Punch Bowl Falls

pbfmeandjosie
Originally uploaded by chlortence.

We went on one of our Monday hikes today. For those of you who don't know, every Monday we take Josie out on a hike. Sometimes they are long and hard (aka Death Marches) and other times they are nice calm ones (like today). It was a gorgeous day in the Pac NW and Josie and I had a great time getting our feet wet!! Kev was the camera man and since he wasn't wearing water shoes didn't wade with us. This is just before you can view the falls...

We also decided to measure out how large we'd like our cobblestone paver patio to be as well as looked into the idea of a portable tent type thing.

Now the dog has been washed and Kev and I are pooped. We're hoping to grill out with our friends Jill and Mark. Got the call out to her and we'll call them again in about an hour, just to make sure she shared the suggestion with her darling husband.

I've got a bottle of hooch (hard cranberry lemonade), Kev's playing his new video game and everyone is anxiously awaiting suppertime.

rainyday

rainyday
Originally uploaded by chlortence.

I am sitting in the family room watching really bad tv and all of a sudden...THUNDER!!!!

I go and look out the window and this is what I see. Rather sunny, pouring rain.

Gotta love Oregon!

is it just me?

Or is there just something creepy about this? The last line of the "story" makes me think eeeuuuuwwww:

"For Holmes, her engagement to Cruise is something of a dream come true. The former Dawson's Creek star has said she grew up with a poster of Cruise on her wall and always fantasized about marrying him. "

He's HOW much older than she? In my mind she's still the girl from Dawson's Creek (a show I luckily did NOT get sucked into, but would glance at it thinking they all looked so young). And why, oh why, does the media have to shorten and combine names like TomKat?!?!?

Jen recently posted a rant about celebrities and I couldn't agree with her more!!! It's the entry from the 12th...

Wow, I'm all kinds of posting today. I guess when the urge hits me...

poooooop!

latch9
Originally uploaded by chlortence.

I don't know why Josie will dive into her favorite snack pack and come out to me with litter all over her nose. She knows I'm going to call her a bad girl, which makes her hold her head low and lay down beside me looking guilty as all sin. Ever since the latch I'd made for our bathroom door to keep the dog out but let the cats in broke we've been trying to clean out the potty box everyday (I'm using the term "we" loosly as it's really been mainly me). This morning I actually had the thought pass throuh my head that I should do a quick scoop before I make my breakfast and my latte. Why did't I listen to that voice?!?!?

I'd better go check to make sure she's not going back in for a second course!!!

photos

If you click on the pictures in my blog you will be taken to Flickr. If you click on more properties you can see just about everything about that photo, when it was taken, what time of day, was there a flash...etc. HOW DOES IT KNOW?!?!?!?

book

I have now finished Carl Hiaasen's "Skinny Dip". It was a great book, like all his others I have read. He takes you on twists and turns that you think might be coming up, but you don't know how he will arrive at that exact moment. And then it starts happening and you can't put the damn thing down! That's pretty much what happened last night, although as it neared 12:30 I couldn't keep my eyes open and I put the book down with FOUR PAGES LEFT!!! Needless to say, the book is done now.

I am always sad when I finish a really good book. I think it's because it's something I'd spent time with and the characters are in my head that when it's time to say bye it's hard. I like authors who have reccuring characters in their books so I can revisit with old friends.

Slowly the time is drawing near for me to get off this computer so that I may make my lunch and wait for my bus to take me to work. I will be doing some training this afternoon. She's coming in at 3 and staying with me until close. Tomorrow she'll come in and open. I figured it would be in her best interest to have her learn how to open and close my shop since she is the floater and may just get called in to work my store...I digress (surprised, aren't you?).

dad's got the bug

I guess I'm an influence on my dad...not sure it it's good or bad. :)

FACE

FACE
Originally uploaded by chlortence.

This is the face of a pain in my ass. EVERY MORNING he is there, walking on my head, breathing his nasty cat breath in my face, knocking stuff of my nightstand...

And every morning I swear I'm going to feed him to the dog. I don't think she'd actually eat him though since she is IN LOVE with him.

josie and the feet

counternoze,
originally uploaded by chlortence.

This is Josie the other night. She couldn't deal with the fact that there were chicken feet in her house and she couldn't find them. This is the ONLY time I've EVER seen her sooooo crazed about a treat. I used to think that the pig skin sticks were the end all be all, but oh no...chicken feet are where it is at!!!

ruffian big head

ruffian big head
Originally uploaded by chlortence.

I think that it's going to work kids...

check out my great friend Reagan's dog Ruffian. I LOVE THIS DOG!!!

welcome back kids

Hey! I'm here, it's great...

I can do things like this . We saw this phenomenan today in P-town. It was amazing. I had to google it immediately. A guy who works in the building above the shop indicated it looked more like a cloud and not an actual ring around the sun, but I still say it was a ring! :)

I am going to play with Flickr tonight. I am going to see if my friend Bekah was right. If she was, you'll soon see photos in this here blog soon!!! If she tells stories, I'll send out the post saying she lies like a rug and I'm going back to blog-city....nah, I wouldn't do that to you again, at least not so soon.

I'm out!

pictures

I've not quite figured out pictures and how to upload here to blogger. I think I have to go through someone other than photobucket, which I've really found to be easy to use. However, blogger uses flickr or some other bloggerbot thing. I've heard great things about flickr so we will see how it goes tonight when I get home. I will play and see if I enjoy it as much as Bekah.

Just at work and finished changing the window. Got some of the cutest things in from Indigo and am deciding if either of the two styles will be coming home with me. Probably not, but it's okay to dream. Sadly the styles we got aren't listed on their site, but you can see what cutie patootie things they have going on there!!

I think I am going to make the change again...don't hate me people...wait, I need to be saying that at my other blog site...too many blogs!!!

don't know if...

Anyone will follow...yeah, right. I know that Reggie, Russ, my parents...they'll all follow...

But I can not find anywhere that allows people to sign up for an email notification when I update through blogger. However, it has had some changes done to it that make it easier to use. I'm not sure I like the photo upload though. It's easier at blog-city. A friend Bekah has told me that Flikr is amazing...we'll see.

As for now, I may just play around before making the grand announcement that I'm changing anything..

bus!

trying to link

Okay, this is just really going to be a test and if I can do it then I may make the change back here again...just to piss people off. :)

Kerri

Holy crap, I think I'm back!!!

damn construction

For the past few weeks we have had builders across the street pounding and sawing and yelling as they build two houses on one lot. Not the perfect world, but at least there will be houses there that will hopefully increase our property value so that when we sell in a few years this house will pay off.

Once that construction is done though there may be one more they work on this year (although I am praying for the rain to come early so they have to wait until next year).

Okay, another annoyance:
The fact that I asked my dear, darling husband last night to take my bowl to the kitchen with his before he came to bed...you'll never guess I'm sure! They are still in the damn family room where they were when he said "okay" to taking care of them. WHY does he not listen to me? Or why is it he doesn't follow through?

okay, done bitching...for now.

i'm back

Thought I would start blogging here again and see if anyone I know checks it anymore. I doubt they do, so this could be perfect!

I am in pain. My back decided that it no longer wanted to help me stand erect, rather I must walk hunched over at a 50 degree angle. I am icing it right now, after having done the exercises that my chiropractor gave me to do four years ago. This, I am sure, is such interesting reading for anyone who stumbles across this link.

I can no longer sit upright...must go arrange myself on the sofa once again. Ugh, I hate not being able to move and function like I know I am capable of!!!

pulling up stakes

I've moved. I have found a blogger that allows me to get comments. Blogger has been great, and very easy to use, but I'm thinking that I'm liking the new place a bit better. Now it will be up to you all to mark it in your favorites and all that jazz. I don't know if I'll be coming back here again...

try me here

I remember now!!!

So, last night as I was going to bed I realized what it was I was going blog about yesterday. And looking at yesterdays entry which states that I want to share "interesting things, revelations...etc." I am a bit nervous about the topic. Personally I think it qualifies as an interesting thing as well as a revelation!!

The making of the bed.

This has been a spot of contention between Kev and myself for some time now. I grew up in a house where I had to make my bed before I could leave for the day. Kev growing up was supposed to, but I think he rarely did. Now, the other night I was going to bed and realized all the covers were falling off my side of the bed, you know getting pulled over by some force. I fancy myself as a bed hog, not a cover hog, and so I realize that the only way the covers can be like this is because as soon as I get out of bed in the morning Kev does the grab and roll to my side of the bed.

I get in and hike the covers up under my chin and think, "he can fight for them since he made them like this in the first place." Which I guess he does since I didn't have all of them the next morning.

My idea is this...had he made the bed that morning he wouldn't have had to fight for the covers. The covers would always be evenly distributed and all would have been right. But, no, he must fight with me about making the bed because he has some theory that everyone has heard, "why make it if you are just going to mess it up again that night?" It does not hold water! Because he complains about me stealing the covers, when it is really himself that morning doing the afore mentioned, grab and roll when I get out of bed. So, if he made the bed he wouldn't have to complain.

Maybe he likes to complain? That topic is for another day. Sorry no pics today kids. Gotta run.

my hurting brain

I woke up with the greatest topic for my post today and when I sat down it was gone. This is frustrating, as I have been finding it hard to come up with things to really chat about.

