Keep Smiling!

HA HA HA HA HA .... "Abba CADAVER" ... *LAUGH* ... "Supernatural" ... *LOL* .... "pawsies" ... *ROFL* .... ahahahahahahaha......

I love "Get Fuzzy". d:)

After my grand production of picking out what clothes to wear, I felt a little better. It was like getting dressed for battle. *grin*

Got to the office at the stroke of 11 (Ha! Not bad timing for a 40 mile drive!). Went to my desk and cleaned out the rest of the stuff I hadnt grabbed yet... sorted out my desk keys, made sure I had all of my equipment (laptop, adapter, internal floppy, USB keyboard and mouse) ... took it and my security badge down to my boss. We had a little chat. He's been pleased with my quality of work, it's nothing personal, the decision has been out of his control, etc.

He escorted me out of the building, and we shook hands.

Went out to my car, and decided to check in with my contract manager... had to keep playing the cards, dont ya know ... one of the things he's been raving about me all along is that I'm one of their favorite consultants because I communicate so well, I'm so "low maintenance". d;) So I give him a call just to let him know that I've left the building, so therefore, the contract.

He tells me over and over how sorry he is that this has happened, that they are going to try to find me some more work (they actually called me about a position late last night, but I didnt feel qualified to accept it so turned it down). He also tells me he had a talk with my IBM boss earlier this morning. He really IS hoping to get me back, but doesnt know when, or even if it'll ever be possible. One of the reasons he (IBM boss) has been in town was to argue my case and try to pull strings at the last minute to keep me (which I had no idea about).

So I kinda wish I HADNT done the margarita t-shirt, but oh well. d;)

And THEN... what does every unemployed person do, immediately after losing their job?

GO TO WALMART!!

So I'm getting ready to head in to the office. I'm dressing "to the nines".

I'm wearing my favorite tennis shoes. My cargo jeans. My white 'Big Dogs - "It's 5 o'Clock Somewhere"' t-shirt which has margaritas on it. I have stones in all my pockets (which is why I needed the cargo jeans - I'll explain the 'rocks' later). I'm going in, ponytail and all.

See? MY way, dammit!

Ooooo..... queasy tummy ... today is the day.

BUT ... everything always works out for the best in the long run. I have confidence in that.

The time is set ... I'm meeting my boss (he's in town from Indiana for some meetings, not just to lay me off) at 11am tomorrow morning to turn in my laptop, badge, etc.

Since they were nice enough to give me some notice before laying me off, I'm being nice enough to turn over some of the projects I've been working on, in a nice orderly fashion. d;) Unfortunately, since I lost my hard-drive a few weeks ago, there's not THAT MUCH to turn over ... they're going to have to recreate some of them on their own. Oh well. I'm not straining myself to get them done.

So be thinking of me at 11am EDT on Thursday ... as I'll be bravely giving the final handshake to my paycheck .. er .. job. d;)

I dont often talk about my cat, Cinder. It's always 'the dogs this ... ', and 'the dogs that... '

Well, we're all owned by a black cat, Cinder. She's -mostly- black, except for a cottony white patch on her belly, and a few stray white hairs. She had grey stripes when she was a kitten, but she grew out of them.

Cinder offers her opinion on EVERYTHING. I've had her for ... hrm ... 7 years now, or so. She was a straggly little kitten when I adopted her from the SPCA, but she sure was mouthy back then... and she hasnt changed in that respect.

From anywhere in the house, I can call out "Meow?" and she'll respond with a "Meow." Even now, I just said it out loud as I was typing it, and she came running from the kitchen, jumped up on to the table next to me, and "Mrrow"ed. And it's not just "Meow" with her. She has a wide vocabulary. She puts together sentences! I have to nod and listen to keep up, as she tells me stories about her day.

This evening, I was preparing her dinner and I paused to clean out her litter box because she'd left something new and QUITE SMELLY in there. I mean, it was bad! I choked and looked at her and asked her "What in the world do I feed you??"
She looked at me and said "Meow-Row-Row!" with such certainty and inflection that I completely cracked up.

Boy, she told me!!

I've been pondering the question "Who Am I?" lately. I could list things I like or dislike ... but does that really explain who I am? Why I am? Or even, WHAT I am?

