Loss of a pet

On 10 January Joe and I sent Sami on to the the Rainbow Bridge to wait for us.  Saturday I had to work and Joe texted me during the day about his concerns with her.  Sami had started to urinate without even realizing it and her depression seemed to just increase with each day.  She was still able to walk, although short distances, when we took her out but it was as if she was forcing herself for us.  Her spunk had left her and we decided it was time.

I called our vet on the way home but they were starting to close so we wouldn't be able to get there that day but they gave me another vet that could assist us. I got home and we decided to have one last night with Sami before sending her on her way.  

We had popcorn and wine that night....well we had wine and Sami had popcorn and she got tons of love and cuddles.  

Sunday morning we casually started our day and shared some boiled eggs with Sami, another of her favorites before I made the call to take her in.  We were blessed with a very nice vet who explained everything and was empathetic to our pain.  The process is peaceful and goes quickly and as hard as it was, I know it was for the best.

Afterwords we were in no hurry to get back to the apartment so we went to a local donut shop and had a treat before driving around looking at trucks.  We are adapting to her not being here, not having to rush home to take her out, or think about plans of when we leave and how long we've been gone. Tux is now getting more attention, and more exercise that he needs...Sami use to take over the red dot game and Tux was turning into a chubby kitty.  

There are always two sides to every experience, choice, situation and it's our job to gain understanding of these sides and embrace the pain and the joys.  I got a nice card from my coworkers, another from our vet, and flowers from a friend...all which touched my heart.  When we open ourselves up to people and animals we become vulnerable to truly experience life to the fullest, in all it's pain and glory. 

I am grateful that Sami was such an awesome presence in my life. She has been with me throughout breakups, severe depression, and has moved more times than some people that I know.  She was an amazing spirit.

We probably won't get another dog anytime soon due to our tendency to travel and take quick road trips.  Tux is a good traveler and low maintenance so he may become a traveling kitty ;)

Life and death

Life is a series of beginnings and endings.  We don't acknowledge these little beginnings and endings, we just get floored when the endings include death or a breakup...but every day in the grand scheme of things is a beginning and an ending.  Some people have more than others.  As a military brat and member, we move a lot which means a lot of new places, new jobs, new people.... but that means we also leave those same things.  It's sad, sometimes we miss those things but those experiences are all a part of me and make me who I am.  Which brings me to my Sami girl.

I'm struggling with the decision to put her to sleep.  Do I wait until she can no longer walk, when she can longer relieve herself?  That can be a slow drawn out process and her depressed days are becoming more frequent.  Due to my need for research and reading about things before making decisions I of course headed over to google and did a search on things to think about when making the decision. 

Shout out to rainbowsbridges.com for having a simple website (nothing fancy there) but they have amazing words and support for people who have lost pets are are making the decision.

I am going to cut and paste the last paragraph...
This is really what the "quality of life" issue is all about. By usurping nature's role throughout the life of our pets, we must sometimes also accept its role in determining (and bringing about) the death of a pet. To accept this, we may also have to accept that, in some cases, the quality of life we're really trying to protect is our own: That we're allowing our pet to suffer out of a desire to avoid the anguish we know that we will experience when it dies. And that, ultimately, is the most unselfish act of love we can offer: To end a pet's suffering, we must choose to accept our own.

That last sentence really stuck with Joe and I.  I know I'm being selfish by justifying and making arbitrary lines in the sand on when we will make a decision but it truth it's just me hoping for more good days than bad.

So I'm going to call the vet today and just get an understanding of the protocol of when we do make the decision to send her on her way, what will I need to do.  I don't want to figure it out when we are in the midst of it.  My heart is so heavy with this but I know it's something that needs to be done and I need to put Sami first and her quality of life!

With death there is life... it's a new year for new beginnings. One of my new beginnings or some would call resolution is to learn to play the uke.  I need a hobby and I've been thinking about this for awhile so this year it's more getting out of my head and following my gut on what I want to do in life.  I will miss have Sami hang with me while I learn to play but she'll be with me in spirit until the end of my days.

Hello 2016!

this was in the bathroom....good words to live by for 2016!

What a year 2015 was and as sad I was to close that chapter, I'm excited looking forward to 2016!  Joe and I took a quick trip over to St Augustine, the oldest city in the U.S. to ring in the new year.  We took Sami girl with us because I wasn't comfortable boarding her with how she has been doing.  She is such a good traveler but I can tell she's a fan of her routine now that she is getting older.  She was good on the trip but was not completely herself :( but she is still plugging right along.

