Spring Break Pictures

I worked the first part of Spring Break and Murphy got neutered. That was not the most amazing start to either of our Spring Breaks, but we made it through.

Murphy was neutered on Tuesday and I was one calm nervous Momma. I dropped him off at the vet at 6:30am. Around 8:30am, my cell phone started barking. When my cell phone barks, that means my fabulous veterinarian is calling. Seeing as Murphy was supposed to be in surgery, my stomach dropped down to my knees. I answered the phone and before anything could come from the other end, I said, “please tell me my dog is alive.” Considering both of my long time family dogs, Bluey and Buster, went to heaven this past year, it was a completely logical question for me to ask. Dr. R said, “Hey there, yes, Murphy is alive.” Right then and there my stomach floated back up to my abdomen and I exhaled. He then proceeded to ask me if we had talked about Murphy being Cryptorchid. We definitely had not talked about that. While not a life-threatening condition, Cryptorchidism is a condition where one of a male dog’s testicles doesn’t distend out of their abdomen like the other does. Sometimes, this happens with both testicles, but luckily, it had only happened to one. Needless to say, instead of going in for a routine neuter for $105, Murphy had to have what is considered major surgery to go up into his abdomen and remove his undropped testicle (and of course, his testicle that did drop) for $350. Dr. R said he wanted to talk to me about it first before they operated and I’m so grateful that he called. Talking to him about Murphy’s surgery definitely put me at ease. Today, almost two weeks later, Murphy is totally back to his spunky, spit-fire self. He’s in major need of a grooming appointment though. He looks a hot mess!

The remainder of  Spring Break, Murphy spent with his Grander aka my mom, being spoiled rotten. From what I understand (and hope), she adhered to my 3-4 treats per day/NO TABLE SCRAPS rule.  The remainder of my Spring Break, I spent with my Grammy, Popey, Uncle Alan and Uncle Mark. I had more fun that you could ever imagine. Aunt Helen came to visit twice, I planted the remainder of the garden with Popey’s supervision, Uncle Mark cooked us his famous and my favorite barbeque chicken and Grammy, Uncle Alan and I went to have menudo for breakfast before Grammy and I went to play BINGO at a church picnic in a neighboring town. I won two games of BINGO! It was very exciting!! I also went to Uncle Alan’s house and helped him do some cleaning up and storage placement at his new house. I was supposed to take pictures of his new house, but totally forgot. It is an adorable little house and I will take pictures the next time I’m down there.

Popey and his older sister, Aunt Helen

Me planting one of the 300 onions I ordered Popey from Burpee

Me and Popey taking a break on the golf cart (he sat there and supervised so it was really just me taking a break haha)

 

Bella

 

Pre-BINGO menudo

  Uncle Alan and Grammy eating their breakfasts

 

Murphy after I got home

 

All in all, it was a wonderful visit and I’m so grateful I got the opportunity to go down there. Those few days made my Spring Break amazing and I cannot wait until next time!

This week, I have two tests and a quiz. Time to buckle down and stay focused on studying! Happy Monday :)

Spring Break

I got a reminder call this evening from a faithful reader, most affectionately called my Uncle Alan, in regards to my blog not being updated. He’s having babble withdrawals apparently. haha Gotta love my Uncle Alan. He ROCKS!

When Spring Break hits, it’s all downhill from there. That’s where I’m at now and I must tell you, I’m elated. This semester has been a great one thus far, but I am looking forward to it being over with. If someone ever tells you that college is not a lot of work, look them straight in the eye and call them a “liar.” It is a lot of work. A few weeks after Spring Break, we have Easter Break followed by my semester being OVER. This is probably my favorite time of the school year because of this nice downhill slope. It’s the sure sign that my most favorite season, Summer, is just around the corner.

Even with Spring Break being here, I still have homework, not to mention a j-o-b. Just because you have a week off of  from school does not mean it’s a mindless week to be spent doing all of nothing. Taking 16 hours of classes, there is always something to be done. Come Wednesday though, I’ll be off of my j-o-b for a whopping five days in a row. Thursday through Sunday for my much needed time off and Monday because I have classes all day. Trust me, I’m not complaining.

Though my homework list peers up at me in my agenda, I’m grateful to be off of my j-o-b for that amount of time to enjoy my Spring Break. Wednesday afternoon, I’ll be getting off work and into my car to go somewhere I have not been in a while: Grammy and Popey’s. Grossly understated, I’ve missed them. I talk to my Grammy (and Popey if he’s near the phone) two to three times per day and I just love them. I won’t go on another “I love Grammy and Popey” babble because you’ve heard that quite a bit around here. Wednesday needs to hurry and get here so this girl can GO!

I’m taking homework with me and have every intention of doing it, provided my ADD doesn’t kick in. Even if it does kick in, that homework still has to be done. “I will stay focused. I will stay focused. I will stay focused.” I wonder if saying that phrase three times will make it come true like the time Dorothy said, “there’s no place like home” three times? Only time will tell.

