I finally was able to get in a good workout today. Me and Brandon went down to the park and rode the bike trail again 2x. Then we went to another park near by and rode that bike trail and let me tell you, IT WAS HARD! I loved it though! There were alot of hills and riding through the grass. We decided that next time we take that trail it will be the only one we do that day, and we didnt even ride all of it! Our legs were killing us! Looking forward to riding more trails and hopefully getting me a new bike because mine really isnt good for going off a paved path. I almost ate it a couple times.
Tomorrow is FRIDAY!!!!! I love Fridays!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
I need to vent.....
AHHHHHHH!!! Thats me right now going crazy!!! I have a hurt back and all I want/NEED to do is work out but I cant. See I got the working out part down...its the food part that is hard. I love working out, I would do it all day if I could. Plus when you want to eat healthy and your significant other could care less about eating right and getting fast food all the time, well it makes it really hard to eat right. I did get him to not drink cokes anymore...in the house anyways. Now, if we could get the fast food under control...which yea if I cooked (which by the way...why am I the one who always have to cook?? He says he cant cook...well apparently I guess cause Im a girl I just magically always knew how to cook...NOT!) I'm sure we would eat better and not get fast food but man eating healthy is expensive but then again so it eating out all the time. Maybe I need to go on the model diet on something. But then again, I want to be healthy not just on some fad diet.
Why can we pack on weight so easily but its so hard to get off?????
Why can we pack on weight so easily but its so hard to get off?????
Engagement Photos
We has so much fun taking our pictures with Our Little Ranch Photography. They were the greatest and they take amazing pictures. Here are some of my favorites:
Monday, October 25, 2010
For the love of a dog....
If you know me, then you know my love of all animals, especially dogs. I got this email today and thought I would share.
They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen.. The shelter was
clean, no-kill and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months but everywhere
I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.
But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab
people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.
But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.
For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls --- he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.
I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come", "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name ---sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth or fifth time I said it but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."
Finally I found it but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys
from the shelter...I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most
enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come
here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction ---maybe "glared" is more accurate ---and
They told me the big black Lab's name was Reggie, as I looked at him lying in his pen.. The shelter was
clean, no-kill and the people really friendly. I'd only been in the area for six months but everywhere
I went in the small college town, people were welcoming and open. Everyone waves when you pass them on the street.
But something was still missing as I attempted to settle in to my new life here and I thought a dog couldn't hurt. Give me someone to talk to. And I had just seen Reggie's advertisement on the local news. The shelter said they had received numerous calls right after but they said the people who had come down to see him just didn't look like "Lab
people," whatever that meant. They must've thought I did.
But at first, I thought the shelter had misjudged me in giving me Reggie and his things, which consisted of a dog pad, bag of toys almost all of which were brand new tennis balls, his dishes, and a sealed letter from his previous owner. See, Reggie and I didn't really hit it off when we got home. We struggled for two weeks (which is how long the shelter told me to give him to adjust to his new home). Maybe it was the fact that I was trying to adjust, too. Maybe we were too much alike.
For some reason, his stuff (except for the tennis balls --- he wouldn't go anywhere without two stuffed in his mouth) got tossed in with all of my other unpacked boxes. I guess I didn't really think he'd need all his old stuff, that I'd get him new things once he settled in. But it became pretty clear pretty soon that he wasn't going to.
I tried the normal commands the shelter told me he knew, ones like "sit" and "stay" and "come", "heel," and he'd follow them - when he felt like it. He never really seemed to listen when I called his name ---sure, he'd look in my direction after the fourth or fifth time I said it but then he'd just go back to doing whatever. When I'd ask again, you could almost see him sigh and then grudgingly obey.
This just wasn't going to work. He chewed a couple shoes and some unpacked boxes. I was a little too stern with him and he resented it, I could tell. The friction got so bad that I couldn't wait for the two weeks to be up and when it was, I was in full-on search mode for my cell phone amid all of my unpacked stuff. I remembered leaving it on the stack of boxes for the guest room but I also mumbled, rather cynically, that the "damn dog probably hid it on me."