The answer to 'Who Am I?' is actually easy. I'm Carol. Care-All. I care about everyone, whether I want to or not. My Dad doomed me to this fate, when he named me. d;)

There ya go. Who, What and Why.

You scored as Charity. Charity- with you is the love that lifts the spirits of the world. Charity 79% Prudence 71% Justice 71% Hope 64% Fortitude 57% Faith 46% Temperance 43% The Seven Heavenly Virtues created with QuizFarm.com

This is going to be "I'm doing things MY WAY, DAMNIT" week. It's kinda going to be necessary to my sanity that I do things my way, so that I stay sane while losing my job in four days.

I started out the week by taking Willow (reminder: the white shepherd) to the vet this morning. Necessity - monthly blood tests. But I decided I was going to do it "my way, dammit". I was getting her all hyped up ... she's usually freaked and scared about going. She HATES the vet. In getting her all happy, my mini-aussie was THRILLED to hear the words 'go to the vet'. He LOVES the vet. Since Bailey (reminder: the mini-aussie) was excited, Riley (reminder: the collie) was getting excited. I seperated Willow from the 'pack', and looked out in the backyard at the two remaining dogs. Bailey and Riley looked so hopeful at the thought of going to the vet ... I gave it a quick ponder, and decided "Aw, hell with it. Family trip!" Grabbed leashes and collars all-around.

So all three of us trekked to the unsuspecting vet. I'm sure they loved me for the mayhem, but I was in the mood to do it "MY WAY, DAMMIT"!

That's how I'm going to handle this week ... that's how I'm going to survive it. I'm going to find a way to do things MY WAY, DAMMIT!!! It may just be small accomplishments. Wearing shorts on my last day to work. Signing my name on my termination papers, using a purple pen. I dunno yet. But I will find a way to make it MINE.

AARRGGHH!!! I want to go back to Scotland!!! I was just watching Rick Steves' Europe: Scotland on PBS, and was whimpering and drooling the whole half-hour. I wanna go baaaaaaaack!!!!!!! I want to hear live bagpipes, I want to learn about things that happened hundreds of years ago and longer, I want to see kilts and learn more about tartans, and see the wild heather in the Highlands, and hear people speaking with the accent. I want to visit lochs and castles, and did I mention the bagpipes? And I could probably force myself to eat a little taiblet (*grin*), tho I think I've had enough haggis (I've voluntarily had it ... TWICE!). I want to see the Highland Moo-Cows, and see border collies at work rounding up sheep ... and maybe even listen to some bagpipes. d;)

ARGH!!!

Take this survey, and you too can say ...

Let me explain the photo in the post below ... a friend of mine gave me his futon because he simply hated it, and was going to destroy it. I put it in my computer room. My white shepherd was the first one to adopt it, when she was so sick and weak. I guess she decided it got her up off the floor and away from the other animals, on a firm surface that was still cushiony, in a warm room (it was winter), it was ideal! Next, the collie (in the picture) who had never been spoiled in his life decided that was his piece of heaven. Now, it's my cat's playground. So my critters have their own furniture.

Gotta go get ready to assist with Canine Good Citizen testing ... more later!

I need a nap!! I couldnt sleep at all last night. d:(

Ki-lin You scored 60% Esotericism, 30% Power, and 20% Malevolence!

A mythical being of Chinese mythology, comparable with the Western unicorn. Ki-lin personifies all that is good, pure, and peaceful. It lives in paradise and only visits the world at the birth of a wise philosopher. The unicorn, which can become one thousand years old, is portrayed as a deer with one horn, the tail of an ox, the hooves of a horse, and a body covered with the scales of a fish. It is one of the four Ling.

My test tracked 3 variables How you compared to other people your age and gender: You scored higher than 62% on Esotericism You scored higher than 19% on Power You scored higher than 27% on Malevolence

Link: The Mythological Profile Test written by LacedWithASmile on Ok Cupid

I've got a grip. I dont have a clue, but a least I've got a grip.

Last night was graduation night for the Clayton obedience class. One student showed up. It was a different student than the one student that showed up the week before, so that was kinda amusing ... I've never had a class fall apart AT ALL like this class did. So, the one student got one-on-one training from two trainers.

