Starting Over…

Whenever I see those two words put together, I instantly start singing some John Lennon:

I really wish I could write an awesome post about how I spent my holidays healthy and fit, getting in 3 miles every day on the treadmill (or even better, outdoors) and lifting weights like a mad man. I wish I had pictures of how buff I am now or how great my butt looks in two size smaller jeans.

But, I bring you nothing but a scale reading.

And it ain’t pretty.

It’s 6lbs uglier.

Even for photoshop, that's a pretty ugly scale.

So, what does a girl do when she’s gained 6lbs in less than a month?

Eat chocolate?

Nope.

Cry into her pillow?

Uh... creepiest pillow ever.

Get pissed off?

Yep. That’s it. I’m going to get pissed off. And then I am going to go to the gym and freakin’ work the crap out of the free weights. Maybe I’ll even torture the elliptical with my added 6lb weight. Either way, I am going to move in to the kitchen and actually watch what I put on my plate. Take that plate. I bet you dont like being a victim in a Sting song.

Oh, and I joined Weight Watchers. I swore I would never do it, but then I started seeing and hearing more and more success stories that were close to home. I do like the points program so far. It’s fairly simple and it does make sense (though I still dont agree with how they give diet soda no points but juice 1 or 2).

In other news on the home front, Ms. Greer has left us. She was adopted last week and was picked up on Sunday morning. I cried and spent the day feeling empty over her loss. She was such a great dog. She was truly the “Right dog, the wrong me.” And while I almost lost it this morning when there was no dog licking my ankles at 6am to get her food ready, I am so grateful that she was picked up by New Leash and was given a great fur-ever home.

We thought we would have some time between fostering again, but there seems to be a need for a foster transfer. So we are meeting a new potential pup tomorrow. I hope she’s as good as Greer (and equally potty trained).

I really have more posts planned with wedding details and my crafty-Christmas. But for now, this covers it. Have a happy (and healthy) re-start!

Greer

It’s time to get out the kleenex and turn on some music…

 

cause I’ve got a sad story to share…

It’s about this dog. She’s a two year old corgi/french bulldog mix. She looks so much like a little cow.

Her picture was posted on my friend’s facebook page with a link to the rescue site New Leash on Life located here in Chicago. This little lady had heartworms. It’s a pretty deadly infection that kills so many infected dogs. But it’s a pretty easy thing to prevent, which is why this story is so sad. Luckily, this dog was provided with medical care and her heartworms are pretty much snuffed out. NLoL needed to find her a post-doc foster home- some place where she could relax and be stress free while she recovers.

Of course, I jumped at it. I’ve been wanting a dog since, well, forever. Growing up, my sister and brother both had their own dogs and my aunts had one very special dog as well. So, why not me? I LOVE dogs (cats are another, totally different story), and I was finally in an apartment that allowed me to have one. This was my chance to not only get some K9 companionship, but also to help out a little lady in need.

Greer (which is Scottish for “watchful”… aka best dog name ever) was brought over on Friday. Instantly, I took to her swishing tail, her curiously long body, and her dog kisses. Oh, and did I mention she is such a well-behaved dog. I was expecting problems to correct, even aggression, but she has been a complete joy. Most of her days are spent following us around the apartment, laying next to the couch looking for a belly rub, or on her donated dog bed. Even in her crate, she doesn’t bark nor whine.

We, of course, are reinforcing basic commands like “sit,” “DOWN,” and the occasional “quiet.” And we are also keeping an eye on her to make sure she isn’t running around too much or destroying her toys (we’re already down three).