Finally I found it but before I could punch up the shelter's number, I also found his pad and other toys
from the shelter...I tossed the pad in Reggie's direction and he snuffed it and wagged, some of the most
enthusiasm I'd seen since bringing him home. But then I called, "Hey, Reggie, you like that? Come
here and I'll give you a treat." Instead, he sort of glanced in my direction ---maybe "glared" is more accurate ---and
then gave a discontented sigh and flopped down....with his back to me.
Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.
But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too.
Well, that's not going to do it either, I thought. And I punched the shelter phone number.
But I hung up when I saw the sealed envelope. I had completely forgotten about that, too.
"Okay, Reggie," I said out loud, "let's see if your previous owner has any advice."
____________ _________ _________ _________
To
Whoever Gets My Dog:
____________ _________ _________ _________
To
Whoever Gets My Dog:
Well, I can't say that I'm happy you're reading this, a letter I told the shelter
could only be opened by Reggie's new owner.
I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this,
could only be opened by Reggie's new owner.
I'm not even happy writing it. If you're reading this,
it means I just got back from my last car ride with my Lab
after dropping him off at the shelter.
He knew something was different.
I have packed up his pad and toys before and set them by the back door before a trip,
but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong.
but this time... it's like he knew something was wrong.
And something is wrong...which is why I have
to go to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it
to go to try to make it right.
So let me tell you about my Lab in the hopes that it
will help you bond with him and he with you.
First, he loves tennis balls.
The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part
squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always
has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in
there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't
matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be
careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made
that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.
Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff
First, he loves tennis balls.
The more the merrier. Sometimes I think he's part
squirrel, the way he hordes them. He usually always
has two in his mouth, and he tries to get a third in
there. Hasn't done it yet. Doesn't
matter where you throw them, he'll bound after it, so be
careful - really don't do it by any roads. I made
that mistake once, and it almost cost him dearly.
Next, commands. Maybe the shelter staff
already told you, but I'll go over them
again: Reggie knows the obvious ones ---
"sit," "stay," "come," "heel."
again: Reggie knows the obvious ones ---
"sit," "stay," "come," "heel."
He knows hand signals:
"back" to turn around and go back when you put
your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your
hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking
water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He
does "down" when he feels like lying down --- I bet
you could work on that with him some more. He knows
"ball" and "food" and "bone"
and "treat" like nobody's business.
I trained Reggie with small food treats.
"back" to turn around and go back when you put
your hand straight up; and "over" if you put your
hand out right or left. "Shake" for shaking
water off, and "paw" for a high-five. He
does "down" when he feels like lying down --- I bet
you could work on that with him some more. He knows
"ball" and "food" and "bone"
and "treat" like nobody's business.
I trained Reggie with small food treats.
Nothing opens his ears like little pieces of hot dog.
Feeding schedule: twice a day,
Feeding schedule: twice a day,
once about seven in the morning, and again at six in
the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter
has the brand.
He's up on his shots.
Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with
yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when
he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet.
the evening. Regular store-bought stuff; the shelter
has the brand.
He's up on his shots.
Call the clinic on 9th Street and update his info with
yours; they'll make sure to send you reminders for when
he's due. Be forewarned: Reggie hates the vet.
Good luck getting him in the car.
I don't know how he knows when it's time to go to the vet, but he knows.
Finally, give him some time.
I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie
and me for his whole life He's gone everywhere
with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if
you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he
doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be
around people, and me most especially.
Which means that this transition is
going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.
And that's why I need to share
one more bit of info with you....
His name's not Reggie.
I don't know what made me do it, but
Finally, give him some time.
I've never been married, so it's only been Reggie
and me for his whole life He's gone everywhere
with me, so please include him on your daily car rides if
you can. He sits well in the backseat, and he
doesn't bark or complain. He just loves to be
around people, and me most especially.
Which means that this transition is
going to be hard, with him going to live with someone new.
And that's why I need to share
one more bit of info with you....
His name's not Reggie.
I don't know what made me do it, but
when I dropped him off at the shelter, I told them
his name was Reggie.
his name was Reggie.
He's a smart dog, he'll get used to it
and will respond to it, of that I have no
doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his
real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that
handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting
that I'd never see him again. And if I end up
coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it
me and everything's fine. But if someone else is
reading it, well ... well it means that his new owner should
know his real name. It'll help you bond with
him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change
in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.