I arrived late, cuz, well, I didnt really care to go. *grin* Then, as I was driving, there was a detour. Now, out here in the "country" when they give you a detour, it means you have to drive at least 10 miles out of your way to detour around one block. Seriously. And the car I got behind was actually driving the speed limit. You dont do the speed limit on country roads!! Geez!! Get a clue!! But, I was in a no-passing zone which meant I'd really better not pass because some red-neck yahoo could be doing 80 in the other direction, like I WANTED to be doing ...

When I got to the class (at a park), the other trainer was busy with the dog and handler. The trainer's dog was thrilled to see me, she loves me. *laugh* I walked up to Emma (the dog) and said "Hi, Emma! How ya doing? How was your week? Were you good? Did you help any people? Did you learn anything new? ", asked general questions like that, pausing in between the questions to give Emma time to answer me .. scratching her all over .. rubbing her belly .. paying attention to her .. Emma told me she learned a new trick, and she was really pleased with herself because she got treats for it.

Sure ... go ahead ... laugh. She really did tell me! Dogs have always "talked" to me. Some, not all.

I wandered over to where the trainer was working with the handler and dog ... started helping. We used Emma as our 'demo dog' for loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, etc ... and later, the trainer said that she had been working on a new trick with Emma - she'd been teaching her to roll over, and Emma showed us. How cool is that? She got to show us her new trick! (And yes, she got lots of treats for it. *laugh*)

Yeah, as far as work is concerned, I become defective as of July 1st. d;) Nice of them to give me a week's notice. As a contractor, they can do that.

My contract manager called me at my desk yesterday afternoon about 1:30pm. Mike is a good guy. Said he was calling with some bad news. I said "Yeah." What else can a contract manager tell you, that qualifies as 'bad news'?

"Due to IBM personnel cutbacks...", blah,blah,blah "...we had no control over it ....", blah,blah,blah "...it was a surprise to us, too... does not reflect your performance... you're one of our top... not personal in ANY WAY ... " blah,blah,blah "...will bring you back on board if we can ....". Stuff like that.

Mike kept talking ... I was trying to absorb the fact that I was going to be unemployed next week. Yes, I was crying, because I was not prepared for this news... it caught me off guard. One of the things I HATE MOST is to cry in public, especially at work. I -have- to be strong. The coworker I cant stand was sitting right around the corner from me, listening to every word from my side of the conversation... I was trying hard not to make a noise. But ya know how hard it is to talk and cry at the same time, without making it sound like you're crying? Grrr... so at one point, Mike said "Carol, are you ok? " (the WORST question to ask, because then you start crying HARDER because you know the answer is NO, but you're not about to admit that!!! ) ... I had to hit the mute button. Then, not picking up on the clue of silence, Mike kept saying "Carol? Are you there? Are you still there? Are you ok?" so I had to say SOMETHING. I'm doing the random 'mime' thing to my telephone, waving my hands around, shrugging and pointing at my throat that I cant talk, which of course, loses it's impact to someone on the other side of the phone. When he asks again, "Are you going to be okay??" I somewhat whisper "ALWAYS."

I sat at my desk for another hour, trying to stop the tears long enough to make it to the bathroom, and then from the bathroom to my car, (knowing I couldnt make it straight out to my car without having another tear breakdown) planning my route avoiding the greatest amount of people.... with the thought 'What am I doing to do? What am I doing to do?' running through my head. I'm not prepared for this, this time around ... unlike last year's unemployment stint, I dont have any money saved, I'm not going to have a nice severance package to fall back on, I just took a week's unpaid vacation and am paying off those debts...

It kinda felt like suffocating.

My last "effective date" of work is June 30th.

This is a dog week.

Tonite, a new obedience class begins for Smithfield. Tomorrow night is graduation night for the Basic Manners class of Clayton, and a new obedience class begins - which I'm actually going to be participating in with Riley, his first formal training! It's going to be weird for me, taking the class as a STUDENT, instead of teaching or assisting. *grin* I'm still going to assist where needed and use Riley as the "demo dog", which should make the class interesting, because I havent even taught Riley how to 'sit' yet. He was abused his whole short life (3 yrs) so since I've had him (6 months), I've let him just enjoy his freedom with little training. I'll babble more about my dogs later. d;)

Thursday, I'm going to someone's house to do a 'home visit' for Collie Rescue.. we were supposed to start a new Agility class on Thursdays, but we're cancelling those for the summer ... too hot to be running and jumping with the dogs.