But I’ve loved our little walks together around the park and how her little ears perk up when she sees a squirrel… like this:

And as MAJOR Pixar fans, Brendan couldn’t help but notice she looked a little bit like this dog:

Skud, from Toy Story

(Note to self: purchase green alien squeaky toy)

Even if she is just temporary, having her at home is such a joy. I cannot wait to get off of work to some doggy kisses and take her on another walk. I may have even changed my work computer’s background to this:

If you are interested in adopting a non-kill shelter or rescue dog, I cannot recommend New Leash on Life or PAWS Chicago more. Buying a dog from a store may mean that you get the breed you want immediately, but there are 6-8 millions of dogs and cats put in to shelters every year and half of them will be euthanized. 30% of the dogs will go back to their original home, while only 2-3% is true of cats. And if you are not sure if you can commit or if you want to help out in a meaningful way, fostering a dog for a short term period really does help. If you are not in a position to take in an animal, you can also help out by volunteering your time or purchasing and donating toys, food, beds, leashes, etc to organizations that accept them. (All facts from the HSUS findings on pet overpopulation)

Dream Land

It’s Friday. (thank goodness) And I’m out of here an hour early.

To be honest, I’ve got nothing planned for the next two days. Fitness wise, I cant go to my regular spin class because of some Summer Fest and I’ve only got a short, 10K run on Sunday scheduled. My loving boyfriend will be out as well.

So, cue the music, I’ll be….

Yeah.

Meh, it’s alright. I-will-survive. I’m downloading a new book to read. (BTW, this book was a fantastic, cheap read. Well worth the $1 to download.) And I’ll make some super awesome chicken and shrimp tacos for dinner. I’ll put on some horrible bad, scripted reality show and call it an evening.

Truth be told- I’ve been in dream land this entire week. I’ve finally come down from post race high and have gotten back in to my normal fitness. After conquering my dream race, everything is just as it was. And I’m left to again dream of new clothes, vacations, household items, etc…. things I currently cannot afford.

I mean, you really cant blame me of dreaming about vacations. I haven’t been out of the midwest in YEARS. I was hoping that this or next year would be the time when I FINALLY get on a plane and go. I had the Disney Princess Half Marathon circled in my calendar since last October. And I studiously planned a full scale Scottish adventure with my sister for this Spring.

Knew it!

 

I had even hoped that maybe, just maybe, we could get away this Labor Day weekend, even if for just 3 days. You could probably already guess that my dreams were smashed by overcrowded and overpriced destinations.

Damnit.

There are currently more pressing needs right now. Like shoes and pants. Both which are getting worn down and showing major holes. My shoes are getting so bad that I had to superglue the heel and the shoe together. At work. For real.

I thought that the duct tape would have clashed with my outfit.

 

Oh, and I really want one of these:

Dogs with hyperopia need love too!

 

Oh! And my thighs would thank me if I finally put down some cash for one of these:

But there are bills to be paid, rent to be divided up, and groceries to be eaten (or destroyed in a poor attempt to make country fried steak). So, for right now, I’m just going to dream. The weekends are always the best time to reflect on just how 20-something-poor you really are…

Dont Rain On My Parade

It’s been a long Labor Day weekend. It was the first time since most likely my early childhood since I’ve missed a Labor Day in my hometown.

Labor Day is a huge holiday in my little, rural town. They celebrate with 100s of tractors, marching bands, local high school teams, and reunion floats. After the parade, everyone goes to the high school for a big chicken dinner prepared by a local church and the firefighters. There’s also the obligatory talent show, beer tent, carnival games, and bingo tent.

It’s great fun when you are in high school or have a small child to chase down parade candy for you. I lost interest last year when I realized I was officially one of only two or three friends that was still attending the festivities without a husband or child.

B made it up to me with a parade of my own… made out of various toys I have around my apartment.

I did get to spend part of my extended weekend at the Chicago Fire game with The Ginger. It was a disappointing tie game, but the place was sold out and the stadium was dancing. The next day, I had my required goodbye-to-the-beach. It was lovely just to sit on the shore while reading a book. I’m going to miss the summer, I really am.

And now, I’m bundled up in a big cardigan, sitting in the office, hoping to think of something witty or mildly funny to write. I’ve got nothing, dear friends. I’m blank. And I’m out.