I know you all don't care what I write as long as I write, but for me it's something more than just that. I want to share interesting things, revalations...etc.

But, there is something good here. I am a member to a dog lovers group online (hush everyone!!) and one of the members told me of a photo hosting site!!

So, here is just a taste of what it really is like to live with Simon. That's it until I regain my brain...

the joy of living with simon

So, we have a fat orange cat named Simon. Most of you know this already, but I do have readers that have never actually met nor heard of my fur children...

Simon becomes a large pest around 4:30 every afternoon. You see, he really truly believes that he is going to starve to death and that if he could get his dinner an hour and a half early this would keep this from happening. So, to get our attention and annoy us to bits he does things from knocking things off tables, dressers, ottomans, where ever we happen to be. He will constantly jump up onto the desk and be deposited back on the floor about 15 times in a row. He will basically just be in the way and want attention to the point of annoyance so that we get fed up and feed him. The crazy thing is, IT'S NEVER WORKED FOR HIM!!!! I don't know why he thinks this tactic will work for him...

This weekend has been what we thought it would be, Super Bowl Sunday at friends. Josie went until half time and was fabulous! She was a super star. Everyone loved her. She was nose level with all the food and didn't even attempt to eat anything. Then things started getting loud and she decided it was time to go home. I took her and missed Janet's boob, but got the low down on it when I got back to the apartment.

Today we got up, ran errands, took Josie out to the dog park where she asserted her independence a bit more (we were all the way on the other side of the 2.5 acre park from where she ran to). We are proud of our little girl. And I have been shredding old documentation and bill stubs that we no longer need in our lives since we got back from the dog park.

That's it, settle down, I've updated. :)

mmmmmm, bagel with strawberry preserves!!!

Boy there is nothing better than a bagel in the morning with strawberry preserves on one half and peanut butter on the other. Pair that with a Stumptown latte and you have breakfast!

On the Josie report, we got a new lead for her. It's called a Halti. It has saved our walks from becoming a pain in the neck chore to something we really enjoy!! She was a tugger, she'd pull so hard on her leash that with her regular collar she'd nearly choke herself. Our arms also got very tired too. So, Naomi suggested we try a Halti. It's like walking a different dog!!! If she starts to walk too fast her head gets pulled around so she is facing us essentially. The lead, as the picture showed, goes over her nose and behind her ears. The lead hooks under her chin, which is a nicer place to pull on. I can't wait to get out there with her for a nice long walk!!! Kev did take her out yesterday and said she was a dream. She also got to play with some neighborhood dogs! It's interesting to see her with other dogs. She generally is quite cautious in the beginning, hackles raised, barking ensues, but after sniffing she settles down (unless the other dogs come too close to Kevin or I and then she starts barking again). However, she doesn't do this with Huskies. We're thinking she had been exposed to them before? She's a nut.

Well, as I have said in the past, my latte is getting cold and that is not a good thing. Since I can't type efficiently with one hand I bid you all adieu!!

the elephants above

i am sitting at my desk at work, updating the inventory on the laptop. i am baffled by the sounds coming from our upstairs neighbors. i thought they were some computer business or something like that, so why does it sound like there are gymnastics going on above my head? i'm going to ask the people when they come down for their next smoke break. i swear they smoke at least every half hour. ugh!!!

it's been a better day today at work, busier than the two previous. this makes me happy. and tomorrow is my "friday" so my weekend begins soon. we have plans to tackle the paperwork and get things filed.

been thinking

so a good friend of mine has been picking my brain and venting a bit about things that are happening, or not happening I should say, in her relationship. It got me to thinking about what I have with Kev. He's a good man, cares for others, loves me to no end and I really wouldn't want to be without him in my life. Sure we've had some troubles, but that comes with any relationship. You simply work through those and move on.

Many women have the issue that their partners are not romantic enough for their taste (with a few exceptions to that rule, I swear Mark should start his own business in teaching men how to woo their women, Jill is one lucky girl!!). I have come to the realization that women, generally speaking, want their mates to want to do the grand things for them. For instance, a woman would love her husband/boyfriend to plan a nice evening for an upcoming Hallmark holiday. She discusses this with said mate to which they reply, "why do I have to plan it?" At this point the woman is getting a bit hurt that her mate wouldn't instantly say, "I've already gotten that taken care of. Don't worry your pretty little head." She continues to say things like, "No, really I want you to make plans." Now, what she really wants is for him to want to make the plans, the plans are truly irrelevant at this point. So, women, instead of making yourselves nutty about it think about the little things he already does for you. Kev picks up things at the grocery store that I haven't even asked for, yet really really like. It's a little thing, but it means that he was thinking of me while shopping. Sure I wish he'd surprise me with a grand gesture, but that's not his style. He thinks, "I be Shannon would really like some _____" and he picks it up.

Know that even if they don't do what we would want to have done for us that they still do love us.

4:30

That's what time my darling husband came to bed "last night." He chalked it up to too much Coca-cola, but when you are still drinking the stuff at 10:30 at night...he should know when to say when. I will have to get a coffee today I am sure. I'm down to the decaf I'd gotten for my Dad when they were here for Xmas. That ain't going to cut it today!! Especially because I have an order that came in yesterday that I have to get put away. I started yesterday, but was wearing a wool sweater and started to overheat. Today I have dressed in layers so that won't be an issue.

Just so you all don't think that I am married to the biggest bum on the face of the earth, he has been applying for work with various employers. It's just I don't like to write about it all that much. I want to wait until he's got a job to write anything.

Had a fabulous girls day on Sunday with two women I have met since moving here. Naomi and Marcy are so damn funny!! I really can't tell you all how wonderful it is to have met some bright women since moving here. I love knowing that Jill and Chaz (both whom I've known a long time) are only a phone call away. But it's nice meeting new people that I really click with. Both Naomi and Marcy have met Jill (not Chaz yet) and really like her, as she does them.

We are going to Marcy and Chucks for the Super Bowl, which I honestly wanted to boycott this year due to the ad from Moveon.org not being shown, but it's more than watching (because who really watches?). It's a social event, getting together with friends...etc. Plus Auntie Marcy said that Josie could come along!!! I am thrilled that I can take her with us because I can focus my attentions on her and not the game.

Okay, that should satisfy you all for a while. :)

really, look at this

This is something my sister alerted me to. If the only thing you do is watch it that is good enough for me. If you feel compelled to email CBS even better. Over 250,000 people have emailed in the four days it's been on Moveon.org's site. Be one of those.

If you don't agree, that's fine, but this is my blog and I post things I believe in. It is a crime what CBS is doing and we as a people need to make them hear our voice.

Okay, off the soap box now...

top ten ways to...

...get rid of or ignore one boring bus buddy.

10. Stare blankly out into space while interjecting a few words here and there.*

9. Leave one headphone in the ear that is furthest from him and just nod along with things he says.

8. Talk nonstop about your pets to the point that you sound manic and you see sweat start beading up on his head.*

7. Ask him what book he's reading and then ask him if you can see it, throw it out the window.

6. When he calls his wife make comments like, "hang up the phone baby, you don't want to talk to her."

5. Pray that another more interesting friend gets on the bus at the same time as you so that you may sit with them.

4. When that friend DOES ride with you have such odd conversations that it makes your "buddy" nervous to the point of squirming and ask if he is scared.* (you must clue the friend in on the situation, they are more likely to go along with your plan then)

3. Carry a ton of extra bags (filled with tissue paper but act as though they weigh a ton) and shrug at him saying that you'll have to sit somewhere else with all your packages tonight.

2. Get on the bus with your headset on, and DON'T take it off when you sit down.

1. Look at him square in the eye and tell him it's over that you can no longer make the attempt to find him interesting anymore.

*things I have attempted but didn't work. Anyone have any ideas? If they are good, I'll share them with the blog group...

school of ROCK!!!

Kev and I had a date last night. Yes, with each other! We went to a local theater called the Bagdad (it serves beer and pizza, nice combo for movie watching). We saw The School of Rock. It was a funny movie. Jack Black makes me giggle, although not as much as the guy sitting behind us who laughed at just about every non funny moment of the movie as well as the really funny. And his laugh wasn't a funny laugh...

Today I have a busy day at work scheduled. I am not sure if there will be a ton of customers, but I have things to organize and reprice. I hope to be a bit busier, customer wise, than yesterday. Although we did get 13 cartons of shoes (144 pairs to be exact) delivered yesterday. So Ahmed and I busted our butts and got it all put away. He and I truly make a damn good team! I was telling Kev that Ahmed started telling me "the plan" of how we were going to tackle all the boxes and I finished telling him. We don't even have to speak half the time.

Tomorrow I have a packed day as well. I am meeting Ahmed's friend who loaned us the laptop so we can tweek it a little bit. Then I have a hair appointment...ahhhh. Then I am picking up Marcy and Naomi (two fab girls I have met since living here who I don't believe I never knew) and we are having a girls afternoon. Lunch and a movie.

I will spend time with the fam too (Kev and the furkids), but that will probably be after the movie and much on Monday. I am hoping the weather cooperates so that we can take Josie to the great dog park. I want to try to get pictures of her out there.