Ms. Sami, professional road tripper

St Augustine was a fun little city.  We stayed visited mostly the old historic part of town, with the cobble stone streets.  We drove down on New Year's Eve and once we got settled we found an Irish pub/restaurant on the river bank, had some drinks and some good food before moving along.

We walked around and ended up in a small little bar with sangria and old Charlie Brown the keyboardist playing songs non stop.  Charlie was in the front by their big window and watching people walk past, stop and have some fun, do a little dance on the street before moving on was awesome.  Joe and I cut a rug off and on, enjoyed the good vibes, fun people, and good drinks.  When 2016 hit we shared a traditional New Year's smooch and cheered with our other bar friends!  We left there and ended up in another little bar for a couple of more drinks before heading back our hotel.

Needless to say we were hurting a little the next day but we went back to the historic district and walked around.  A lot of fun little restaurants, bars, and stores to explore. Very beautiful area!

There had been a lot of changes this past year.  My parents divorced and I'm not sure when I'll see my Mom again...she's planning on moving to Hawaii as soon as possible.  I want the best for my parents but it is a tad weird and I'm trying to be supportive to both of them as they move forward with their lives.  I've had two major moves (from UT to NC to FL), graduated with my MSW, retired from the AF..... A LOT of things happened this year and for 2016... we are planning a big European vacation around September/October :D  So that's going to be fun!  

I'm slowly working toward my LCSW.... we are getting beach cruisers soon so we can ride to the beach when it gets crazy here and we don't want to drive, plus we have some places nearby that we can ride to for breakfast or dinner!  There are so many ways we are moving forward with what we value in our lives... we are happy and excited!

Moving along....

I can't believe this year is almost over!  I also just got an email from my boss saying that I'm hitting my 90 day marker so I will have my evaluation right after the 1st!  Just the other night Joe and I were talking how it feels as if we've been in Florida a lot longer than we have and then I look back on this year and damn, I've been busy!

First off Sami is amazing and has the heart of a puppy.  She is still struggling but she's still moving about and her spirit has lifted with her adaptations.  We met with the vet this past weekend and we put everything out of the table in that we are not going for "heroics" in regards to Sami's care.  We are going to maintain her quality of life as much as possible and when that goes then it's time to let her go.  The vet was great and was supportive of our view on the situation.  I was worried that she would want us to get test done to confirm if it's DM, or do extra stuff...but she's seen a good amount of dogs and she said even if it's not DM but, let's say, a tumor on her spine there is still only so much we can do.  We probably won't board her anymore due to how bad she was when we picked her up, I think the activity was just too much for her.  We haven't figured out what we are doing for Christmas and New Years yet, I am working Christmas Eve and Day but we will be taking Sami with us wherever we go!

Joe is off on a TDY back to New Orleans, I know...hard life, and I'm holding the homestead down and even though I'm off of work this week I got my "to do" list.  Thursday I am meeting with someone at the Red Cross so I can volunteer with their Crisis Disaster Team.  I'm nervous but excited.  I tend to have some down time and the job front isn't as busy so I guess I'd do some volunteering.  I also got a book club that I joined and will be attending the first meeting this weekend!

Joe had his annual work Christmas Party this past weekend and it was actually fun.  We got dressed up, I got my hair done, and I must say....we are a good looking pair!  

The following night we had dinner at the American Legion. Joe works with some guys that are members there and they have cheap drinks LOL  They have a great set up, nice patio area where they will have live bands, and for this time of the year a really nice fire pit!  They are doing a toy run next weekend and I'm not sure if we're going to do that or not.  There is always something going on around here, and we are looking forward to the summer to get a lot of beach time in.  After the holidays I think we are going to get some beach cruisers so we can ride bikes to the beach or to brunch :)

This is at my work on the desk by the communal computer and I will read it off and on, it helps remind me of what's important with my work!

Work has slowed down but I'm getting some individual clients so that makes it so I get at least 2-3 days a week.  They did send me to Eglin AFB for so training, which I am grateful for! More tools to utilize with my clients :)

I am truly blessed in life and as much as I want to be lazy again, I need to get going on my "to do" list!

I took this photo of Sami because she has been struggling getting up in her beds but she got in with no issues the other night! :)  Love her to pieces!!! 

