchy about garbage sitting around.)
After the outside tasks, it's inside again to sit in the sofa chair while I wash up and make myself a breakfast. Soon we will be out the door and separated so we both can work hard for our living.
It's just another manic Monday.
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