Okay, latte is once again getting cold. And nobody should have to drink a cold latte!!

shoe heaven

I met with my favorite rep last night from one of the lines we carry. Ahmed and I spent roughly an hour looking at the styles for next fall. Some were very cute while I thought others lacked. We will order a little bit of everything, and a ton of others.

Missed AI last night, oh well. I did get to see Sam get fired on The Apprentice (wahhaaaahaaaahaaaaaaa). He was nuts.

I am tired and cannot think. Kev came to bed late, I think Josie started barking around that time too, and then Simon is gonig to drive to me to distraction with the constant knocking things over and pulling my hair as he walks across my pillow in the morning. I love the cat, but something has to stop. I think what really gets me is that after he eats he usually climbs back in bed with Kev and snuggles up until who knows. I just want to sleep until I can no longer...I guess that is what the weekends are for, but I find myself getting woken up by them then too. I tried to convince Kev that since I wake up early every other morning during the week he should get up and feed them Sunday and Monday so I can have a lie in. We'll see what he does this weekend.

Having a girls weekend with Naomi and Marcy. We are going to go see a silly movie and have dinner afterwards. I am also getting my hair cut on Sunday too. It should prove to be a nice day overall.

Okay, must get to the rituals of getting ready for work.

Keep sending job stuff you find for Kev!! Everything helps.

i think my head will explode!!

We are gluttons, we are once again getting sucked into the beast that is American Idol. Boy there are some sad people out there who think they are (to use a way outdated phrase) all that and a bag of chips. It is an evening of covering our ears, covering Josie and Simon's ears (Chloe is the only smart one in the family as she is sleeping in the kitchen on her chair), and just feeling all around uncomfortable at times. Yet, we still tune in and watch the damn show.

But now onto better things...

Sunday and Monday were fun. We took Josie to a huge dog park that is only about 20 minutes away. It's 2.5 acres all fenced in so that the dogs can run and play with each other as their owners, I use the term loosly, can stand around and chat or walk the perimeter of the park. She had a good time, although she didn't bond with any of the other dogs (except the little corgi that was orange and waddled like Simon). I think she actually thought the corgi was Simon for a minute. It was quite cute really. She growls at other dogs but not the corgi. She just wanted to play with him.

Today at work was fast. I had much paperwork to get caught up with and my inventory is updated on my computer.

Well, the singers keep getting worse and worse, I must go!!!

why is it...

...that when you are in the shower or otherwise indisposed you have the best ideas come to you only to forget them by the time you get to a piece of paper and a pen?

...that when you are trying to eat healthy everyone around you keeps saying things like "oh, one little _____ won't hurt you?"

...that Simon won't let me sleep past 6:30 (when he now starts waking me up)?

...that Josie's bed has magic powers and as soon as she sits down in it she is down for the count?

...that when I am at work my cell phone rings but rarely rings when I am off?

...that when I am having a cruddy day at work my favorite customers all come in and make it better?

...that I can talk for hours with strangers about what funny and interesting things my animals have done?

...that coffee tastes the best in the morning?

...that when we are motivated there is nothing that can stop us, but once that motivation is gone you couldn't get us to do squat? (the universal we)

...that I always have to be nice? (I know, it's in my nature!)

it's my thursday

So, as my work week is Tues-Sat today is only my Thursday. Not bad though, the week has gone by rather quickly.

Yesterday the electrician came around and fiddled with things in our breaker box, tightened this fixed that and sadly the flicker has not left the building. He suggested that if what he has done has not fixed it that our next step is to call PGE (our provider). Kev was supposed to yesterday, but I don't think he did. I will leave him a note to do so today. Robert (the electrician) said that if it did turn out to be PGE's problem that we can send them the bill for what we had done. I'd love that!!!

My work has a laptop now! It is basically my inventory, photoshop, and what I will create (a data base of our customers so that we know what they buy so when they come in wanting more yet can't remember the names of the styles we have them listed). First things first though. I have one style listed in the inventory and want to learn how to add pages so I can do the entire line from Dansko and then add the other brands. It will take time, but I love having it! It travels with me to and from work everyday, but it is heavy!!! I need to take some extra empty discs in today so that I may load some pictures on it for the ad I have to come up with for a flier for two of Ahmed's kids taekwondo (sp)competition.

Well, my latte is getting cold and my egg sandwich is getting soggy.

my dog the burper

So, every morning my dear little Josie consumes her food in about a minute. After I give her her food I will go to the computer to check the weather, email, etc. She will come to the cave and sit down next to me when she is done, wanting to be pat and loved on. The very first time she did this (when we first got her) I noticed that, well, I burped her. Every morning now she comes to be burped!! Kev said he gave it a try last night after she ate her supper and was stunned by the fact that he did in fact burp her! She gets a funny little look on her face when she burps. Kind of a thank you look. Maybe this is why she is so calm, she doesn't have gas?!

Well, that's all I can muster up this morning. I have eaten a bowl of cereal, but I think I will have a piece of toast as well. Trying to get that balanced meal in...

Caio!

Making my Daddy proud!

Well, I finally called an electrician. Our house has felt like a disco lately, lights (every one in the house) flickering for a couple months now. Some days are better than others, and then there are days where the power has cut out and reset clocks and our dvd/transformer. We decided we should call the man who did the inspection on the house, Paul, since he did a great job with the inspection. Plus he said if there was ever anything we needed we should call. I called and they led me to Doug. I called and have an appointment set up for them to come look at everything on Thursday!!! Dad, I told you we would take care of it!!! I am quite proud of myself really.

It has also been a day of purging. I went through my closet and got rid of things that don't fit anymore, are not in the regular rotation, or are just old and worn looking. I rearranged the room, moved the bed and what not, and then had Kev go through his drawers. It feels great!!! Our friends are going to come for dinner tonight and Marcy is going to go through the bags to see if there is anything she or her sister would use. Nothing that is worn out is there, that usually gets tossed. I have pulled a few things that I know she would like, but I figured she might want to look through the other bags too. I even got rid of shoes!!! Big thing for me to purge. Four pairs are gone.

Well, I must go figure out what I am making with the lasagna tonight.

fat and sassy!!

We just finished up with dinner, Penne pasta with alfredo sauce. YUM! We pulled Josie's bed to the cave so she could lay down with us instead of being back in the bedroom alone. Well, usually we have to push her nose out of our trays as we eat until she lies down and leaves us alone. This time, she didn't even get up, slept in her bed the entire time we ate. I gave her love and kisses and praise for leaving us alone.

Today was the second time I went to the Gresham, Oregon PetCo to help with Second Chance Companions. We had five big dogs and two puppies. Two of the dogs had much interest made in them, one even was getting a house visit as we were closing up for the day. I hope that Silence (she's the one on the visit) gets a forever home!! The couple had been there last month with their dog getting things and the woman fell for Si. Today they were back and as soon as I saw the man I knew he was Toby's daddy! I asked, "you're Toby's dad, right?" Everyone was quite surprised that I remembered his dogs name, but that is just how I am! They took her home and I have an email out to Karen (who fosters many of the dogs) wanting to know how it went.

I am sure my family thinks I have completely lost my mind with the whole dog thing, but it's just so wonderful having Josie as a member of the family.

Tomorrow we have a few things to do, like calling an electrician to come out and help us figure out what is going on with the lights. The entire house flickers. Sometimes it is horrible while other times it doesn't do it at all.

Simpsons are on so I am out!

ahhh saturday!

well, my work week is almost over. tee hee. should i feel silly saying that? especially since it was exactly (including today) two days and 4.5 hours long? i could get used to really short weeks. actually i am looking forward to life returning to normal, but for me that would be a bit more than the weather calming down so i could get to work for my full week. kev would be back in the work force and hopefully by next week he will be getting an offer from a place. but again, as i have said in the past, i don't want to jynx it so i shall stop writing about it.

it stayed above freezing here last night so more and more of the ice and "snow" have melted overnight!! it's supposed to get to roughly 45 today!!

boy, i feel as though i am a bit boring this morning. maybe it is because instead of the alarm i woke to one orange cat working solo this morning. simon did his best to wake me and i did my best to be quiet enough for josie to not hear me and get me with that nose!! actually i should thank my little furry alarm clock because the power went out about 2.5 hours before my alarm was supposed to be and when i looked at the clock when simon started his routine it was flashing.

well, i have to go get ready for work. we are hoping kev can get the car out of the ice and snow today so he can do some grocery shopping and we can really get our lives mobile again...keep your fingers crossed.

okay, last little addition to this...i am watching the news, thankfully it is back on regular news rather than "storm watch" still. after this storm we have heard that there is the potential for floods, if the ice and "snow" melt fast enough. well, on the news the guy is standing at a home depot where they are "selling sand bags for just 12 cents a peice and i've been told that in just a little while a large dump truck of sand will be here and that will be free for the taking." i just get the feeling of overreaction, i don't know...

i made it!

The bus ride this morning was rather uneventful (the way I like them), but the one home was a bit nerve racking. The buses all have chains on their rear tires to give them better traction, well there were several times that they didn't really do much as we were trying to assend a couple of smallish hills. And then one slipped and was just flapping in the breeze (very loudly smacking into the bus with each rotation of the wheel). I told the driver that I appreciated his job and him for doing it.