Highs and Lows

We have made it through Thanksgiving!  Actually Thanksgiving was very nice.  I had to work but keeping in mind that my clients are stuck on a unit and had limited time with their families (if they came for a visit). It was a good day. Our staff all brought in traditional foods and we broke bread with our clients, it was nice....reminded me of how things would be at a deployed location.  Granted, after we ate I had to do therapy with my clients.  They seemed to appreciate it and they had football games to watch so lunch didn't last too long.  The next day Joe and I headed over to New Orleans. Neither one of us has been there before and it's only about 5 hours away!  Nothing like a nice mini vaca :)

Joe found a historic hotel for us to stay at, French Market Inn cir. 1833.  It was just at the edge of the French Market.  On a hour carriage tour we heard that 90% of the buildings in the French Market had courtyards and our hotel had a beautiful one!  It was amazing how quiet it was being in the courtyard and when we stepped out front of our hotel, all the people and noise....

We dropped off our stuff but couldn't valet our car for a few more hours, so we hit the streets.  Stopped in an Irish bar and had an irish coffee to toast our little vaca.

After a quick walk a bout we stashed the car and got ready to really enjoy the French Quarter.  We stopped at a place for dinner, expecting a wait BUT we walked right in AND scored a balcony table overlooking the street.  During our dinner there were street performers on the corner playing wonderful music!

After dinner we walked around and found a little bar, with an awesome courtyard and wasn't uber crowded, off of Bourbon street that was recommended by our waitress.  One thing about NOLA is that the drinks are very stiff!  After our one drink we walked around, got some drinks and walked up and down Bourbon street (it had to be done).  When Joe bought some cigars the bouncer offered him some fine coke :P  We stayed out till about 1am and by that time Bourbon street had become a mass of people, we hit up our off the main street bar for a nightcap and called it a night before things got too crazy.  

                                      

The next day we got up kinda early and it was wonderful, watching the city wake up.  We walked down to Cafe Du Monde and got coffee and beignets, sat on the steps across from Jackson Square and watched the city!

                             

We walked around, ate good food, enjoyed the street music and performers before wandering back for a nap.  Night two we left the French Quarter and walked over to a more "local" spot where each place had it's own music....jazz, blues....all amazing!  At dinner we ended up having a good laugh with some ladies at the table next to us!  One thing about NOLA is that people are friendly and happy... one can't enjoy themselves.  We had somewhat of a early night due to having to drive home the next day.

We got up early again and got our coffee, sat on the steps...again a beautiful morning.  We took a horse carriage ride through the French Quarter and to St Louis Cemetery #1 (you have to go in with a guide now due to people messing with the tombs).

After that wonderful tour, our guide was born in the French Quarter so he had a lot of good stories and info, we had to check out and head out.  We drove around the Garden District to check it out and walked through Lafayette Cemetery (no guide needed).  Then it was back to reality and being adults :( ugh

We will be going back!  We both loved NOLA, the people, the vitality, and the food!  Goodness....the food was amazing!

So that trip was definitely a high :)

While we were gone we took Sami to boarding and when we picked her up, her DM has progressed.  I think it was a combo of her being over stimulated and more activity than usual but after a few days of rest it's gotten bad.  She's struggling but she can still get up after some work and her walks are a lot shorter.  My heart breaks whenever I walk her now :(  I have another appointment made for her in another week and we'll talk about options.  I've cried so much for her but I am also appreciating our time with her, she's getting extra treats :P  We are having a new "normal" with her. There are times where I feel that she is depressed and her vibe saddens me, it's like she's confused as to why her body isn't working like it should...her back legs are failing her.  I feel useless at times, I don't know what to do...how far I'll allow her to progress before I call it.  Her spirit is still there, at times, but other times :(  We will see how things go...but I don't think I'll be boarding her again.  I told my friend Amanda about Sami and she told me "I know you will be faced with some very hard decisions soon, but Sami has been loved to the moon and back in her precious little life."  I need to keep thoughts like close to my heart!

Business of reality and struggles

As a social worker I expect to hear stories that make me question humanity.  Working with military I expect to hear the stories and struggles of war but yesterday I heard stories of the war that is going on here in the U.S.  We see it on the news, the fighting in the streets of cities and children being killed but it's (for most of us) not a part of our reality.  A client spoke of his childhood, at 13 years old he saw a "friend" shoot a man in the face over some money that was owed. They ran and this client never told his family and just dealt with seeing that trauma.  He didn't see his "friend" until he was older and it was scary for him and eventually this "friend" ended up in jail.  This client then went on to talk about all the murders that happened in his neighborhood, a kid was stabbed numerous times and help took 2 hours to show up because the area wasn't safe.  This is just one person's childhood in the U.S.  
We are living in a world where some people don't understand the finality of death, it's a way to handle a minor dispute. Then we have our soldiers coming back from war scarred and fractured because of the things they have had to do.  I find myself struggling to help them.  Life is hard I tell them, it sucks and it will beat you down, but they have the strength within them to persevere but THEY have to do it.  As a therapist I can give them all the tools that I can, we can talk about things, process them and get to a good place but THEY have to do the work and THEY have to maintain a practice to keep moving forward.  
A majority of the guys struggle with the "why" of life, they stumble around looking for hope for their future, they want answers and a reason for things.  I think they are surprised when I tell them more than likely they won't ever get an answer to their "why" that will satisfy their question. Why did a teenager shoot another person in the face over some money?  What answer could be given that could possibly put one's mind at ease for clarity and closure?  Any answer given will just produce more a string of Why?

