Saturday, May 30, 2015

BOYS OF SUMMER
The boys came over to put the shed up.

The supervisor of the job was a little hard to work with.  She kept sniffing around...

It's not exactly the mini house of my dreams or my she-shed studio. It's the best I could do. It actually turned out pretty cute. I think I might want another one and make a little village back there.

The boss approved of the work. I think she thinks it's her own little dog house.










Friday, May 29, 2015

THUMBS UP
Major SAP (storage avoidance procedure) - we got to storage and were kind of like I don't want to do this.

Well, maybe that was just me.

Okay- it was totally just me.

I had just come from the rheumatologist's office and got a steroid injection in my thumb.  I really didn't want to move a bunch of bins around from one room to the other so we went with Plan B.

Plan B = House Auction.

Chrissy has been looking for a curio and they had one so we ventured out… unfortunately we didn't bring chairs so we had to stand for 5 hours and the weather was not so great - lightning and thunder and torrential downpours. I actually thought we were going to die. I'm serious.

We had checked out the listings and photos online and I wasn't really looking for anything - well maybe some of the trucks they had - they had a  good fire truck.  She was looking at the furniture. She ended up not winning the curio and I took home this giant snowman for $3.00.

Chrissy gave up and was sitting on one of the chairs that was up for bid in the back of the tent.  She wasn't next to me to be the voice of reason so when I saw a snowman - well… hence him in the back of the car.  I turned around like she is going to kill me but she was busy stuffing jewelry in her purse that I didn't realize she bid on and won so I'm calling that even, bitch!!! Neither one of us needed what we got. ;-)

I also got this thing which nobody seemed to know what it was but it intrigued me.

I thought it would be good display for my imaginary booth at the country living festival.  This guy was eyeing me up the whole time.  He came over and said that he bought one and fixed it up and put tin doors in and flipped it for 200 dollars at rogers.  I should have asked him if he wanted to buy it off of me.  Instead it went in the car and I've regretted it ever since. $15.

Then came a box of teddy bears.  I got them for $3. A guy (who I found out was a regular at these auctions) came up and offered to pay for the whole box it if he could have one of the toys out of it. It was an energizer bunny. I told him he could just take it,  I only wanted the teddy bears for a bingo I'm doing at the nursing home I work at. He insisted. I insisted more that he just take the bunny.  When I went in to pay for all my stuff he had paid for it.  I found him later and told him he didn't have to do that and I was happy to just give him the bunny.  He said it made him feel good to do something for the seniors and it made his day. Nice guy.

Thursday, May 28, 2015

DOCTOR… DOCTOR
Geez, Louise… we're back at the vets.  Eye problems again and what do you know?!? I was picking her up to get her on the table and felt something  - I found a friggin tick!  I JUST checked her yesterday - I brushed her and we did a tick check. The vet didn't think it was a big deal and just removed it.

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

DREAMGIRLS… AND BOY
So this happened…

I was on my phone looking for the video of the fight song from Dreamgirls.  Did you ever search for something and somehow end up on youtube for 20 minutes watching videos of cats falling off of things or something just as random?!?  Well, I somehow came across this. It's an old video of Vin Diesel lip-syncing and dancing to Katie Perry's Dark Horse and Beyonce's Drunk in Love.

I'm peeing my pants.

I don't know what's funnier... Him snapping his fingers or not really knowing the words or that it's clearly edited - so I think there was some thought in it… I feel like I just peeked in the window of a 14 year old girl when she got home from school and went to her room to try out her new web cam! This has to be the Best. Video. Ever.  Please watch it.  Click here.

Yes, I put the link in here three times because you just have to see it. ;-)

side note - Jennifer Holliday is still the best.

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

LETTUCE TURNIP THE BEET
I've been obsessed with mason jar salads… I made a regular one and a layered salad for my first attempts.

The layered salad was the first one I brought to work and it turned out really good.

Side note - I've been making the layered salad for work things and everyone loves it.  One of my co-workers made it for a family event and switched it up a little bit - substituted broccoli for cauliflower and sharp cheddar for swiss. She brought in the leftovers and it was really good!

Monday, May 25, 2015

BYE BYE BYE
Repackaging some things to bring to storage…

Sunday, May 24, 2015

RUNAWAY
I ran away from home today. ..