Got the coolest email ever today! Made me feel very cool indeed. A woman in London reads my blog and thought she'd send me an email telling me that she has been enjoying it. So, a shout out to Wendy in the UK!!

Now, if only some of my friends here in the states would let me know (other than Kerri and my family) what they think...oh pipe dreams.

I am home in the warmth of my house and need sustenance from a short day at work (I think I was there a whole 4.5 hours today).

Hey, let me know how you found my blog (if you aren't a friend who I emailed begging to read it). Address is at the top.

prayers

Well, I am supposed to be going in to work today. I have not spoken to Ahmed yet this morning, but yesterday he was set on opening the shop. I guess 0-3 people in? I am a bit nervous about getting on the bus today (both ways). The major street we live off of has not even been plowed. This city is not prepared for what nature has handed it. Personally, I think they should have plans set for these types of weather events. This city does not use salt (which would have the snow and ice melted on all the streets) they use sand (which sort of slides around on top of the ice making it slicker). The local news channels have been reporting on it non-stop, just about 24 hours straight, for the past few days. It's getting old. Yes, it's cold, it's snowy and icy, WE KNOW!!! All we need are the regular weather updates we get throughout the day. I understand wanting to beef it up a bit in the morning as people are deciding if they are heading to work or not, but ALL DAY of reports on the weather!?!?

So, I need your prayers as I make my treck into the city (assuming Ahmed is still going to make me go in). I will call him to verify that he does still want me there, but I'm sure he will.

More later...

figured it out

So, not only was blogger being funny for me but now I have figured out the photo mystery. I guess that the host I was using no longer allows people to link their photos in such things as blogs, emails, etc. As Kev said while leaving the room, WHAT'S THE POINT OF IT THEN!?!?

The link to the geocities site is this. If that doesn't work cut and copy this link to your address bar... http://www.geocities.com/chlortence/shanspage.html

You will be able to see pictures I have posted there.

bah!~

blogger is acting up

So the post with my geocities site (if you all can see it) isn't supposed to be there anymore. I deleted it yesterday and it still is there when I check the blog. I have started a web "page" through geocities, but I may be finding another host because their template is really hard to use (maybe they make it hard for you when it is free but when you pay it gets way easier!!?

We have day two of snow and ice, which makes me think that I will be getting another snow day. Although I am going to wait until 8:30 and then I will call Ahmed and find out if I'm supposed to go in...can we say doubtful. The mall that is only a few blocks away has closed. I can't see us being open if the mall is closed.

If that is the case and I am staying home once more I think I want to try to use my time better. Maybe do a little vacuuming, finish up the laundry, dust, etc. I did read The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood yesteray. I love that book. I have never seen the movie, nor do I think I will. I like the way the scenes play out in my mind and would be sad to see them do it wrong. :)

Okay, going to go eat some breakfast and get a latte (I drink them even when they are decaf!!).

Maybe I'll post later. I am going to poke around online for more photo sites to use. Since you all probably can't see my photos anymore.

Bu-bye

snow day!!!

I just got off the phone with Ahmed who says when he answers, "are you on your way to work?" I simply laugh and tell him that I am calling to get his verdict. He then says that I should go in...to which I reply, "what did you say? I get a snow day?!" And he laughs saying that is exactly what he said.

Josie has been out twice, although she was not so thrilled the first time out. But seeing as she only did #2 at that time and it'd been since the night before that she did #1 I knew that when she was smelling around the house it was time to go potty. Actually if you ask her if she has to go potty she will get excited and give you a look that says yes.

Joy, I know you are all excited about the intricate details of my dog's potty situation...

I am still not sure why the photos are acting goofy, I checked and could open one more of the three I posted, but the third is still acting stoopid. I am going to go put on my flannel pants!!

about the pics

I guess I only get 5mgb a day (I swear I have uploaded more than one picture at a time before). Kev says for you all to keep checking back, something about people downloading or whatever...

keep trying!! They are worth it.

dog bed

Well, yesterday we decided we needed to get Josie a bed. She was trying to use the sofa for a little while, and we knew we needed to nip that one in the bud. So, we went to CostCo and got her a bed. She does get to use it.

We also went to our friends house to have a play date with Edgar. The seemed to have a good time, what do you think?

It is soooo cold here today. I think it is only in the 20s!! It's like we are back in Kansas. I am guessing that the only reason we go outside today is to let the dog out, take out the trash and recycling and bring the bins back in once the trash is collected. I took Josie out once, and the trash to the curb, it's Kev's turn to take her out again and bring in the bins!!

I have laundry going and tlc on the tv. I think I may go make another latte!!

Peace out!

quick addition

My friend Kerri sent me this. I have signed, will you?

why?

It is Sunday, which is like my Saturday. It is 7:28 in the morning. I am awake. I'm not sure how I came to be except all I remember is having a dream I was drinking orange soda in the back seat of our car with our former neighbor Kerri, Kevin was driving and I'm not sure who was in the passenger seat. Then I realized I had to pee (in the dream which always is an indication you have to in real life). Before I could get up on my own though I had a cat jump onto my dresser and play with something that I was sure I'd hidden so he could not play with it. I stood up, tossed him down and laid back down. Now I knew that when I got up I would surly have to feed our menagerie. Then that same cat decided to jump on the bed, which is something you feel since he weighs approx. 16lbs. He walked across my pillow, pulling my hair and then went and curled up with Kev. This is not the norm and I thought to myself, "wow, I am getting a moments peace from the critters on what is my Saturday morning." But then the pesky bladder reared it's head again and I knew I couldn't stay in my warm cozy bed any longer. As soon as I stood up the critters all came to life. Josie, with her cold wet nose, excited that I am awake is just a ball of waggingness (yes, I make up words when awake at 7:30 in the morning on my day off). Her entire body wags when she is excited. She's always excited in the morning. Simon jumps down from the bed with an audible thud as he lands and a little tiny meow, so small for such a large cat. I feed the beasts, use the loo, and go back to bed. Josie finishs her breakfast in her usual breakneck speed and I can hear the clicking of her nails as she makes her way to the computer (that is usually where I am after I feed her during my work week). Realizing I am not there she makes her way to the back of the house and peaks in the sewing room, although I should really let myself call it the cats' room. She looks around in there, because there are so many places I could hide...yeah right, and then she sees me in bed. I know I have to get up again to let her outside so she can do her business. I grab my robe, because when I was feeding them I noticed there was an ever so light dusting of what the people here would call snow. I lay down the ground rules "we are going out, you are doing your peep and/or poop and we are inside fast." She follows them. She is a good dog. So, why, you ask am I still awake? Because my body won't let me go back to bed. Now that the critters are all fed they are back in their respective beds I am wide awake. My eyes just pop back open. I have heard that you should get up when your body tells you, and if it is 7:10 in the morning on your day off, so be it. We have a play date set up with our friends and their dog Edgar later. I hope Josie gets as excited as I am.

Maybe I'll go lie down on the couch and check my eyelids for light leaks.

and the winner is...

me!! I was 100% correct, we got zero snow last night!! I figured that we wouldn't, I'd hoped we would, but knew that it was not in our forcast (even though the forcasters forcast that forcast).

I am getting ready for work, although today is a bit different than normal days. I have new student orientation at the culinary school up the road from the store. We go ever 6 weeks to show the "kids" what they should wear on their feet. Some walk on by and think that they would never be caught dead in clogs, while others ask questions and stop by the shop later. This is my second orientation. I have everything ready at the shop and Kevin will have to wake up early to take me. Which he should have remembered as he was drinking his beer and staying up until 2:30/3? I did remind him that he was getting up early when he came to bed (although I'm sad that I was wakened so I could remind him).

So, my latte is getting cold and as much as I love updating the blog I love warm coffee even more. So that is that. Chaio!

bored bored bored

Thought I would do some stocking of shelves at work, but I have run out of energy. So instead I update the blog for the second time in one day!!! The weatherman is calling for more snow tonight and into tomorrow. I don't see it happening, just because he is calling for it. Since they didn't see this front coming through (the one that dumped a fair amount of the white stuff on us yesterday) I am not sure I trust what they say. :)

I am trying to think of anything I have not told you all, my dear readers.

Nothing is coming to mind at the moment. And I am expecting a friend to drop by the store anytime now. She is in from Urbana, IL. We are sad that she is not here anymore and we are plotting ways to make her come back here. She says it is the plan, but not until she is finished with Grad school, in 3.5 years!!! Well, the woman does have to do what she has to do.