I am a big pusher of being present and building one's awareness of self.  It's a struggle at times but it helps to keep one calm and reality centered.  Some people latch onto this practice, I have one client that is soaking it in like a sponge, but others still want answers, they want revenge, they have to understand..... the concept of just being able to control one's self is an absurd thought.  I will continue trying with these individuals, finding a place to meet them to allow them to let go of some of their toxic baggage.  We have a little under 20 clients on the unit now and I wish I could interact with each one and help them as much as I can but I don't have the capabilities or the time which in itself is a disservice to their care.

This past weekend I took Sami girl in for some shots.  The vet place I go to has a handful of veterinarians and each time I've gone Sami has met with a different one.  They all have been nice and good with their job but each one had a different view on Sami.  In Utah I noticed that Sami's hind legs were not working as well as they should.  She would get the Bambi legs on slippery floors and struggled to get them back under her. Over the months it has gotten slightly worse.  Before we moved to Florida I had her shaved and normally her coat will grow back rather fast, she is still looking shaved and it's been about 3 months.  She's had some skin issues and in N.C. the vet brought up cushing's.  I had some test done with neg results, oh, her liver enzymes are off too...  We get to FL and I do a test a Cushing's and to check her thyroid and everything checks out.  I'm thinking she's going to be 12 in 2016, she's getting old so all this stuff is par for the course.... 
This Saturday the vet brought up the possibility of degenerative myelopathy (DM).  She did some quick checks on Sami's back legs and based on her lack of reaction she feels as if it's a neurological issue and not something else. I looked up DM and a little over 50% of pem corgi's can suffer from this.  It is not painful but over time she will gradually loose function of her back legs.  The vet brought up the future use of a wheelchair.  Reading numerous websites they state the progression to be 6 months to a 1 year before the dog is a paraplegic.  If Sami does have DM and I recall seeing this start in Utah we are around 7 months into this progression. Needless to say I came home and cried.  Then I thought about the wheelchair thing, and my gut is a strong no!

I love Sami, she is such a blessing to me, but she is still a dog that deserves a good quality of life.  If she cannot walk and looses her independence what will that do to her spirit?  In this day and age we want to extend people's lives and our pets but at what cost?  I found a facebook page that is a support group for owners whose dogs have DM.  I see a lot of post of people who are struggling with their dogs, they have the carts for them, but this disease doesn't stop at their hind legs.  It progressively moves up their body where they loose control of their bowels, get increase UTIs due to issues and then eventually loose motion in their front legs.  Why would I want to keep Sami around when she can't move without dragging herself and then will be laying in her own waste until I clean her up and a lady post about trying to express her dog?!  Will Sami know what is going on with her?  I'm guessing not!  I am crying just typing this, knowing that I will have to put her to sleep.  I have been hoping that Sami would just go in her sleep with her old age :P  It's going to be hard...but I have more time with her.  She struggles but she is still very capable of making it around the small block in our apartment.  I have her on some meds for her other stuff and we'll keep pressing on until that day comes.  She's a trooper!

I had some other news this past weekend but am still processing it and am not at liberty to share what it is. Life is constantly changing and I'm trying to utilize my therapy guidance of not forcing answers, not looking for reasons I will never understand or be content with....

Randomness of the Fourth

Joe and I are both victims of wanderlust.  We didn't have set plans for the holiday weekend, we had a vague idea of where we were going to go.  Our only major obstacle was finding a sitter for Sami.  All the "boarding" spots in the area were booked :(  On Thursday Joe literally went out of his office and asked is there anyone with older kids, anything/anyone, that dog sits?!  A coworker has a 20 year old daughter that does and we were good to go!  I met with Lexi on Friday evening before we headed out to a promotion party for a new Chief.  The original plan was to drop Sami off Saturday morning before heading out but Lexi brought up just taking her Friday night!  I was nervous, which is normal leaving Sami with someone new but I felt o.k. with Lexi and off Sami went.  Lexi texted me this cute picture of Sami Saturday morning and it made me feel even better!