Sort of.

I was having a Memorial Day party.  It got a little chaotic and honestly I didn't really care.  I was trying to be calm. The Dad was being an asshole (as usual) and was pushing every button I had visible. LOOOOONG story short, he turned around and said to me - wait until you are old and you don't feel good.

My response:  I don't have to wait.

I went to my room and shut the door and covered myself up with a blanket and intended on going to bed.  I could hear everyone carrying on in the other room and eating and whatever.  Finally, Aunt Joyce came in to check on me and I had a little meltdown and decided to just leave.

I packed a bag with water and a dog bowl, got my keys, scooped up my dog and left.

I didn't really know where to go, though.

I thought about taking her to Boyce Park but we got there and there were so many other dogs and I was afraid she was going to get the dog flu from one of them so we left…

Next thought - CCPeppers. I knew I could make it there - just wasn't sure I could make it back so I decided against that trip.

I thought  - where can I go with the pup?  I was reminded of my Norfolk days. We ended up at Dairy Queen.  We got ice cream and chicken fingers.

For me?!?

Yum-O!

We had a bite of chicken but it was gross so we threw it away…

We decided to go to storage and go through the boxes of dog clothes but they were blocked and I couldn't really move the things blocking them myself so we just sat in the parking lot and talked about the status of our lives.

I brought her along with me, in part, so I didn't just drive over a bridge. I was pretty much ready to. We ended the night getting coffee and just driving around and finally made it back to a completely dark house. Whatevs.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

SHE PUT A RING ON IT 
I'm stealing a pic from Alex because it's so damn cute!

We knew it was coming!  These two are getting married!!!

Wahoo! Congratulations Lizzie and Hilary.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

I'M A BIG GIRL NOW
Guess who went to her first working girl conference?  Me.  I wasn't a "spouse" or a "+1" I was a real life registered attendee.  My boss and I went together to the Alzheimer's Association conference… Here's Lily checking out some of the swag.

Friday, May 15, 2015

IF YOU LIKE IT THEN YOU SHOULD HAVE PUT A TREE IN IT
It's no secret, I have a bit of a tree obsession.  I constantly see things and wonder what it would look like with a tree in it.  A good amount of space in storage is devoted to "things to put (christmas) trees in." I'm debating on getting a bunch of little units… one for holiday… one for housewares, etc… I just feel like it would be easier to sort through. Anyway,  I'm afraid the trees in boxes are destroyed. We haven't had a chance to look yet. I don't know how we can even get to them. We kind of have some things blocked in. We figured I wouldn't have a need for them until I moved or something. I'm starting to think that day will never come. I'll be dead before that happens.  See, even just writing this post is making me anxious over it. I found these things at one of the church sales. $1.00 for the two tin mugs and 25 cents for the old thermos.  Wouldn't they be cute with trees in them?

Thursday, May 14, 2015

SEEMS LIKE OLD TIMES
It has been nothing but doctor appointments lately… Every time I am off - two a day sometimes - one day was three. I am feeling absolutely terrible. The joint pain is so bad I can't even describe it.  I'm not sure if it's the medicine or something else - no one can seem to figure it out. On one hand, I'm kind of worried about it... on the other hand, I don't want to find out.  I'm sleeping about two hours a night.  I can, somehow, manage during the day but when I get back to the house I want to go to sleep and then I'm up in five minutes.  The other day I felt like I was drugged with some serum, like you see in the movies,  that makes you unable to move but you can still see everything around you.

Anyway, today I had an appointment with the oncologist for my injection. Again, I was the only one in the office by myself. Everyone else was there with two or three other people. I had another appointment after so I messed around in Panera in between. I had a bagel and coffee and worked on my class.

After my second appointment it was off to the vets to pick up more eye drops for the pup. I passed by the house - what a disgrace - and went to the old Giant Eagle I used to go to.  I bet my old man friend is dead.  The few times I've stopped in these last years I haven't seen him.  There's a new old man now, it seems. Circle of life.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

BACK AGAIN
We went to an estate sale last week and they were having a blow out sale last night on all that was left.  I really figured I would pass on it but I got peer pressured into going.  My coworker met Chrissy there and they kept calling me to come out so I caved and went after work. Those two are nuts. We all already went through the house - in fact, Chrissy and I went through it three times b/c we brought Katherine back last week. I did get this kewpie doll that I wanted the last time but was too expensive.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

NOT MESSING AROUND - OR ARE THEY?
Saw this flooring truck in the Burgatory parking lot.

