The best dad, and boss, ever.
Money.
I have a love/hate relationship with money. I love it when I have it, and hate it when I don't.
I have been needing to get my car tagged since May, but because of the hit-and-trot I haven't been able to afford it. $650 for a small piece of metal is a lot to this girl, especially if it doesn't have diamonds attached. On top of that, I've been wanting to get into some classes this fall, and I just really didn't have the money necessary for either.
Well today everything changed.
My dad came by the office today at lunch to see how I was doing and to chat for a bit. He's on vacation this week to get his house ready for Granny's party on Saturday and was running errands on this side of town, so he stopped by. He asked me how close I was to refilling my tag fund after it was depleted from the body shop. I said "not even close". So he handed me $500! Hell yeah! Not bad right? That buys almost the whole thing.
So that takes care of one thing.
Now onto number two. School. I broke down and asked my boss for a pay advance, and he gave it to me. Not that I doubted he would, he does it for everybody. I still hated asking though. I can pay for school now though, and I just have to pay back a little bit at a time from each check, so little that I probably won't even miss it.
So yep, everything's taken care of. I can get my tag, and pay for my tuition and books. Cool, right?
And thanks to Dad and Boss, you guys are awesome.
In other news, today is Grandpa's birthday, so I am going to try and go to the cemetery after work. Key word is try.
I'm ashamed of myself
About a month ago I put in for time off at the shelter to go on a weekend float trip. Due to a sick doggy, we're staying home.
So here I sit, one day before my two days off. My first two days off in two months, and the only thing I can think to do tomorrow and Sunday is lay on the couch.
But guess what folks? I absolutely refuse to do that. Yes, I need the rest, but I'm not wasting my one and only weekend so far this summer by laying on the couch. No sir, I'm going to enjoy it.
What am I doing? I have no farking idea. None. We have Ace's boys all weekend, so it has to be kid friendly. And I need ideas, so I came to the blog.
Help me folks. I've (sadly) got nuthin.
Manders got...
A promotion!!
I had a call at the end of the day yesterday, but since I was stuck working late at job #1 I wasn't able to return it. I called back this morning during my break, and was offered the weekend supervisor position at the shelter.
Cool, right?
It comes with a pay raise, but not much of one. I'm ok with that, granted everyone can use extra money, but the job has so many other advantages that a large raise isn't necessary.
Ok, that's my good news. :)
A nice cool break~ and other random shit.
This past weekend has great weather, it was about 20 degrees cooler locally than it had been for the previous week. Not bad really for late July.
At the shelter we spent our down time fixing up the outdoor yards because one of the news stations was coming this morning (monday) to do a story on keeping the dogs safe from the heat. We're always open to the added exposure, so we wanted to make sure the place looked extra nice. Of course this meant filling in the holes they had dug with wheelbarrow's full of sand and other things like that, but honestly the work needed to be done anyway. Because of the cooler weather the dogs were a lot more active, and being able to just get out and play some fetch and brush some of them really seemed to help with their attitudes. Gone were the panting, sad, hot little dogs. They were replaced with running, barking, playing happy pups. Which, in turn, is good for my mood as well.
Mr. Boom is doing very good. He's a lot healthier than I expected for him to be, and when I spoke to his vet on Saturday she and I discussed everything that he does on a daily basis, and she told me that I'm doing everything perfectly. She wants me to cut back on some of his canned food though so he won't gain weight while being so confined during his rehabilitation, which of course, would just stress his heart further. So Boom will be upset, but I agreed to cut him back to a half a can a day instead of a full one.
Ace and I decided not to go floating this year, we just can't leave the doggy while he's sick. I am bummed, I was definitely looking forward to getting out and having a nice time. But of course, the dog's health is first. Hopefully it will still be warm enough that the dog can go with us on a day trip to the lake when he is off of restriction.
I posted that I got my car back from the body shop, right? I sure missed it. I loved the truck that I had borrowed from my dad, but the amount of gas it required was rediculous. Plus, the car is just more comfortable.
Plans are coming along for Granny's party. She still doesn't know about it, and I'm curious to see if we can keep it a secret until the day of. I just want to see her freak. Lucky for us, her heart is strong. (lol)
That's about it folks. Today is somebody's last day here at job #1, so we're off to have cake and say our goodbye's. Have a good week.
Manders cooked it up
I don't cook very often. It is time consuming, and time is something that this girl doesn't have a lot of. But when I do cook, I cook a LOT.Last night was one of those cooking nights. Ace was busy getting football gear for Taco, so Tojo and I had the house to ourselves for an hour or so. I took this time to start dinner.
This is what we had:
Baked chicken breast
Potato pieces, (from granny's garden) baked with seasoned salt
garlic bread
baked beans
potato salad
sliced tomatoes
cantelope
OMG... it was all so good. Yes, I realize the abundance of potatoes and baked things, but I don't care. They all taste so yummy that I couldn't choose.