The 'home visit' is where I go meet a family that wishes to adopt a collie, make sure the environment is right for a 'rescue' dog, confirm that the family knows what they're getting in to ... that kinda thing.

On Saturday morning, I'm going to go help give some Canine Good Citizen tests. Only one of my three have their CGC title. I'd like to work on Willow (the white shepherd) this Fall, once she's off all of her drugs and therapy and stuff... but we'll see.

I told a friend yesterday that I work in computers for the money ... to support my dog addiction. It's sad but true.

So for breakfast, while I was busy flipping out about my pink fishie (as opposed to the red-eye tetra in the kitchen, who leaves me alone), I was in a hurry so grabbed a quick sandwich on my way out the door for Agility class. Guess what kind?


http://www.albinoblacksheep.com/flash/banana.php

(requires flash, and sound turned on)

Yup, and I had that song in my head when I made my samwich (thanks to the caffeine I'd just had).

d=)

I have a 20-gallon fish tank, with one fish in it. A pink kisser fish, appropriately named Pinky. In the past two years, I've had up to 15 fish in that tank ... (dozens, if you count the baby mollies that were born) but they've all died or Pinky has attacked/killed them.

Now, Pinky looks like a sweet innocent pretty little fish ... pastel pink... about an inch and a half in length. He doesnt look like a cold-blooded killer. Even when he is attacking, he has this innocent look in his eyes, like "I just want to kiss and be friends!" I swear if he had eyelashes, he'd be fluttering them!

Well, this morning, Pinky is WATCHING ME. The fishtank is in the living room, in between the bedroom and the kitchen. Every time I pass by, he is facing me and watches me move around the room. Even now, he's watching me type. He's FOLLOWING me .... *paranoid panic* He's been fed, so he's not looking for food. Usually he ignores me, he's not that fond of humans since I .. well .. kinda mistook him for dead once (a long story I'll share some other time!).

I've gotta get ready for Agility Class, it's their graduation day so they're all running a full course on their own, but I'm totally freaked about the fishie!!

I'm not actually -from- NC, but I found most of these appropriate, and they made me laugh... and scared me a little too! I guess I can consider myself a North Carolinian since I've lived here for 8 yrs ... Anyway, I've edited with my own opinion of each line.

You Know You're From North Carolina When...

Yes - You've gotten used to the smell of cow manure on a car trip to Raleigh. Yes - Saying "y'all" isn't just a cute expression; it actually means something. Yes - There are big labrador retrievers in the back of every truck. Yes - You give directions using KFC and Waffle House as landmarks. Yes - You still see Dale Earndheart tributes on cars. No, but I have gotten used to it - You can't imagine life without Bojangles' sweet tea Yes - Your annual office party always deals with bbq and potato salad Yes - You have a sunburn from May to October Yes, or something like it - Your 'heavy winter clothing' consists of some turtleneck sweaters, a fuzzy jacket, and your daddy's boots Yes, or maybe once a month - Your family has fried chicken once a week Yes - You can tell the difference between cotton fields and tobacco fields while driving Yes - One of your neighbors has a confederate flag hanging on their front porch Yes, depending on who you talk to - Those "damn yankees" are taking over your school/church/workplace/neighborhood... No, since I'm not from around here - You've been "properly raised", and yankees love it when they hear you say "ma'am" and "sir" Yes, but not yucky grits - You get your carbs from biscuits, rolls, pancakes, and grits Yes - You know the difference between a "redneck" and a "hick". No - You own at least one surf shop or seafood restaurant shirts. Yes - No matter what those people in ohio say, we are still "first in flight" No - The Coca-Cola 600 is as big as the Super Bowl Yes - You prefer Chick-fil-a to KFC No - You know pastry is a chicken stew, not a dessert item. Yes - Every time you visit someone you’re offered something to eat and a glass of tea. Yes, but they were from Illinois - Your granddaddy always wore overalls and your grandma always wore an apron. Yes - In summer you have home-grown tomatoes with every meal. No - When it rains and the creek rises, everyone gathers to see how high it rose. Yes - You know that "chunk" the ball means to throw it. No, yuck - You've had a burger "all the way" - chili and slaw on it. Yes - You can recognize a copperhead and your heart drops when you see one. Yes - You have at least one acquaintance that raises collards. Yes - You have taken trips to the mountains to look at leaves. Yes - Your school classes were cancelled because of a hurricane. Yes - You know Krispy Kreme makes the best doughnut. Yes - You have an opinion about UNC. You went there and loved it, or you hate everyone who did. No - You know the best BBQ is found in Lexington Yes - You would rather eat at Bojangles's than McDonald's Yes - You have actually uttered the phrase "It's too hot to go to the pool" No - You faithfully drink Pepsi or Mt. Dew everyday of your life. Yes - You have your own secret bbq sauce. Yes, well, they arent hunting dogs - You or your neighbors have more hunting dogs than you have family members. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from North Carolina.