Our vague plan was to head to Richmond VA and then head down to Williamsburg VA.  Richmond was pretty much like a ghost town.  We had lunch downtown and due to the holiday it was quiet.  After a wonderful lunch we walked around and checked out the capital.  It was nice to almost having the city to ourselves!

Capital Ale House

VA Capital

this was on the capitol lawn....we need to go back and check out the Poe museum they have in town!

happy and blessed travelers!

After walking around downtown we headed to a smaller area of town called Cary.  It's older, had cute apartments and houses and streets of local indie type stores.  We were craving a nice little gellato store but no luck :(  Actually walking around all weekend we didn't see any gellato :(  I'm guessing it's not a big VA thing! ugh  After that we decided to head down to Williamsburg.  The thought was to head down there and get a hotel in that area.  Williamsburg was packed up, it's a very patriotic area and I'm not surprised that it was packed for the holiday weekend.  We walked around a little bit, got some ice cream and since we both weren't feeling the area we heading down to Hampton VA.  It was weird to be back there a little bit.  That's where I graduated high school...in that area.  We found a hotel and then found a seafood restaurant on the water.  The food was terrible but the view and the company was perfect!  The food was so bad I gave a bad review on yelp :(

my love!

On Sunday we headed out early and looking at our route we found a town on the water and checked it out via the Internet and it sounded like a good place to stop for lunch.  Edenton NC has a charming downtown and tons of historical houses.  We enjoyed the waterfront area and in the visitors center heard a little bit more of the town.  Apparently around 50 women got together and did their own tea party revolt, they didn't even disguise themselves!  Unfortunately people laughed at them due to them being women but it's cool to hear about rebellious women back in the day!  We took an old school trolley tour and saw all the cool old  houses, some were built in the mid 1700s!  Beautiful town!

my first NC lighthouse!-the Roanoke Lighthouse

After our trolley tour it was lunch time.  I found a place in my searching but when we drove by neither one of us felt like stopping there.  We went back to the historic downtown and walked into a store with a sign outside promoting cold beer and wine, along with a cool patio!  We talked with the owner for a few minutes and he had some cheese but that was it so he recommended a sandwich place for lunch and said we could bring our food back to the patio AND he had homemade sangria :D We were sold!  We got our freshly made sandwiches and went back to a patio to ourselves and cold refreshing beverages!  Great day!

patio awesomeness!

Grey area vs Retirement

I've been in NC for a month and I'm not going crazy even with all of my "down time".  I am actually enjoying figuring out dinners and flexing my cooking muscles.  I am able to find the little things amusing about the area, Joe helps with that.  When I was talking with the vet about Sami's ultrasound, she asked me if I needed to talk with my "husband" before making an appointment.  I had to chuckle at that and explained that I would go ahead and schedule the appointment.  I guess it's the norm that the woman has to talk things over with "the man" before making major financial decisions :P  Sami's test came back good but with some slight elevations so she's on some meds for a wee bit. Hopefully it won't be forever.  Sami girl will be 11 in Aug, she's an old lady.  They are living the good life!

As for my pet boarding hunt...I found some places but due to the limited selection around here, during the holidays these places are booked two months out! OMG!  Ugh... so I'm not sure what Joe and I will be doing over the 4th, he was going to talk with some folks and we will see.  

The other day weekend Joe and I checked out Wake Forest for a car show.  It was in the old historic downtown.  We both expected a small little thing but it was big!  That area was pretty and the downtown was cute.  After walking around looking at all the cars we had some good seafood at Backfins Crabhouse.  It was a beautiful day!

Our weekends are so short :(  We've gone on some rides around the country.  It's peaceful being out in the open air.  We went riding with Chris one Sunday and then grilled out.  When we go over to Chris's house we usually take Sami, his daughter likes her, and I feel bad for leaving Sami alone if I don't have to.  Plus we always hang out outside so it's a good time for her.

This past week I did a little venturing on my own.  Checked out Wilmington NC and then one of the aquariums here in the state.  I really liked that city and Joe and I will probably go back.  It's right on river, a lot of cute shops, and fun restaurants.  Plus all the historic buildings and mansions were beautiful.  

on the river walk of Wilmington

looking across the river to the USS North Carolina

this a bed and breakfast!  

love all the random history and beauty of this area

I'm enjoying my free time but I'm getting ready to get back into the workforce, but there is a "wait and see" thing that is going on right now.  Hopefully we will hear something soon and it will help to give me a focus on what is next for Joe and I.  I am going to visit a friend up in Boston here next month. I should take advantage of this free time I have right  now and it's great that Joe is supportive of when I get an itch to visit a friend on the east coast or checking out a nearby city.  