His real name is "Tank". Because that is what I drive.
Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the
news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they
received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings,
doubt. But I just couldn't bear to give them his
real name. For me to do that, it seemed so final, that
handing him over to the shelter was as good as me admitting
that I'd never see him again. And if I end up
coming back, getting him, and tearing up this letter, it
me and everything's fine. But if someone else is
reading it, well ... well it means that his new owner should
know his real name. It'll help you bond with
him. Who knows, maybe you'll even notice a change
in his demeanor if he's been giving you problems.
His real name is "Tank". Because that is what I drive.
Again, if you're reading this and you're from the area, maybe my name has been on the
news. I told the shelter that they couldn't make "Reggie" available for adoption until they
received word from my company commander. See, my parents are gone, I have no siblings,
no one I could've left Tank with ... and it was my only real request of the Army upon my deployment
to Iraq , that they make one phone call.. the shelter ... in the "event" ... to tell
them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where
them that Tank could be put up for adoption. Luckily, my colonel is a dog guy, too, and he knew where
my platoon was headed. He said he'd do it personally. And if you're reading this, then he made good on his word.
Well, this letter is getting downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine
Well, this letter is getting downright depressing, even though, frankly, I'm just writing it for my dog. I couldn't imagine
if I was writing it for a wife and kids and family ... but still, Tank has been my family for the last six years, almost as
long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.
That unconditional love from a dog is what I take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things ... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I have to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.
All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another
good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.
Thank you,
long as the Army has been my family.
And now I hope and pray that you make him part of your family and that he will adjust and come to love you the same way he loved me.
That unconditional love from a dog is what I take with me to Iraq as an inspiration to do something selfless, to protect innocent people from those who would do terrible things ... and to keep those terrible people from coming over here. If I have to give up Tank in order to do it, I am glad to have done so. He is my example of service and of love. I hope I honored him by my service to my country and comrades.
All right, that's enough. I deploy this evening and have to drop this letter off at the shelter. I don't think I'll say another
good-bye to Tank, though. I cried too much the first time. Maybe I'll peek in on him and see if he finally got that third tennis ball in his mouth.
Good luck with Tank. Give him a good home and give him an extra kiss goodnight - every night - from me.
Thank you,
Paul Mallory
____________ _________ _________ _______
I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star
____________ _________ _________ _______
I folded the letter and slipped it back in the envelope. Sure I had heard of Paul Mallory, everyone in town knew him, even new people like me. Local kid, killed in Iraq a few months ago and posthumously earning the Silver Star
when he gave his life to save three buddies. Flags had been at half-mast all summer.
I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.
"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.
The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.
"C'mere boy."
He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head
tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.
"Tank," I whispered. His tail swished.
I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture
relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried
my face into his scruff and hugged him.
"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and
licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again..."Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?"
I leaned forward in my chair and rested my elbows on my knees, staring at the dog.
"Hey, Tank," I said quietly.
The dog's head whipped up, his ears cocked and his eyes bright.
"C'mere boy."
He was instantly on his feet, his nails clicking on the hardwood floor. He sat in front of me, his head
tilted, searching for the name he hadn't heard in months.
"Tank," I whispered. His tail swished.
I kept whispering his name, over and over, and each time, his ears lowered, his eyes softened, and his posture
relaxed as a wave of contentment just seemed to flood him. I stroked his ears, rubbed his shoulders, buried
my face into his scruff and hugged him.
"It's me now, Tank, just you and me. Your old pal gave you to me." Tank reached up and
licked my cheek. "So whatdaya say we play some ball?" His ears perked again..."Yeah? Ball? You like that? Ball?"
Tank tore from my hands and disappeared in the next room.
And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.
And when he came back, he had three tennis balls in his mouth.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Its the great pumpkin!!
Where would we be without friends???