Homework is far from the only thing on my agenda and will actually take a backburner this week in comparison to most weeks. I’m going to help Popey plant the garden (see last year’s pics toward the end of this post) provided the weather cooperates, shop and have fun with Grammy, and hang out with my Uncle Alan (he’s the last picture). I am so excited! Wednesday, come quicker! I cannot wait.

Murphy is getting neutered tomorrow. I have faith that he will be just fine, but please pray for my boy. I think he will be staying home from Grammy and Popey’s to recover. He can’t play rough for a little while post-op. He’s such an active boy. Again, please pray.

Happy Spring Break, y’all! Go enjoy the sunshine :)

Things I Should Be Doing

It’s March 1, 2012 and I’m sad. Sad because my blog that has been neglected, once again. Sad because this is my first post of 2012. Sad because I have not visited my friends’ blogs in forever. I have no one to blame but myself. I have not made time for the things, like my blog and the blogs of my friends, that I should be taking care of. This is what I should be doing.

Instead, I have been slaving over mountains of homework, writing papers and studying for tests that seem to always be '”coming up.” You see, I am a have become a procrastinator when it comes to school. I was not raised that way. I had the mother that looked through my folder every day and when I brought home a project or large assignment, we worked until it got done, even if it was not due for a month. We never procrastinated. I am beginning to think that college has made me a procrastinator. Professors continually give out assignments with due dates that either put me in a time-crunch or make me procrastinate. The thing is: I need to get back to the mentality I was raised with. Never. Ever. Procrastinate. Two words: time management.

I love school. I really, really do. It challenges me time and time again to constantly “out-do” what I thought was my best work. I love that. I think we should constantly crave a challenge and be pushed to our limits. It is what keeps us edgy. It is what keeps life fun. Even if you are not in school, you should constantly challenge yourself to do better than you ever thought possible. You would be amazed at how exhilarating a good challenge is. Try it.

I have also been spending time with my boy. If you are friends with me on Facebook, you see all sorts of his pictures. The friends that I see all the time always laugh that it is like I have a child now because I post so many pictures of him.  I have had the most fun with him in the (almost) four months since I picked him up at the airport. He is my baby. In fact, he graduates from puppy obedience school tonight. We are moving on to the next level in a few weeks and I must say, he has done really well. He definitely keeps me on my toes; I never know what he is going to do next. I spend as much time as I possibly can with him. I paid for him myself and I pay for all of his things. I adore him.

 

 

Above is his Valentine’s Day picture. His bandana was made by The Embroidery Room. Teresa owns that shop and makes the cutest things for him. I just found her on Etsy before I even got my Murphy and she rocks. Her designs are adorable and the quality of her work is fabulous. If your furbaby needs something, check out Teresa’s shop. Even if you do not have a furbaby, you should still take a look. It is awesome.

I have not taken any pictures as of late, but this is my baby brother and I before Christmas. I love this boy, too. So. Much.

Off now to see what you have been up to! Happy Thursday :)

New Year's Eve

It's (almost) New Year's Eve and I can honestly say that I have absolutely no idea where this year went. I contemplated doing a recap in photos because, well, Lord knows I take enough pictures. I decided to refrain because that's the fad right now, and I'm not a big fan of following fads all the time.

At the beginning of 2011, I came up with a list of things I would like to accomplish as most everyone does at the beginning of a new year.

That list was:

1.) Blog at least 1/week
2.) Start really living each day to the fullest again instead of "goingthrough the motions."
3.) Work less days and the same amount of hours
4.) Make straight A's for Spring 2011 in college (first semester was 3 B's and 2 A's)<----BOO!
5.) Put my weightloss in high gear again and get back to 120 lbs.
6.) Take MORE pictures
7.) Laugh more :D
8.) Spend more time with those I love most
9.) Stay away from negative people and those that don't make good choices
10.) Express myself more
11.) Make good choices as far as location goes for Fall 2011 <---more later on this

I'm actually quite proud of myself for accomplishing eight out of my eleven goals. It's a rarity I fully finish things compliments of my ADHD. haha I'm going to keep the three things I did not accomplish in 2011 on my list of things to get done in 2012. What should I add to my list to accomplish for 2012? I'll be thinking on that one, but would love to hear your ideas!

What are you doing for New Year's? Any BIG plans?

Mommy and Me Monday- Furbaby Edition

Krystyn over at Really, Are You Serious? has been hosting Mommy and Me Monday for what seems like forever. The only requirement is that moms actually get in the picture with their kids, or in my case, furbabies! While I don't promise to participate every Monday, I will do my best to remember as many Mondays as possible! I am really excited I can finally participate with my Murphy :))

Hosted by Krystyn at Really, Are You Serious?