Linsel just walked in (a friend)...so latah!!

let it snow

you know how the rest of the song goes. it was a winter wonderland yesterday! the entire city pretty much shut down (although it was already since it was new years day). i had been hoping for more of the white stuff overnight, but no such luck. i had visions of ahmed calling me and telling me that i needent come in. oh well, such is life.

happy new year! i hope everyone was safe this year. we ended up going to dinner, out for one drink and then over to jill and mark's to ring in the new year. at about 12:07 we hit the road. when we got home the cats were both alive and some of our things were scattered in the living room. it's funny, josie has not yet destroyed anything (the clogs are not destroyed, only altered) she just pulls things to the floor.

the girl came in right after 5 so i could leave a little early (yea!!!). by the time mark had showered though all we had time for was catching the street car and heading for sushi. i did manage to have a drink with my friend tanya who is visiting from urbana, il.

and then the snow came. and it was snow!! none of the crunchy white stuff that we have had years past, but full on snow. great packing snow! we played and played with josie (who adores the snow) and of course didn't get any pictures. we took the camera, kev just forgot to take any.

well, the shower is calling and i must get a latte in me before heading out to work today. maybe he'll tell me to close early...(wishful thinking)

new years eve

well, it is upon us once more, we will be ringing in the new year with friends and sushi. actually dinner will happen much earlier than midnight, but we will still toast to the new year. i have told a couple of people that i am open until 6 and now i have been told i should close between 4:30 and 5. one person has come back already and the other told me she'd be here after 5, when she gets off work. i can only hope that she gets off work early too...

we are having the great debate of going home after dinner to ring in the new year with the critters, or to go to a party that people we don't know are hosting. i vote home, just to make sure that the dog is going to be okay. i think people in our hood will be setting off fireworks and i know that josie is scared by them. i just worry that she will get scared and hurt herself or the cats. kev doesn't think she'll do anything, and he doesn't think that the neighbors will really be out...i've heard them out already and i've seen josie's reaction. but as kev says, "we'll see."

i think i may just go outside and scrub off the holiday greetings on our window here at the shop. or just sit here and figure out what the plans are for after work (now that i get to leave a little early-i give the girl 15 minutes after 5 and then i leave her a note!). i know that mark and i will most likely be meeting for a drink, and then to dinner...

happy new year to all my devoted readers! i know there are millions.

dog park

Yesterday was the first day we took Josie out to a huge dog park that is a little of a car ride away from our house. She was excited to get into the car, as she's not gotten to go for a ride for some time, but when we got to the park I thought she was going to jump through the door itself!! I have never seen her so excited (except for when Kev and I have both been gone and we come home at the same time). There was one other dog there, who almost peed on my leg...hmmm? She was a bit growly in the beginning, but soon she and Frisbie were tearing after each other and were in heaven. She wore herself out running the entire park, which is about the size of a football field I would say. The greatest thing about it is that it is fully fenced!! I see us going there much during the summer!! As it was it was very muddy and she got herself a bath when we got home.

The cats are doing well, starting to play a bit with each other out in the living room. They hadn't for a while because everytime they would start something the dog would join them wanting to play as well. The trio is quite the funny one!!

Work was amazingly busy the past few days (I took Christmas through yesterday off). I have much paper work to get caught up with, which I have not even started. I had quite a bit of shipping to do today as well. It is nice though, I work two days, have one off (New Years Day we're closed) and then work two days with two days off after that. Not too shabby a schedule. I will probably take the end of month papers home with me tomorrow so I can get them done for the 2nd.

Well, I should go and email people their tracking numbers for their clogs...

before i start hearing it from the friends...

I have been lax because I had family in town. Now that they have all gone back to their homes *sniff* I can pick it back up again. We had such a fun time with everyone here. It allowed me to cook for many people, one of my favorite things, as well as introducing some of my family to some of my friends here.

We went last night to see Somethings Gotta Give. Very funny movie, although it did drag at certain parts. The cast was perfect for it though! Then went to Portland City Grill afterwards for Happy Hour. That place has some of the best little nibblies ever. We met our friends, Chuck and Marcy there so they could meet my parents.

We ended up having battery issues with the car. As in it died when we were trying to get my parents back to their hotel the other night. This is where living next to a mechanic comes in handy. We are going to have to talk with Jaun to see if our battery held a charge or if we need to get a new one. He told us to keep the one he put in our car, but we just feel like we shouldn't take advantage of him. I don't know...

It snowed last night. I got up to feed the animals (yes at 7:30 which is the latest Simon and Josie will allow me to sleep on the weekends) and take Josie out and low and behold there was white on the ground!! Josie was not too sure as to what it was and why she should have to go out to do her business in it and tried to turn around and come back in, but I didn't let her until she'd gone. Which was the fastest I've seen her go!! Usually she likes to dawdle out there and we'll let her run around by herself (she's gotten good at letting us go back inside while she figures out where she wants to go) and then she'll come tearing around the house and onto the deck when she's done.

Mundane, yes, but you all ask for it (at least that is what Kev tells me from his conversations from various friends).

More when there is more excitment in our lives!

ahhhhh, it's done

Well, dinner was a success. We had brisket, Mom's holiday potatoes, green beans with toasted almond slivers and herbed corn. It was quite tasty.

It has been such a nice visit. And the great thing is that I have then next four days off still!! Julianne and David head out tonight for LA and my parents are here until the 29th. We are planning on a day of shopping today and then who knows. I think Dad and I are going to take the bus home when done, since 6 won't fit in the Honda!!

Josie was a super star and didn't beg at dinner, she cuddled with my sister and was basically just a great dog!! I keep saying it, but it bears repeating. We lucked out with her, she's a gem!!!

She must have known I am typing about her because sghe is trying oty wh help me abd climb in my lap,.


artgghghkhyju; o'u
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following orders/requests

So, I got the email, "more pictures please" from my friend Kerri in OK. She just updated her blog so I thought I should update mine.

We have had a great first three weeks with Josie. We have been reminded why we wanted a dog that was at least two years old, when visiting friends homes with puppies. They are cute, but look at this face. She and I were having a little play time when her Dad was still in bed. She was so happy and full of puppy goodness without the destruction and sharp puppy teeth!!

Simon and Chloe even hang out with her now. I'm not fond of the shot of me, but in the other one we took just after this it looks as though I am strangling poor Josie. I'm not, I was just trying to get her to look at the camera.

And you have all heard how much she loves her dad. She likes napping with him, sitting next to him while he's on the computer, or just being near him. Although right now she is perfectly content to chew on some rawhide. Not my first choice of chew toys, but Kev got her some when I wasn't looking.

We gave dear Josie a bath yesterday and sadly didn't get any "wet" shots of her with her fur sticking out in all directions (quite cute really). And I didn't think she could get any shinier than she was already like this shot with Marcy. But when I got home last night she was gleaming...again sorry that I don't have the shot to compare. We will be recharging the camera today since we have family arriving tomorrow.

Well, I think I have dried too many eyes out now. I heard that I have quite the following of readers. I only know of a handful of people so if any of you wanted to let me know what you think...the address is as the top of the blog.

the sunday before christmas

and all through my house there were creatures stiring,
and boy there better not be any mouse.

One Chloe, one Simon, one Josie all rose.
One Shannon sat typing as Kevin still dozed.

The tree was lit, the presents not wrapped.
We really want the critters to help us with that.

As the days drew nearer for family to come.
All Shannon could think of was what she'd not done.

To vacuum, to dust, to pick up the clutter.
Don't forget to get steel wool and a yellow dobie scrubber.

Taper candles for the table an air freshener for the car.
If this house is it's cleanest she'll be such a star.

And so she sat thinking and dreaming of cleaning.
And knew that she'd get everything beautiful and gleaming.

Just where is the energy, where is motivation?
In the kitchen she can make her latte creation.

So off she goes with such a clatter,
or great another thing for her to pick up later.

To all that don't get to come to our home,
we wish you all well and will see you when you roam.

For anytime any of you wish to come see,
we'll be here with a sofa on which you can sleep.

Just call ahead to make the reservations,
we'd hate for you to come while we're on vacation.

Happy holidays to everyone this cool December morn.
We'll think of you all on Christmas without the creamed corn.

(I guess Mom couldn't find any this year.)

Love you all!

we have a tree!

Kevin went yesterday to the Lents Little League (Lents is the park near us-huge with a large baseball park plus much more) tree lot and got us a tree. It is a nice little tree, very full and round, almost shaped like Simon!! We hung the lights, the garland, and all our plastic ormanments I have gotten every year of my life. It is such a cute tree!! The kids, thus far, have left it pretty much alone. We believe that if you allow them to investigate while you are putting the tree together they will not be as curious later. In years past this rule has worked for us, but this is our first real tree...

Work picked up today, YEA! Yesterday was about mind numbing. We are going to see The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) tomorrow with some friends. It should be....long. I am excited to see it, but not as excited as two of the people I am going with. Chuck and I are in the same boat as we didn't read the books. But Marcy and Kevin are nuts about it all (where do you think I got the LOTR from?).

I don't like candy anymore, I've decided. We have gotten candy from just about every manufacturer we carry. My teeth feel hairy, my stomach wants nothing to do with anything sweet again for a little while, and just the thought of it makes me feel funky.
Crap!! I forgot to call my Grandma Sam (Dad, send me a reminder so I do it tomorrow morning, will you?) to tell her we got the chocolate pecan pies for Xmas dinner. I still have nothing but Mom's Holiday Potatoes on the menu. I have to figure out what to buy at the store on Monday. Maybe we'll just eat a ton of potatoes!! :) No, I'll make something good, I promise.

So it's like this, I'm outta here!!

josie likes to chew

Well, you guessed it, Josie has decided that a pair of my clogs made a tasty treat. Luckily Kevin caught her and gave her all kinds of hell AND the clogs were not that damaged. She also likes a pillow I made out of an old button up shirt of Kevins. Not sure why, but she takes it out to the front room, tosses it up in the air and then after a while becomes bored with it. We are trying to curb this obsession.