Monday, May 11, 2015

EASY LIKE SUNDAY MORNING
I woke up to this yesterday… a pup tangled up in my arms.

The Dad did what he does best - he made me an egg sandwich.

I went to the cemetery but didn't have the energy to put the flowers up so I just did a drive by and went to Dairy Queen.  The Dad is always asking for banana splits so I prepared and brought a cooler with me… it was 92 degrees out and I wasn't sure if they would make it back to the house.  I packaged them up like  I was delivering an organ.

They made it!

He enjoyed his banana split after the spoon fight. ;-)

Sunday, May 10, 2015

THESE ARE DAYS

My mother died in 1994… almost 21 years ago. David and I were sleeping, here,  in my parent's bed when we got the call. My Dad said we should get down there. I remember getting dressed and getting another call from him shortly after.  He said I think she's gone.   We went down and she was already dead.  I can't remember if we brought Gypsy down again or not at that time.  It's things like that that I wish I could ask DCD - though he probably doesn't remember either. My mother was in the hospice that night and the two nights prior. Was she there 2 or 3 nights?? Geez,  IDK. I kept asking if she wanted me to bring the dog and she said no - until that last day.  She kept saying she wasn't ready.  That last day she said she was.  I brought the dog that afternoon and chocolate chip cookies that I made. I think I went myself. Did I? I can't remember that now either...

When my mother-in-law died, 5 years ago, we were all together in the hospital room. All the siblings and their spouses. I remember, clear as day, Tony sitting by her side checking her pulse and Paula, by the bed, saying the Act of Contrition. ;-) I remember her last breath. Even though it was a sad day, I'll always say that going out on your birthday is beyond magical… Also, clear as day, I remember all of us giving hugs and my FIL came up to me and saying, in my ear, we all just have to stick together now. Words, along with some others, that will haunt me 'till I die. I always thought that was coming from Mum. Who knows...

I remember the mother's days at the engineers club.  I remember the last one (or was it the second to the last one) that my mother was alive. She was mad, jealous even, that I was going and she threw the remote at me as I was walking out of the room. She was upset and frustrated because she wasn't feeling well. Probably much like I feel right now…

I remember all the brunches and someone pregnant (usually!) and I remember one, early on, when June pulled me aside and asked me if I was pregnant. ;-)  I wasn't at the time but  that's when flowy shirts were in and I had one on - with culottes I think. Oh, God. I actually have that shirt in my box of clothes I want to keep - along with the dress I wore to PSU graduation, the outfit I wore the first time I flew, and other utterly ridiculous things to keep.  I know, crazy...

I remember the table we were sitting at at Max and Erma's when Doug came over and spilled the beans that M&L were having twins.  I remember Dave grabbing my hand under the table and the ride home. I was happy for them, really, just sad for us.  I remember the baby shower too - I got all this stuff and made this cute basket with PGH hats and everything and it was time to go and I just couldn't do it. DCD got mad at me. I guess he just didn't understand how hard it was.

I remember sitting in the parking lot of Miracle Mile shopping center - I had just had the second miscarriage. We had Deanna on speaker phone - she called all excited and said she was pregnant. I remember Dave saying it was going to be ok.  I remember saying something about our kids would have been the same age as hers… Somehow, years later, I found out that conversation turned into me saying I didn't like her kids or something ridiculous - which is so far from the truth.  That saddens my heart, still. ;-(

I remember the three pregnancies… well the first two and the boxes of ovulation strips and pregnancy tests and hospital bands and pictures that were in the furniture I hand carved and painted that was to go in the nursery - the furniture which is now broken (and probably wet) in storage… I remember the third pregnancy and getting mad at DCD b/c S had shingles and he drank from his glass at the Central benefit and I was scared something was going to happen... And that night of the big bleed and the look on his face. Everything turned out to be ok then but a couple weeks later it wasn't. It's a weird thing going in and not seeing the heartbeat anymore on that screen. There's a hush you can feel. I remember the first time when the doctor called and said sorry for your loss and I was like it's ok and then being hopeful and then not. I remember the second time - I was by myself after the appointment in the bottom part of the parking lot of the south hills village Kohl's looking at the sonogram picture. And the third that we never really talked about and then he was gone. I remember going to the fertility clinic - alone - right after we separated... All those acupuncture treatments and all that money. God. For what?