I'm amazed every day at how different my relationship with Joe is... we are both completely all in.  We are truly together and invested in each other's happiness as individuals and as a couple.  Joe sent me this quote awhile ago and it's been sitting on my desktop.  It's so true and it's great to be able to be all in... I'd rather have the wild, fearless, passion of life and the heartache that could come than just existing.  Life is about living it to the fullest and taking those chances and risks!

Interesting south

It's been a transition and it's going to be ongoing for a wee bit.  Yesterday I went around checking out possible boarding areas for Sami and if longer than a weekend... Tux.  Our vet does do dog boarding but not cats.  I decided to check out one other vet that does cat and dog boarding, along with another spot that their cat boarding set up I liked.  Stop #1 was to the vet office and it was about 1pm.  Now, one thing I've noticed about this area is that customer service is lacking.  I walk into a business and it's like I am putting these people out in asking about their services or asking for help!  This vet was no different... I walk in and see 4 technicians or admin personnel in the front office area.  I explain that I was new to the area and wanted to check out their boarding facilities.  The female at the front looked at me like I was odd for asking for such a service then proceeded to ask me to come back at 2, that everyone is at lunch, and there is no one to take me on the tour.  I would like to remind you that I saw four workers there while I spoke to her!  UGH  Needless to say I did not go back :(  
Next stop was a boarding place in the middle of nowhere, another regular thing out here, and I have no issue with that...I have GPS :D  I drove around and around, according to my GPS I passed it twice BUT there was NO business sign and I was not going to randomly drive down people's driveways. Grrrr  Oh well.  We'll figure something out when we go out of town!

Speaking of Sami, my old lady, is getting an ultrasound next week to check out her liver.  Before leaving Utah she was started on a liver supplement.  It could be old age or it could be something more so we are going to hopefully determine that's it just old age.  She is such a trooper and is a good dog! 

As for the job hunt...applied for three jobs and we'll see how that goes.  Job hunting is so much fun :(

With not much going on in the local area here, Joe and I take little trips (usually up to the Raleigh) area.  Last Saturday we hit up Fuquay Varina, it has a history of there being a mineral spring there that built up the population. We started off at a local bakery, got some ice coffees and some fresh baked goods and then walked around a little.  Joe made a comment that that town has 10,000 people less than Goldsboro and Fuquay Varina has more stuff to offer, to include 3 microbreweries!  We checked out one, Draft Line Brewing Co. and they had just been in business for a year.  They set up a bar and a place for a band in their warehouse where they brew.  It was a neat set up but it was HOT!  They had fans so it wasn't terrible but we've been hanging out in 100 degree weather with the humidity! ugh I'm getting use to it.  We then went to Lafayette Village, a little shopping area with a Paris building vibe. We picked up some awesome cheese and some spices before having a nice late lunch before heading home.  This weekend we are planning on checking out a car show which will be good.  

a short hike along the Neuse River

a book exchange in Fuquay Varina

at the Fuquay Varina park where the mineral spring use to be

Draft Line Brewing Co.

West meet East

See you later SLC, UT!

I'm a west coast girl by nature but on 20 May, my car was loaded with the bare necessities along with Tux, Sami, and my new co-pilot in life, Joe, and we headed off to North Carolina.   It took us about three days.  We didn't rush it and I got to see some parts of the U.S. I haven't seen before...very beautiful country!  
We got to Pikeville NC Saturday early evening.  Sami and Tux were awesome traveling!  Sami, I knew, would be but I wasn't sure about Tux.  I heard horror stories about cats in cars and was praying that Tux would go off of Sami's chill vibe and be cool and he was.  We had a small litter box for him in the car but he didn't use it until the last day of driving.  He would get brave and check things out every once in awhile but for the most part he found a cave behind one of our seats and slept.

Needless to say by the time we got home we were spent!  

Sunday was a lazy day but one of Joe's friend's, Chris, invited us over for drinks and BBQ.  Two lazy people who just drove three days had no problem taking him up on his offer!  Chris, well...everyone out here, lives on some land and it's country out here.  He has a beautiful house and it's right next to a wheat field and the sunsets are truly something to take pause and admire!  Chris's wife is currently deployed and he's a single parent of two girls right now, poor guy needs some adult interaction :P  

Monday my stuff was delivered.  Steve, the bad ass driver, and Mesa moving were AWESOME! I had no problems and would recommend them in a heart beat!