Her true colors are showing and although we don't like what we are seeing surface we are in love with her and are willing to work with it. We will be making something to block the kitchen doorway that is not a baby gate, she jumps over that (and we are worried she will hurt herself at some point.

Kevin just got our tree, I hear it is not super tall, but it's taller than our 4' tree we usually have. That one is at the store in the window. It's the perfect height in the window on the table.

Okay, I'm rambling about nothing too exciting and I must go.

too many chocolate clogs

My gem of a boss has brought in these little Swiss chocolate clogs he got for his birthday and while I am thrilled he has opted to share with me I am sad that they are here making my willpower get worked overtime. They are just sooooo yummy and smooth and they melt in your mouth, sigh.

Okay, what interesting news do I have? The dog is still the cutest dog I have ever known. I did go on Sunday to help out with Second Chance Companions. They are who we got Josie from. I sat with three dogs (I only had to hold one) for four hours and tried to convince passersby that they wanted to give one of them a home. One did get placed that day and I hope that they decided to keep him. SCC does a trial adoption, where they hold your $ until you give them the go ahead to cash the check. So, if it doesn't work out then they will take the dog back so they can find a forever home. It was a fun day, tiring, but fun. I am going to help once a month on the second Sunday.

We are going to go get our tree tonight come hell or high water!! It was a dry day today and so we need to take advantage of the situation. I didn't want to get a tree in the rain and have it drip all over my house. As it is we will probably be battling the cats and Josie to keep it upright. Wish us luck.

Well, it is now just about 4:00 and so I have two hours left. It is not a busy holiday season for us which makes me a bit nervous and sad.

So, visit Clogsnmore.com, buy shoes and be happy!! :)

Love you friends.

sorry

With the holidays rapidly approaching I have neglected my blog. I know that Russ is probably checking when he wakes and before he goes to bed to see if I have done any updating everyday since last Friday!!

We have "fixed" the fence in back so that Josie can be let out without being on her leash. She can no longer get into the neighbor's yard, nor can their dog get into ours!! YEA!!

We have started the cleaning process so that when my family is here next week they are not disgusted by what pigs we are (oink). Actually it's not that bad, but there are a few areas that got a little *forgotten* that need some special attention. The fridge is so darn clean now it is almost a little frightening.

Work has been busy! I can tell the last minute rush of shoppers have started to panic. I have many shoes waiting to be picked up by UPS already and expect to have more by the time they get here this afternoon.

It is already almost 1:00 and I am finally just putting my lunch in the microwave. Anyone who takes their lunch to work I have found these Betty Crocker things that are quite good and not much $$. They are Bowl Appetit. I am hooked on the garlic parmesan pasta!

Okay, micro is ringing so latah!

what a voice!!

We went last night to the show and I am here to tell you he's got a set of pipes!! The sound at the venue is great and the band played without any effort. You could tell all of them were having a great time on stage, which is always a plus in my book.

Rufus even mentioned the clogs he bought...but I whooped before he was done speaking so all I heard was, "I just got these clogs today..."

We did leave a little early, as I had to work and Josie needed to potty. We also have a party we are going to this evening so I didn't want two late nights in a row. I figured that they were free tickets so to leave with probably just a few songs left it wouldn't be a crime (I'm sure Kerri you would think differently).

Well, must get things ready for my favorite UPS driver...

boy howdy!!

So if yesterdays blog entry left you wanting more be glad you checked back today!!

What a day at work. It's been fabulous. One of my favorite customers came in and while she was here Rufus Wainwright came in and bought three pairs of clogs. I acted all cool, but let him know I knew who he was, and he ended up asking if I wanted to be put on the list plus one for the show tonight. I said, "wow, that would be really cool. Thanks." While he was here he got a bazillion phone calls and during one he said, "I'm at this really cool clog shop. The girl here is really nice..." I kid you not Russ and Kerri!!!

So, we are going to a show tonight. Anyone who is not sure who he is can find a couple of songs here.

The show is at the Aladdin Theater. I am excited about seeing some music!! I know my friend Linsel will be jealous!! :) tee hee.

Okay, I'm out.

woo hoo

nothing thrilling to report on, but when i got home kev was talking with russ who was asking if i'd updated the blog yet and if i had to please not spoil it. i don't think i had and even if i had kev doesn't read this thing and has no idea as to what i put in it, unless i tell him which i don't usually because i think he finds it rather boring really.

i just ate a burrito made with black beans and kidney beans. it was good but a bit small. maybe i'll make some nachos to fill my tummy (see, i told you nothing thrilling to report on).

chloe is sitting on the computer desk watching josie who is laying on the floor at the bottom of the stairs that lead into the cave. simon has found a lap and is sleeping, kev is on the sofa in the living room doing crossword puzzles. i am putting off working on a canvas i told a friend i'd have pieced together for him by friday. it will be done by then. actually you all should check out craig's site. www.capturedlight.net he's got some beautiful photos of portland in his gallery.

okay, speaking of craig i am now feeling guilty and will take my mike's hard lemonade back to the sewing room to start the process of piecing (is that spelled right? it looks all kinds of wrong) together craig's canvas.

hi to mom and dad who just got home from pennsylvania where they moved my grandma into an assisted living program. i'll talk to you two soon...

take two...

I tried to post this last night. I had it all typed out and hit post & publish. Then it got sucked into the void of "cannot show this page."

Josie has a friend! We took her over last night to meet our friends yellow lab, Edgar. At first I must admit I was a bit worried. She was carrying on, growling, hackles raised, teeth bared...but then something happened and after a bit more sniffing of each other they were off. They ran around the backyard at top speed for what felt like hours, really it was probably at about 15 minute spurts.

Jess and I then took the kids on a long walk, over a mile!! They did quite well, although they are both pullers on the leash. Josie and I and Kevin are working on this. We ran into two large dogs, and Josie was a superstar! No growling, no barking, not a peep out of my girl. She usually would be a bit growly, but with her pal Edgar acting like such a star she had to fall in line. I praised her and praised her and praised her!!

I may be going this weekend to help Karen, Josie's foster mom, with showing some dogs at PetCo on Sunday. I want to meet the woman who kept such good care of my little girl and help her find forever homes for the others that are in her care. This way she can adopt more and save them too.

Must go, have to go to work early today to do inventory and place a massive order today. It never stops!

josie

We just got back from taking Josie on a 45 minute walk. She did okay, but we do have to work on her socialization with other dogs. She tends to bark at them and growl a bit. It's fine if they are on a leash, but when they come up on her she's not fond of it. We think she tried to nip one dog in it's butt as it barreled up on her. My sister said that her dog, Oscar, tends to be like that when on his leash, but when at the dog park and everyone is off leash he calms down and plays. She thought it had something to do with being protective. Sounds about right to me.

Chloe is coming out more and more. In fact she's been sleeping on the sofa in the living room lately. She gets chirpy and weird when Josie noses around, which makes Josie jump back, but everyone seems happy. Josie's tail is constantly wagging when her cats are around.

We had a dead mouse. The house is a bit stinky now and we are trying to get rid of the odor asap. Kev says he can't smell it, but he also doesn't have the keenest sense of smell. I, on the other hand, have a very "touchy" olfactory system and feel as though it is starting to consume the rest of the house. Kevin located the source the other day and has gotten rid of it, but the smell lingers. Wish us luck as we take on this challenge.

So, today is my sister's birthday! Happy Birthday, Julianne!!! I spoke with her earlier and didn't realize the date. Now she says I'm fired. I feel so badly about it! We'll have to do something big to make it up to her.

We are going to go get some fabric and stuffing so I can make Josie a bed. I have the fabric for the top, but not anything that will work on the bottom. I am also hoping that Fabric Depot has some big pillow forms. I think they do. I am going to make a coordinating pillow for the chair in the living room, where her bed will reside. She sleeps on an old blanket that is too small for the beds and she loves it. I am going to wash it for her today. She drops fur like no other!! And we thought the cats shed.

Well, popcorn has just been brought in so I must go.

rain

It has come. Today has been raining almost constantly. Not complaining, just informing.

Kev said that the crew was all sleeping when I just spoke to him a minute ago. Until Josie heard his voice and they I could hear her following him. She hangs on his every move. I really feel she thinks the sun raises and sets on him!!!

She is an escape artiste though. She doesn't like the whole getting gated into the kitchen thing so we must come up with a better solution. I really don't want her to have the run of the house while we're gone. At least not until she's used to the idea. I have no clue how she'll react to Kev's absense once he finds work.

Speaking of finding work, that is going well. Has some prospects, but don't want to jynx so I will wait until he is hired on somewhere to say anything.

Last night at work we had an open house. One of my favorite reps showed up and gave a presentation about the history of his company. It was great to see him all of 12 hours he was in town!! He's back through next week so we can do dinner then. We had a great time, drank some wine, ate some cheese, sold some clogs. Much different thing when you can drink wine while selling!!

Tonight we are going to have a low key night at home. I was invited to go to Pioneer Square (basically a full city block downtown that events are held at) to have some beer with some girl friends, but since I have been a bit icky in the health arena I figured I'd wait until I was 100% before doing any of that.