Oh, and if there is anyone out there that cooks regularly and doesn't have a Santoku knife, get one. Here's mine
http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&SKU=14044604&RN=392&KSKU=108750 and it is so amazing. I sliced up raw chicken breasts into smaller hand-held size pieces for the boys, and it sliced through it like butter. It cut the cantelope and tomato the same way. It's a good thing. (I'm done channeling Martha now)
A few people that need to die
Most of you know I work at a shelter, and the animals there become like my own. We are responsible for their care and well being, and we spend every spare minute of our time while there playing with and showing love to the animals. When a sick or abused animal comes in it is heart wrenching, and we do everything we can to make them better. When they find a new, forever home it is bittersweet. We will miss them, but we also know how much better off they will be in a real home, not just our orphanage.
That's why the below story breaks my heart. I can't imagine anything like this happening to any of my babies. If you're able, please donate. And may the people that did this die the in the most horrible fashion.
http://www.nbc4.com/family/9541019/detail.htmlhttp://www.humanesocietynewbraunfels.com/bell.htm
Car's done, We have veggies, Cat's pissed, Hot weather.
I was able to pick my car up after work yesterday. I'm glad to have it back, not only because I was having to pay for something that I couldn't use, but because the truck I was driving while mine was away drinks the gas like nothing I've ever seen. I spent over $100 in gas in just a week. Ouch. But the car looks fantastic, better than when I bought it actually. The glass installer accidentally cut a piece of trim on the inside, so they are coming out to my office either today or tomorrow to fix that part. After I got home last night I noticed a scuff on my headlight, so the body shop is ordering a new one of those and that should be done towards the first of next week. All in all, the accident was pretty painless. No one was hurt, I didn't have a battle with my insurance company, and the body shop did a great job, and had it finished earlier than what was quoted. So props to State Farm and Bethel Collision Center. I recommend both.
After getting all the cars situated, I took off for Granny's. Her garden is overrunning her with yummy veggies, so I went to go get some. A lot more than I want, but that's cool too. I'll eat them I'm sure. Red potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes. All my favorites. I love em. I can't wait until after work to head home, slice open a fresh homegrown tomato, sprinkle it with salt and pepper, and dig in.
The cat hates the dog. Well, one of the cats. Boy Kitty likes the dog fairly well, as long as the dog is fairly calm and isn't trying to sniff his butt. Outside Kitty is afraid of everything, and will just run away. Girl Kitty is a hard ass. She wants to beat up everything in sight, except for whatever reason, Boy Kitty. Sometimes she even wants to beat me up. Ok, back to the story. Last night I am at the vanity brushing my teeth and washing off my makeup. The cats are all around, like always, watching mommy do her thing. The dog's dancing around because he's been in the utility room almost all day and has too much energy. Girl Kitty starts growling, so I know she's about to freak out. I put my hand on the dog's face to scoot him away from the counter so he isn't slapped by the claws, and wham! She slaps my hand instead of his nose. One of her nails gets stuck in my hand, so she starts flapping her paw around. OWWW!!!! Damn that hurt. But I saved Boomer's nose.
Oh, and just a note for people. It's hot outside. If you, or anyone you know leaves your pet outside in this heat and he can't get to his water (like he is tangled up in his chain) he will die. And I will hate you. Don't be idiots people, use common sense. Bring the animal inside. It's supposed to be 105 today, way too damn hot for anything to be outside for any amount of time at all. Especially on a chain where he can't access cool water and shade. Fucking idiots.
A BIG birthday party coming up
I spoke with my Dad last night, and he is going to host a party for my Grandma's birthday on the first Saturday of August. He has talked about it for quite some time, and it just so happens that the house will be finished right about the time of her birthday, so it's party time.
Since I'm the only daughter, and his wife isn't very... um... (thinking of something nice) willing to do something for someone else (that's good enough) I get to play hostess. Plus, she's my Granny, and I want to.
So I need help. I've never hosted a large party like this for anyone but drunk friends/ coworkers. This will be all family, from late 80's to infants. It will still be fairly warm out, so we'll need inside stuff also. Food is basically covered, we're cooking out. But what else do you do to bring a family together? We're not very tight-knit, but we never fight either. It's a nice balance. But I want thing to do together, besides just standing around and talking.
Any suggestions?
If you'll kindly look to your left
I have added a new poster!
His name is Juggy, and he sits beside me at work. He is fascinated with my bosoms, and rightly so, because they're fantastic. (kidding, kidding)
He's gay, so Ace, don't freak out.
Everybody say a warm welcome to Juggy, he's a cool dude.
*edit*
Also now showing, Mr. Husbland. I found him via Miss Anne, and like her, I enjoy his blog. Very funny guy, very twisted sense of humor.
I'll have the junior, please.
We've all done it. We go out to a fast food joint, pick out our combo, and fall victim to the great deal of supersizing for just a few dimes. Everyone knows that we shouldn't do it, trans fats, oils, cheeses, sodium. They are all terrible for our bodies, but it's a DEAL! Of course our waist lines pay the ultimate price. Americans are fat, and getting fatter.