Joe had all that following week off of work so we got busy unpacking, hanging things on the wall, and just getting settled.  Sami and Tux were helpful as is their norm :P  Sami will be 11 this August and her back legs are getting weaker.  Stairs give her problems, although she tries her best, and she gets tired rather quickly.  We have a nice back porch but some decent stairs that go to the yard.  Joe quickly made Sami girl an old lady ramp so she has access to the yard AND I don't have to carry her up and down stairs.  It's taken her about a week and a half but now she goes up and down the ramp completely on her own with no coaxing!  She's such a smart girl :D

That Thursday since we had pretty much finished unpacking we headed to the beach!  :D  I love being driving distance to the beach.  We spent a good afternoon there, got some food and headed back.  It was an overcast day with a nice breeze so THAT is what I blame our sunburns on, NOT that we failed to utilize sunscreen :(

It's been a week and I'm still peeling off my skin! ugh

Last week Joe was back to work :( But I had things to do. NC driver's license, NC license plates CHECK!  Looked into getting my interim social work license here and found out I need some paperwork from some good folks in UT :( ugh.  So that's on the docket for completion next week. I'm also getting my bearings around here.  I'm so use to having a big mountain range to gauge where I'm at, and what direction I'm going in.  Here.... not so much.  I'm seeing tobacco fields right and left but they don't help me with a sense of direction :P

This is the first move in my life where the military wasn't a part of it somehow.  Yes, Joe is active duty Air Force but that has no real impact on me.  Even when I moved to Utah I transferred to the Utah Air National Guard and I was still part of something, I had work responsibilities, something while I searched for another job.  Now, I don't have that anymore and it's weird but nice at the same time.  Granted, being a military brat and then serving for 20 years I will never ever be completely away from the military!  Yesterday I went with Joe to a retirement on base, followed by a house party and yep.... military everywhere I look.  It's fine, it's kinda nice being the "civilian" girlfriend although he's told everyone that I just retired so I can't play like I don't know anything about military stuff LOL

Today I did some venturing on my own and while people watching realized how "white" Utah is.  I knew it was but being here and seeing so much more diversity is a nice change of pace for me.  Also, the history here, I think, can be felt.  Just driving around some of these small towns you see some amazing old houses, plantation houses, Victorian looking.... I can't wait to explore more of the East coast and all the history in the area.  

On Monday I'm meeting up with a friend I had in middle school/high school!  We were in the P.I. together and the last time I saw her I was a freshman in high school!  She lives about 2 hours away with her family so we are going to meet in either Raleigh or Chapel Hill!  I have another close friend that is about 3 hours away, and then another one about 6 hours away!  I have NO excuse not to travel up and down the eastern seaboard!

Since I've been here I've slacked on photos.  Mainly it's because I usually use my phone but T Mobile SUCKS out here and I have been having phone issues :(  That's something else on my "to do" list!  I'll probably blog more now since I have some free time with the job hunt and all.... 

We will see how that goes :P  

End of Week Three

I still feel as though I'm keeping my head above water.  I have yet to figure out a good balance between my personal life (up keep of house/laundry/relationship), school work, and my internship!  There is so much reading.  I'm writing a minimum of 1 paper a week and it's going to be bumped up to 2 a week here shortly, don't even ask me how many papers I'm reading on average!  I have 7 books for my 6 classes and a lot of teachers have you read articles/essays/watch movies/etc.  I'm enjoying most of my classes.  There is one that is torture to sit in, basically lecture style, but we have group assignments/presentations starting up soon so that should break that torture!  There is SO much to learn and I'm drinking from a fire hose!

My internship is no different.  I'm blessed in that the person I spend the most time with loves to teach, she is a fountain of knowledge and we have a lot of conversations on practicing Social Work.  There is so much and I want to do right by the clients that I will eventually have.  I'm still trying to figure out my foundation and I'm leaning toward the Humanistic foundation, big surprise right?!  I'm still learning about all the foundations out there, but that one speaks me to more than the others.  We will see where I will be once I start working with clients!  

Last weekend, Shane joined me for an evening lecture about "Atheist In Foxholes" given by the president of MAAF (Military Assoc. of Atheist and Freethinkers).  It was pretty interesting it was about bringing awareness that the military is not just your mainstream religions and that society puts out messages like it's unAmerican to be unChristian and what does that tell nonChristians serving in the military?  Military members can put Atheist on their dog tags but you cannot put Humanistic, it's not an option.  I asked if I could put Spiritual on my dog tags just a year or so ago and I was told I could put Atheist, well I'm not an Atheist so I just put something :(  People that are Atheist or Humanist don't have a venue for their belief to where they can talk with like minded people.  You can request a Wiccan service so why is there such a block on Atheist being able to meet with others to talk about their views?!  Pretty interesting stuff.  One statement that really stuck with me was when the speaker said something to the effect of: Evangelism is cultural suicide.  Think about that!