Sometimes it seems like it was a lifetime ago and sometimes it seems like it was just yesterday.

Mother's Day isn't usually happy for me and I know it isn't for a lot of other people too.  Those I care for at work that have children that don't visit often or at all, those that regret never having children, those that were abused, those that were the abusers, those that lost their moms tragically or didn't know them at all… everyone has their story.

This is part of mine.

Saturday, May 9, 2015

FAIRES WELCOME
I was trying to figure out what I wanted to get myself for Mother's Day… I came up with a fairy garden!

I would have liked to have gotten my very own little camper IRL but this was the best I could do.  I love the blue and white awning.

My original plan was to put it in the old pedestal sink from Dixon House but it was too small. It looked really squashed.  So, I gave the old washtub a try and think it turned out pretty cute.

All but the two little trees are my succulent friends.  I'm missing something. I just haven't found what I'm looking for yet.  Because of that, I have a box full of other stuff just waiting for a home.  My next project is 4 drawers or a small chest with winter, spring, summer, fall.  God help me. I'm a little obsessed now. ;-)

All the fairies I came across were a little too baby doll cutesy for me so I remembered a Jasmine Becket-Griffith figurine - which somehow, in all these years and all the pug stuff I've collected, I never had. Anyway, I ordered it and think they are the perfect fairy and friend.  OMG - seriously, are they not the cutest pair ever?

I decided to just do succulents in the sink. I usually have things trailing out of there but went against it. I added a little Tyberkatz Buddha pug.  Another one of my favorite things.

On a side note, I can't tell you how happy I am when I see hosta. It's weird. I wish this was a Dixon House one (I never got any) instead of a 380 auction one but still. Love.

And one more pic just because she's so adorbs. Love the Lil Bud.

I'm happy to be your dog mom.

Friday, May 8, 2015

FRIEND OR FOE
This was kind of a random sighting. I was coming back from driving a volunteer home and was stuck in traffic - I looked over and saw this…

Yep.  That's a raccoon on the roof.  There was a young boy sitting on the porch reading a book - he was right underneath it.  I couldn't tell if the raccoon was a pet or just kind of was hanging out. The windows were open and the curtains were blowing back and forth.  I finally got up close enough and was going to tell the kid but the guy in front of me beat me to it. The boy didn't say anything - just went in the house. Finally, the raccoon slid down the post and went on his way. Weird.  Very weird.


Wednesday, May 6, 2015

A CHILDHOOD REMEMBERED
We had a big outdoor event today with all three buildings.  Mr. McFeely came to visit and talked about his puppets and did trolley rides with the residents. He was very gracious and signed autographs and  posed for pictures with everyone!

He went in to visit with the bed bound residents and I remembered he left his "friends" outside - and it was starting to rain.  I ran out to save them. I had to take a pic of them before stuffing them into his duffle bag and bringing them to safety!

Monday, May 4, 2015

SPECIAL DELIVERY
Did you know Amazon delivers on Sunday, now?

I didn't know that.  I forgot we were having Star Wars Day at work and Lily was to dress as Yoda so I hurried up and ordered her a costume and got it yesterday - just in the nick of time. She was not impressed.

It didn't quite fit as expected and she couldn't walk in it … ;-(

I decided to spare her the humiliation and she didn't come to work with me. I might have to do some tailoring on it for next year!


Sunday, May 3, 2015

BONE APPETITE
We went over The Knapp's tonight for Sabrina's doggy funeral.  Carey and Terry got her ashes back and had dinner for some of Sabrina's dog and people friends. They served all of her favorite things.  Filet, green beans, mashed potatoes… Sequoia, Tiger Lily and Lily Bud got their own dish of beef.

They even got watermelon for dessert.

Lily spent the night contemplating why none of the cats wanted to play with her…

… and brought all the dog toys, one by one, under the table.

It was a nice send off for a sweet pup. We love and miss you, Sabrina! XO