It will be me, Kev and the fur kids for an evening of Scrabble? Haven't brought that idea up yet. I am hoping for burritos though!! We got the chicken and way too many beans when we went shopping on Monday so we gotta make them...

Well, getting ready to close up shop (in 45 minutes) so I should go fill some clog racks.

a bit better

Well, after coming home early on Tuesday and not going in yesterday I am up and ready to go to work. My throat hurt so much those two days that I could barely speak. It isn't 100% today, but we are having an open house at work and I have to be there. It does feel better though and my body doesn't ache anymore.

Kev took Josie on a loooong walk yesterday at Forrest Park (over by where we used to live). She did really well. Came home and pretty much slept all night. Although everytime Kev gets up to get or do something she is up in a flash following him. It's quite funny! I joke with Kev about it all the time and all he does is laugh and hug her. I think he likes having her hang on his every move. Simon still is hanging out with us, after keeping a low profile since the chase. He didn't come out much on Tuesday but has increased his time out of the sewing room each day. Now he wanders whenever he wants. This makes me the most happy, but I'll be happiest when Chloe is with us too.

Josie does hang out with me in the morning though, and when I leave she whines a bit. It makes me feel like she does like me!!! Simon pretty much hangs on my lap whenever he is out. YEA!

Well, I am off to do my hair!

throat sooo sore...

Since I only got one day off this weekend I have not allowed my body to fully recover from feeling icky. Yesterday I thought I was going to be fine, throat was feeling better, body not aching. Then I woke up today. My throat hurts with each time I swallow and my body wants to just be wrapped up in the blankets back in bed. I may have to talk to Ahmed about leaving early today. We'll see if he has things to do this afternoon, if not he may have to be closing for me.

My day off with Josie was great though. She joined us on several of our errands, all revolving around her (okay just PetCo was for her and the bank was for us). She and I went for a walk, while her Dad stayed home and put away the groceries. We actually left her for the first time today. We got a baby gate from friends and gated her in the kitchen. She just hung out, but was so excited when we got home. She is a funny girl. She wakes up with me, let's me take her out and feed her (which she doesn't gobble up in one sitting) and then she'll hang with me for a while, but it's back to the bedroom to her bed by Kevin. She is a daddy's girl!!

Last night we did have a chase happen. She decided that Simon's fast movement was something she should investigate and Simon didn't agree. Hence, he took off running (a bit freaked out) and she ran in persuit of him (thinking he was playing). I yelled for her to leave him, and after a couple of times she did.

Jill was over to watch KU basketball. It was a bit nerve wracking at times, but they pulled it out!

As many times before, I must finish getting ready for work. Ugh...

Josie and the pussycats

Well, for those of you who didn't get the email (don't know if there are any), meet Josie. She is our two year old, black lab mix. She is one of the best dogs I have ever known (besides Oscar, my sister's dog). She is such a fabulous girl. We are just a few days into this whole, dog "ownership" thing but loving every minute of it.

I told my parents and honestly, was a bit surprised by their reactions. Dad sounded like he was excited for us and Mom just said, "you're going to turn into one of those women who have 30 cats and 40 dogs who get arrested..." I assured her we wouldn't and that we would give her human grandchildren.

I can not wait for everyone to meet Josie!! She is learning new things everyday. Kev's been working with her on heeling and "giddy up" which apparentally means, let's go.

The cats are adjusting quite well. Simon and Josie are cohabitating very well and Chloe is interested, but not soo sure yet. Curiosity will get the best of her eventually!

I am so smitten with all my kids!! Josie and the pussycats!

what i've learned

dirt needs to be cultivated (thanks, dad)

it's zummo, not zumo (sorry chris, thanks russ)

wear layers to work when expecting a shipment (must burn this into brain)

take an umbrella everywhere you go in winter in portland (duh)

laundry doesn't carry itself back to be put away (kev's working on teaching it though)

the heart has to let go, even sometimes when it hurts the most (friend from cat group~ just lost her little love)

sometimes you have to move things around to realize you liked it better where it was in the beginning (oops)

be thankful (always, even if you have to figure out what it is your thankful for)

tee shirt sheets

Everyone should own a set of the tee shirt sheets. They are so warm, without being suffocating, and they don't want to let you out in the morning. It has been getting rather cold here at night (nothing like the midwest I know, but it is cold for here) so we busted out the tee shirts! Nothing is as warm and inviting as those sheets, baby!!

Kev was cleaning the house last I heard. I just about repeated myself from yesterday's post. OOPS!

The bus shall prove to be tiring, I am sure. With the ol' bus buddy still there talking of fish they have cooked and packages people want him to ship. Yaaaaawn. Sorry, Dad, I should be more compasionate, but he's duller than dirt! :)

I only have roughly 45 minutes left of work. Wooohoooo. I am looking forward to going home, having a "meal in a bag," doing some more picking up (whatever Kev doesn't get done today) and getting things ready for cooking tomorrow. I have decided to make my rolls tomorrow and the cheesecake. If the rolls are a bust I have bought frozen rolls we have to pop in the oven on Thursday. I am hoping mine will turn out. I had a customer tell me that what make rolls turn into hockey pucks is people who don't let them sit long enough. I will heed her warnings and let the yeast do it's thang.

Keep safe this holiday season and remember, be thankful!

cleaning out the storage closet

Today was spent cleaning out the storage we have off of the cave. It had become a catchall for the extra crap we didn't have any place to store. So, we unloaded the whole room and I consolidated the boxes of things we want to keep and created boxes for trash and donation. We have quite a few things we are letting go of that will find new homes. A couple of coats we never wore anymore and some things that I had acquired at the yard sale we had at the apartment before we left.

We have done a bit of rearranging as well. The computer desk is along a different wall. I'm not sure if it will stay like this, but we'll see. So far we are liking the way it is feeling...

Thanksgiving food has been bought. Got me a 15 lb turkey for $3.03!!! Don't know how the girl made it happen, but it was supposed to drop to a certain price per pound after spending $25. When it didn't automatically do it she did it maunally. I'm not sure how she came up with $3.03, but I'll take it!!! :)

We have six friends coming over for dinner on Thursday. I am getting very excited about cooking for so many people. We have pecan and pumpkin pies coming to dinner with two of our guests. YUM!! I am making turkey, garlic cheese mashed potatoes, green beans with almonds, stuffing, and, if they turn out edible, parmesan and pepper homemade rolls. We bought some frozen rolls just in case the homemade ones turn out like rocks.

I am tired and going to go sit on the couch for a while. It's been a long, busy day of organizing and cleaning.

shoppers

The shoppers were waiting for Friday and Saturday to roll around! It has been busy busy busy here. I love when it gets crazy busy on Saturday since it is my last day of the work week.

I am half way through my day...lunch has been consumed and Chaz brought me a cookie for dessert. I will eat it later as I have already eatten some pears I brought from home for dessert...they just called my name louder than the cookie.

We are getting ready for the stragglers thanksgiving. We will go grocery shopping tomorrow after going out to my bosses house for Kev to take a look at his computer again and by the other store to check in. After groceries we are going to a farewell party for some people we know who are moving to Chicago.

It has gotten very cold here!! 30's today, although they said it was supposed to get up to lower 40's. BRRRRRR!

Okay, going to get ready for round number 4...come on people!

your address

I have sent an email to most of my friends asking for their current addresses (not email, house) so that I may start compiling my holiday card list. When I told Kevin that we were going to write the letter this year he complained, but when I stated that if we don't write it we're not sending anything because I am the one who hand writes the cards. He realized that if he didn't want to get suckered in to helping with that he should just agree to the printed letter. We have had so much happen this last year that I felt the letter would be the best way to go. Of course now that I have set myself up to write it I will fail terribly and none of you will get squat from us. :) At least that is my M-O.

Boy work was slower than slow today. Not sure why. I am ready for the rush of gift buyers. WHERE ARE THEY!???

let it snow...

What a wild day of weather we have had today. It was a combination of rain and snow while I waited for the bus and then as we drove into the city the rain disappeared and it was just fat snowflakes. Now it's stopped snowing downtown and is just cold and wet. It's winter in the Pac NW!! Kev called saying when he woke he felt like he was back in Kansas for a minute, the flakes were huge!!

I have been busy placing orders at work, must get items in for the holidays! We have thought about a red show sale for Christmas. Not sure if we are really going to go through with it, since not everyone celebrates Christmas and red is so associated with it.

Kevin is going grocery shopping today. It will be nice to have more food in the house. I asked him to come up with three meals he'd like to have the rest of the week. Next week we can have the leftovers PLUS turkey!!! Nothing better than turkey sandwiches! Mom makes them the best though. All it is is mayo, turkey, cheese with a little salt, but she makes them better than I have ever been able to!!!

Speaking of Mom they should be in PA now dropping Grandma off at her new apartment today. I have posted that letter today. I was supposed to a couple of days ago, but I kept forgetting. I'm only human!

This weather has kept people off of the streets, which means it's slow in the store. I am supposed to be getting some things for hte windows so I can change them out today, we'll see if Ahmed remembers! :) He's prone to forget things...I swear we share the same brain half the time.