Murphy at 14 weeks and 4 days old with me on Christmas Eve. In the background, you'll notice that I got him a Pottery Barn Kids Classic Red Velvet Stocking with his name on it. He also has a bandana made by the lovely Teresa at The Embroidery Room. She has the best quality and pays attention to the smallest details that make each item fabulous! I've ordered three bandanas from her now and cannot wait to order more. I love love LOVE her work!! My Murphy is so spoiled rotten, and I love every minute of his spoiling! My little prince deserves it!

And the title of “Worst Blogger EVER!” goes to….

...MERE! Once again, due to my oh so hectic schedule, my beloved blog has been placed on the back burner. It has been a crazy last few months and I'm so grateful the calendar pages kept on flipping. If my life was this hectic and crazy all the time, I *might* just loose my sanity.

Murphy arrived on November 12th and stole my heart from the very beginning. While I have had dogs my entire life, this one has been different because I get the role of "Mommy." It has been my best role yet. I have paid for everything for this handsome boy from Day 1. I love him more than words can express. He’s such a Mommy’s boy.

Picking up my boy at the airport Nov. 12- 8 weeks and 4 days old

Thanksgiving Day 10 weeks and 2 days old

Thanksgiving Day- Take 2

Murphy’s official Christmas picture- 12 weeks and 3 days old

13 weeks and 3 days old

On November 25, we lost our sweet boy, Buster Elias Brown. He was 10 years old and ultimately died of kidney failure. He had been in the hospital for almost a week and we did everything we could to save our boy. He was Mom, Brent and I’s dog and we miss him more than anything. The house we live in was “his” house and everything around it reminds us of him. Our hearts hurt. He did not get much time to spend with Murphy before he joined his best friend, Bluey, in heaven, but for the time they did have together, I am so grateful. I see a lot of Buster coming out in Murphy, so I’m beginning to think Buster is embedding some of his personality in Murphy from heaven. It’s so fun to see but tugs at my heart quite a bit, too.

I finished this semester and while I love college, I hated this semester with a purple passion. I went to University of Houston- Downtown and have never been more miserable. It was awful. Luckily, I only planned on going there for one semester anyway. It was my interim school while I schemed my next move. I made good grades and am making one last move to the University of St. Thomas here in Houston. I plan on graduating from there; it’s a really good school. I’m much happier being back in Houston for sure but do miss San Marcos on occasion. More than anything, I miss being less than an hour from my Grammy and Popey. That was, by far, the best part about San Marcos.

I’ll save you all from reading a report on how my job is going. I still love my job, but nothing has really changed and the chaos still remains.

I’ve missed all of you and can’t wait to catch up!!! Merry CHRISTmas <3

My “Let’s go!” List

One of my lovely bloggy friends, Becca, made a “to visit” list before getting her nursing education. While she wanted to be a nurse, she also wanted to travel, too. She decided that when she got done with nursing school, she was going to travel the world because that’s what she wanted to do. I must say, while reading her post this morning before class, I got the itch to travel. Like bad. At the very bottom of her post, she asked me and a bunch of our other bloggy friends to make their “to visit” lists, too. I guess I got a little excited and renamed it my “let’s go!” list. hehe

Making my “let’s go!” list was far from difficult. My dad instilled a love for traveling in my little brother and I at a young age, and that love has stayed with us. I made a similar list when I was younger, but have no idea where that list ended up, so I’m rewriting that list from memory.

In the United States:

1. Washington D.C.
2. New York City Summer 2008 (I turned 16 in Times Square!)
3. Los Angeles, CA Summer 2007
4. San Diego, CA Summer 2007
5. Breckinridge, CO
6. Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL Summer 2004 & Summer 2011
7. Walt Disneyland in Anaheim, CA Summer 2003
8. Key West, FL Summer 2004
9. Cape Cod, MA
10. Boston, MA Summer 2010 (Saw the Dixie Chicks 4th row!)

Outside of the United States:

1. London, England Christmas 2004
2. Paris, France
3. Italy- Anywhere would be totally fine! Summer 2006 I spent 2 weeks there, traveled all over and loved every minute!!
4. Australia
5. Swiss Alps & Switzerland
6. Poland (I’m 1/2 Polish)
7. Caribbean Islands I can’t even begin to tell you how many years I’ve been to the Caribbean. I’ve visited St. Thomas, St. Martin, the Bahamas, Grand Turk, and Belize. Definitely worth every penny!
8. New Zealand- My bloggy friend, Holly, lives and loves in New Zealand. She commented on this post and said I should add it to my list.....I didn't hesitate! Honestly, I would love to meet up with her and Becca there one day!!! It would be soooo fun!!!

That’s my list!! Any other places I should add? Ever been any of the places I want to go/have been?? Do tell…..

Thank you, lovely Becca, for the challenge :)))) xoxo