This has caused me to be impressed by a few restaurants are going against the grain, and offering either junior sizes, or healthier options like bottled water, fruit, salads, or milk (for the kids) with combos.
We have quite a few Sonic restaurants in the area, and you can get every dessert that they have in a 'junior' size, usually only for 99 cents or so, where as the regular one is a few dollars.
Wendy's offers granola, mandarin oranges, salads, and water all as other options to supersizing.
Don't get me wrong, I'm no health nut. I can finish an entire 10" pumpkin pie by myself. Or 30 hot wings. Or my super strawberry shortcake that I enjoy in the spring, covered in cool whip and chocolate sauce. But, I don't eat many fried things, or fatty breakfast foods, and even though my examples above look bad, I don't partake in desserts very often. Usually a frozen fruit popsicle a couple of times a week after I've been out in the heat is plenty to satisfy my sweet tooth. I remove the skin from my chicken. And I haven't had a soda since November.
If we, as a society, could just practice moderation we would all be healthier, happier, and live longer lives. Fewer heart attacks, fewer strokes, fewer stomach stapling surgeries and tummy tucks. Nice, right?
It's Thursday.
It's Thursday, and you know what that means.
Mr. Boom is at the vet getting his first heartworm shot. And Mommy's a nervous wreck. My poor dude. :(
I'll let you know how it goes.
Happy Anniversary sugar!
3 whole years have gone by, simply amazing.
Love you darlin.
A busy week for Manders
Tomorrow morning the car is being put in the shop. I checked with them today, and it is supposed to take 2 weeks. That S.U.C.K.S. Oh well, I want my new car to look new again.
Thursday Mr. Boomer goes in to see the vet for his first heartworm shot. I'm really nervous about it, but I trust the lady, and know that there isn't an alternative. Friday he goes in for the second shot, and after that has to be kept confined for a month. Yep, keep a 10 month old lab confined. That will go over like a fart in church. We have to keep him from getting excited or playing, and for potty breaks he has to be leashed so he won't run around or have any fun whatsoever. Fantastic. At least he likes it inside, and is housebroken.
In other news, I broke down and contacted my mom last week. I was thinking about her, and it has been nearly 2 years since we've spoken. I talked about it with Ace, and he and I figured I didn't have much to lose by trying to have a conversation with her, so I gave it a go. And... it wasn't half bad. She did say that it was because of me that we haven't spoken, but I really didn't expect her to act any differently. So I guess we'll see how that goes. I'm still pretty bitter about her past behavior, but afterall, she is my mom. But no one can say I didn't try.
The day has finally come
We're getting cable baby!!!
Today from 5-7 the cable man is coming to hook us up. Hell yeah!!!
Happy July 5th!
I wasn't near my computer yesterday to say happy 4th, so this will just have to do. Hope you're not disappointed.
My holiday was pretty good. I was at the shelter until about 3 taking care of the doggies. We did manage to take about an hour and half to stop for a cook out for all of us. We had burgers, hot dogs, brauts, kool aid and popsicles. Not bad really, and of course we let the dogs have all of the left overs. If anyone happened to watch channel 8 yesterday at 4,5,6, or 10 they had a story about keeping your dogs inside and away from the loud pops of the firecrackers. I'm telling you this because they came out to our shelter to film our dogs and had a coworker talking. I could have done it, but I was pretty dirty and didn't want to be on tv looking like that.
After that I met Ace at his folks house for more food, and a few drinks. Not many though. Watched the kiddos in the pool and then let Ace and his cousin do the fireworks show. It was a good time for sure.
Mr. Boomer's doing fine so far. I've picked up a few of his toys and I try to keep him still by giving him a bone to lay down and chew on so he's not up running around all the time. Hopefully that will help to keep him well until he can see the vet next week.
Also coming next week, the car goes in the shop. I had it estimated because of my run in with Mr. Ed. A nice sum of $3500. I could have put it in today, but I wouldn't have my loaner car yet, so I'd have to share with Ace and that's just too hard. So I can wait a few more days.
I guess that's just about it. Just working. Oh, we've moved our float trip to the last weekend of July. It was just more convenient for everybody that way.
Have a good day folks.
My poor doggy
Mr. Boomer's test results came back from the lab after his neutering last weekend, and my big man has heartworms.
The vet says we're lucky, we caught it early, so he probably just has minimal tissue damage. After his treatment (should be next week) and a few weeks of taking it very easy he should be good as new. I can't help but worry about him, that's just what mommies do.
I do have one perk of working at the shelter on the weekends (aside from the many slobbery kisses). Very, very cheap vet care. Last weekend he was neutered, had blood work, and all of his shots completely free of charge. His heartworm treatment at a regular vet would run about $500, and with our vet it will be a whopping $75. So I am certainly lucky for that.
Many of my blog buddies are having a hard time right now, family illnesses and what not. Make sure you give everyone lots of hugs and 'I love you's ' while you can people. Tomorrow's not guaranteed to anybody. Enjoy your holiday.
XOXO