Shane is in MO right now for his niece's wedding.  I was suppose to go but with my internship and work it just wasn't good timing :(  I'm looking forward to pictures!  Being home alone this weekend has been relaxing and I've been able to get a lot done but I'm missing my man.  Sami has been limping pretty bad all weekend (been carrying her up and down the stairs).  She was out front and it seemed as if some boys were teasing her by riding their scooters in front of her.  By the time I got outside they were down the street and Sami was limping :(  It seems to be getting better but if she's still limping pretty bad then we'll be going to the vet tomorrow.  

I'm still using my essential oils.  I just put in my last big order, from now on it's going to be an oil here and an oil there.  With no real income coming in I need to keep and eye on that :(  I did buy their vitamins and I'm looking forward to try them out.  I've been doing pretty better on maintaining that part of my healthiness routine.  I was doing well with maintaining my T25 this week.  It's a new day, so I'm not going to focus on that!

Hard Charging into 2013

After a nice little holiday break, it was back full force into work!  We didn't do anything special for New Year's, we were lazy and I was tired from work.  
We had our drill weekend so we had a lot of prep work for that.  We had an exercise on Saturday up at the VA Hospital with some of the civilian agencies.  Have I mentioned it's been COLD!  It was 7 degrees at one point of the exercise and yes... we were outside the whole time :(  I had many layers on, but my fingers and nose was hurting.  I got home and took a hot bath, then a hot shower and went to bed.  Being outside in the  elements all day really wears you out.  Sunday was not so stressful and we were not outside all day but it was long and busy.  Then right around on Monday back at work.  A majority of our full timers were working on an air load plan.  So it was busy busy this whole last week also.  No rest for the wicked ;)  I would NOT want to be the one backing up those trucks and trailers onto the plan!

That finished up mostly on Wednesday and so Thursday we had a much deserved half day :)  Which worked out perfectly because we had a winter storm hit about 3 that afternoon and I would of had a terrible commute!

So Friday, while it snowed and snowed, I caught up on laundry and did some cleaning!  Fun times I know.  I also managed to get Sami to the groomers so it was a productive day.  Shane tried to take advantage of the free military ski day up at Powder Mountain but it was like 2 hours to get from the mouth of the canyon to the resort... which is ridiculous.  He tried and looking at the road conditions and the visibility from the resort cams he came home and had a lazy day.

Saturday bring us some sun and more snow on the ground.  Sami loves going out and hoping threw the snow!  I can't help but smile at her obvious enjoyment, even though I'm freezing!

I'm ready for the sun shine and some warmth!

Anyhoo with a new year brings new and updates on resolutions.  So here we go....

Again, I'll be continuing a lot of these into 2013.

Be More Earth Friendly I can always improve on this.  I do try to more local goods than not, and I pay attention to what I am buying and where it comes from.  This is hard and it's a major commitment and it will be a resolution until I die I think :P
Stay focus on my goals 
Goals for 2012 were: continue with my MPH, take a kick ass vacation, and work out more often. 
-so the whole MPH thing went to the way side due to program accreditation :( BUT I applied to MSW programs at USC and UofU.  I'm waiting to hear back from the U but was accepted to USC.  I'll know for sure if I'm going to be  a Trojan or a Ute by May! 
-no real vacations were taken :(  we did go back to MO and OK for Thanksgiving and we brought Sami home with us. that was nice
-work out more often.  hmmm this was hit or miss.  i did really good leading up to my fitness test in October but since then, nada.  So on Monday it's back to the grind of working out.

What else can I add to this....
Eat healthier we get lazy with our jobs, and we are tired by the end of the day.  I've already started working on this but on the weekend prior to grocery shopping I make a menu for the week, so I'm buying specific items for planned meals and not a lot of junk.  This is also helpful with $ and less waste!
Also, eat less meat.  Cut down on meat meals, and when I do buy meat but the good stuff (antibiobic free etc.)

I think that's good :P  If I have too many I won't keep track of them!

On a sad note.  After Mom and Dad got home, they had to put Guiselle down.  They think she had a stroke or something, one morning she was out of it, didn't respond to Mom and Dad and had lost control of her bladder.  She's chasing geckos and squirrels in heaven till we make it up there!  She is a great dog and brought a lot of smiles, and love to the family.