Well, I have some boxes to put away and things to inventory.

back at work

Just as the title says, I'm at the shoe store. It's been a fast moving day, but slow as far as customers go. With the days getting cooler more people are staying inside. BUT this shall change as they get acclimated to their surroundings.

I have come up with my Thanksgiving menu, the boys will all be fed well. I found a roast turkey reciped online that sounds fantastic! If it works out well I will make it again for Christmas. It's pretty basic and there aren't too many herbs or flavors to combat the taste of the bird.

I also have found a roll recipe that I will be trying as well. It's for parmesan, pepper rolls. It sounds quite tasty, really. I forgot to talk with Ahmed about my time off I'd like to get during the time my parents are here. There is a bit of time before then though.

I warned Kev that it may get unbearable these next few weeks because of my excitment, to which he replied, "I don't see how you can talk any more about it than you already do." Trust me, I can talk MUCH more about it!!!

The house has stopped smelling of paint fumes. This is a nice thing. Kev's doing laundry right now, and will be caught up with much when I get home. I will probably still have to do some of my own things when I get home tonight, but that is okay.

We went out to sushi last night with friends for Kev's birthday. It was such a nice time. We have some great friends here!! Jill and Mark and Chuck and Marcy met up with us at our favorite place Umenoki. It was just a walk away from our apartment, but it's worth the drive!!! Boy, watch the girl get sidetracked! I was looking to see if there was a website for Umenoki and ended up on citysearch rating the place. They don't have a site, and the editorial review wasn't right in my opinion...

Well, I have a few things to take care of. Namely my desk. I don't know how, but it always looks like a tornado has run over it at the end of the day.

More later (THREE days in a row?!?!).

ummmmm paint fumes!

We have done it, we have done something I said we were going to do on the blog at the time I said we'd do it!!!

We don't have a purple wall anymore, we have a bark mulch wall!!!! Ain't it purtty? I even painted the small wall like I set out to do. It's not a huge change (Kev kept saying he couldn't tell a difference, until it was done) but it is a warm change!! The original "cream" color Kev had painted (which was the same as the ceiling) looked so grey on the wall behind the blue sofa. Now it looks like a lighter shade of what is on the rest of the walls. The picture didn't really show much so if you want to see it, you must come to the house!!!

My parents are on their way to Pennsylvania with my Grandma. They found an assisted living program back there for her to move to. She's been missing PA and it's been so much for my parents to take care of her. They say she seems slightly excited (she's not mentioned going back to the house since they started talking of her apartment). I will post a letter to her today so she gets some mail shortly after moving in. I will try to write her letters every few weeks.

The breeze comment from yesterday was spot on, well actually it was downright windy!!!

Two posts in two days, I better not spoil you all!! (Especially Russ)

Today I will plan our "straglers Thanksgiving" meal. I like having our friends who don't have family around to go home to over for a big feast. So far we have one friend who is excited about it, Chris. I think I caught him by surprise when I called to invite him. He's such a fun guy that I wish we would do more things with him, but his work schedule is a bit wonky, maybe better now that he is on full time...we'll have to ask him. Our other friend, Linsel, may have forgotten about our invite since we made it at his "denial party" the other night. He and his roommates are denying that summer is over so we all donned our summer togs and sipped cool refreshments in the heat of their overheated apartment. It was a great time!!! I'll have to remind Linsel of our invite...

Well, I'm off to plan a menu!

sunday, rainy sunday

Well sports fans, it is another rainy day here in the Pacific NW. The temperature is in the 50's and there is a slight breeze out of the west. Okay, I don't know about the breeze, but the other stuff is true!!

I am trying to get my dear, darling Kevin to wake so we can tackle the big purple wall that awaits paint. I am getting antsy. I will be much happier when it is painted "bark mulch" like the rest of the room. I have also decided to cut the original color with white to make a lighter version so I can repaint the small wall behind the blue sofa. The cream Kev painted it looks like grey in real life and there is something about the combo that doesn't fit in my design mind.

I am going to send in the troups, I only hope they can do better than me! "Chloe, Simon it's time to wake up dad."

hmmmmm

So I am sitting here at work trying to think of anything that my dear friends and family would find interesting. It's sometimes a very difficult thing to do, come up with interesting anecdotes to keep you all satiated.

Our friend, Bob, whom we stayed with in St Louis, was here overnight last night. He came by the house and he really liked it a lot. We joked with them that three of our houses could fit in theirs while we were visiting. Bob loved the cave (all men who come to see our house love the multimedia room we have so lovingly named the cave). The thing that surprised me most was he actually pet the cats and spoke to them. He grew up in a very large family and they never had animals. He never understood the feeling we have for the kits and always thought we were a bit off our rockers. Maybe there is something about being a dad that makes it easier for him to understand now?

I have run out of coffee it home which means I am draggin' my wagon!!! I had a cup from this great place around the corner from work, but unless I have it right when I wake up it is futile.

Don't you all love the big words I am using this evening? And, they are all from my own thoughts, not from the thesarus!!! (Anyone catch Friends a week or so ago?)

I have just under an hour left of work and I have things to do, so I should go do them (in theory this works, but please reference two paragraphs ago and realize most everything will be waiting for me in the morning)...

I am probably going to play a bit of solitare, pick up my desk, surf the net, maybe right an email or two (but I have pretty much used up all my brain power writing this thing so maybe not).

kitchen is clean!!

I was making breakfast for myself this morning and I decided today was the day I deep clean the kitchen. I am cleaning the oven right now. It's a self cleaning one!! :) I am thinking that I will do some deep cleaning around the house the next few weekends so that when the time draws closer for my family to visit I will not have to do the mega cleaning as I usually do. I am at a loss as to what to do for our carpet in the cave though. It is quite stained from the former owners. We are eventually going to replace the carpet, but not before Mom and Dad come. I have warned her though.

Kev's been looking in the Sunday paper for work. I don't know what he has found, if anything, yet. I know that he will find something soon. I have faith in him.

We, for once, are all caught up on laundry!! Well, I do have the sheets to do, but the clothing is all done! Woooo-hoooo!
It is an ongoing battle since our machines take a long time to do their magic. But, I shan't complain since they are in the comfort of my own home.

I have come up with the list of things to do to the house to increase it's value so when the time comes to sell we will make some $$ off of it. I am a firm believer of the "do one room at a time" theory!! I am thinking since we started on the kitchen it will be the first we tackle. We have discussed different flooring and have decided to go with the vinyl tiles, not the peel and stick, but the type you use the glue and what not. Our original thoughts were to use ceramic, but the bathroom is done in that and boy oh boy is it cold!!! Since the kitchen doesn't have a heat vent we have decided we need to go with something that will not freeze our feet in the winter. That and I think the vinyl will be much easier to keep clean. I also want to add some shelving to the wall by the fridge, it's a big empty space right now that could be used for storage! Then I think the kitchen is done. Oh, and I would personally like to replace the loud dishwasher!!

This will all start happening as soon as we are a two income family again, but in the mean time we can do some "shopping" around to see where we can find what we want and get the best price.

Will take pictures as "construction" begins and ends. Probably won't be for some time, most likely will happen after Christmas time.

Time to go get the sheets to wash...chores never end!! :)

exciting day planned tomorrow

Well, it's exciting for me at least. When we were in St. Louis Ahmed got a call from the Western Culinary Institute, whom have just moved up the road from us. The woman asked if we would be interested in having a table at their new student orientation. He said he had to check with me...

I jumped at the chance!! I said of course we would do it and have been busy getting all sorts of goodies ready to take with me. I've written up information sheets on the three brands we are taking (I must complete those tonight) and a "why clogs" q & a page.

I am quite excited about being given this opportunity. We already sell quite a few clogs to the students, they are actually told to come to us by their instructors, but with orientations every 6 weeks (yes, we will be attending them) we will gain so many new customers!!! Now we just have to make sure we have things in stock, or next challenge.

Kev's gone to see a head hunter, they helped him with his resume (just needed a bit of beefing up) and are looking for jobs within their database for him. I am glad he has taken this next step, as I am sure he is too.

Well, I'm off to go finish up some last minute things before catching my bus home for an evening of board games and pizza with Marcy and Chuck.

fun fun fun

We are now back in Portland and I am getting ready to go to work. We had a fabulous time in St Louis. The friends we stayed with, Bob and Amy, have the most beautiful little girl! Abby has the best personality I have ever experienced! She found her toes while we were there too and just couldn't get enough of them.

The reception was fun, it was nice to see everyone again. We even had a great time with a former roommate of Kev's that I was not all that excited about seeing again. Let's just say we have all done a bit of growing up. He admited to being a jerk back then, and the two of us were sad when he and his wife left the party. I got her email and their address so we can keep in contact. Yes, Russ, Jason was actually very very cool!!

The weather while we were there was odd, very warm indeed. It is kind of nice to get back to where I have to wear a sweater!!! I am hoping things at the store didn't go haywire, I always worry when I am gone.

Kev is planning on calling a couple of places today. I will be checking in with him later in the day to make sure he has.

I am going to go pack my purse for my first day back to work. Even though it was a short, mini vacation, it was worth it for me! I needed a little time away from work and time with good friends.

ta for now...