We went and hung out with Chelsee and Mitchell today (and little Reese to!) I really enjoyed just sitting there hanging out and talking about pretty much anything that comes to mind. On the way home I was thinking about all my friends over the years and the ones that have stuck around and realized Im pretty blessed in the friend department. I dont know what I would do without them. They have been there through the good times and the bad. We have been in those heated fights, cried with each other, listened to one another, laughed at each other, sang at the top of our lungs together, and even just been there when words didnt need to be spoken. I wouldnt change them for anything. Many people measure wealth by the amount of money they have in their bank...well I measure my wealth by the great friends and family I have. Let me tell you this...Im up there with Slim Helu, Gates and Buffet!! I love everyone of them for their crazy quirks, their funny jokes, and even their not so pretty side! To all my friends...I love yall!!
On another note, today we had Lacey and Riko (and of course Brody) over to carve pumpkins. I dont care how old you are, carving pumpkins is always fun. I have learned over the years that it may be great to have that big ol' pumpkin but cleaning it out is not so much fun. I like my little medium sized pumpkin because its less hassle to clean and you get to be one of the first ones done carving your pumpkin! I have no patience so getting done early is always best! So here is our work of art. Enjoy!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
We went and hung out with Chelsee and Mitchell today (and little Reese to!) I really enjoyed just sitting there hanging out and talking about pretty much anything that comes to mind. On the way home I was thinking about all my friends over the years and the ones that have stuck around and realized Im pretty blessed in the friend department. I dont know what I would do without them. They have been there through the good times and the bad. We have been in those heated fights, cried with each other, listened to one another, laughed at each other, sang at the top of our lungs together, and even just been there when words didnt need to be spoken. I wouldnt change them for anything. Many people measure wealth by the amount of money they have in their bank...well I measure my wealth by the great friends and family I have. Let me tell you this...Im up there with Slim Helu, Gates and Buffet!! I love everyone of them for their crazy quirks, their funny jokes, and even their not so pretty side! To all my friends...I love yall!!
On another note, today we had Lacey and Riko (and of course Brody) over to carve pumpkins. I dont care how old you are, carving pumpkins is always fun. I have learned over the years that it may be great to have that big ol' pumpkin but cleaning it out is not so much fun. I like my little medium sized pumpkin because its less hassle to clean and you get to be one of the first ones done carving your pumpkin! I have no patience so getting done early is always best! So here is our work of art. Enjoy!
 |
| My pumpkin |
 |
| Brandon, Riko, and Lacey |
 |
| Lacey's pumpkin |
 |
| Riko's pumpkin |
 |
| Brandon's pumpkin |
 | ||||
| All of our pumpkins together |
Through the woods we go
Saturday, October 23, 2010
The making of a pumpkin
Today Brandon and I went to his Grandma Griffith's house to decorate pumpkins and spend time with family. His grandma thinks that I think they are crazy...but I absolutely love his family and I'm so happy I will be joining them soon. The day started off with pizza...so not on the diet....but I did have some strawberries which I think cancelled the pizza out (well at least in my mind anyways!) Next we...well actually I sat this one out...tried to eat apples hanging off the tree without using your hands. To funny! There were some cheaters...others gave it their best shots...and we all had a good time. Then is was time for the pumpkins. I love decorating pumpkins, even if my creative skills are not so hot. Brandon of course has a redneck pumpkin complete with sideburns and a mullet, one my brother would love! Mine was pretty lame but what can I say. I tried my best. I also got to see his parents new camper which was really nice. I also got to have a nice talk with his grandma and her sister. They are two of the sweetest people I have ever met. I had fun today with his family and the weather was nice to. Here are the pictures of our pumpkins:
 |
| Brandon's redneck pumpkin...you cant see the mullet or sideburns |
 |
| My pumpkin (one side of it) |
 |
| My ghost on the other side |
 |
| I had to add a face on at least one side |
That blogging thing...
So here is to my blog! (If you have a glass please raise) As someone recently told me...its my safe place and my place to vent. I will write about anything and everything. This is my life told by me. I look forward to this little journey called my blog. I never kept a journal or diary because...well....Im not sure why. So from here on out this will be my little ramblings about my life. Feel free to read with a glass of wine or even a beer. Feel free to comment or even laugh at me (cause Im sure I will be laughing along the way)....if you cant laugh at yourself than you are taking life to seriously. Its a journey, a beautiful gift that I think many of us loose sighting of in this crazy non-stop world of ours! Enjoy!
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