WTF? It's 1:30am. I went to bed around 11pm. Which, for those of you too lazy to do the math, means I've been asleep for roughly 2.5 hours.

I was sound asleep, I dont remember what I was dreaming, when I sit upright in bed and say out loud "TANTABULAR!" It was the oddest feeling, waking up while talking. This is about the third time that's happened in the past two months.

And what the h*ll is "tantabular"?? I felt as if it was SO important to me, like it was the meaning of life or something! (Which is why I'm on the computer, looking at http://www.dictionary.com to see if it's an actual word, which it's not.)

So, hey! Tantabular to you too, y'all!! I googled it, and it doesnt exist out there either, so I get to create my own definition I guess! Maybe it IS the meaning of life!

ps: All I had to eat/drink before bed was some orange juice, in case you're wondering.

When I turned 21, I started a list of 50 things I wanted to do, see, or learn before I die. I'm only up to 32 things on the list. It was actually hard to come up with 50! I havent added anything in several years (I just came across it). I have accomplished several things on the list, at least. Here's the initial 32:

1. Go on a European Castle tour.
2. Go on a cross-country road trip, with no pre-arranged destination.
3. Go on a cruise.
4. Learn how to paint scenery.
5. Write 'my life story', just for myself.
6. Go Skydiving/parachuting.
7. Learn SCUBA.
8. Get a German Shepard.
9. Lose weight and be 'fit'.
10. Play better harmonica.
11. Make and KEEP friends, and treat them golden.
12. Get a Bachelor's Degree.
13. Fill hundreds of helium balloons on a nice day, and let them fly.
14. Help make someone else's dreams come true.
15. Learn as many constellations as possible.
16. Go whale watching.
17. Learn how to analyze my dreams.
18. Find myself.
19. Volunteer for a 'cause'.
20. Fly a long distance, in 'First Class' seating.
21. Get married and have a family.
22. Go hiking in a foreign country.
23. Watch a NASA launching, live.
24. Get some cats.
25. Pet a 'big cat' (tiger, lion, etc..)
26. Write a book about anything.
27. Learn Tai Chi (learn it WELL)
28. Learn how to ski.
29. Hug a Giant Redwood (sequoia)
30. Play piano well.
31. Plant trees and watch them grow.
32. Go to the "Star Trek - The Experience" Las Vegas Hilton
...

I'm going to start thinking of some more things to add to the list. d:)

I went to the store to pick up a Father's Day Card the other day... the first one I picked up had Garfield on it.

It's a picture of an enthusiastic Garfield, saying "You're my dad, and you'll ALWAYS be my dad."

Open up and says "Just wanted you to know your job is secure."

I CRACKED UP when I read it, since my job future has always been so iffy ... and when I went home to St.Louis, that's what everyone kept asking me about ... I laughed so loudly that I startled two other ladies looking at cards in the same aisle. I smiled at them and said "Sometimes just the right card jumps out at ya, doesnt it?"

Life is amusing. d:)

This is very sad ... very, very. Very. Did I mention VERY sad?

...

32 days until the next Harry Potter book comes out!! *bounce* *bounce* *happy dance* I CAN'T WAIT!!!

...

Pathetic. *sigh of disgust*

(Have I mentioned my split personality? *grin*)

Yes, I am a "Harry Potter-ite". My mother, of all people, encouraged me to read the books. She read the first one and said that I would love it ... I said "Nah... there's too much hype, it's too talked up, people are making way too big a deal of it. No way."

By the time I picked up one of the books, "Prisoner of Azkaban" had just come out in hardback. I picked it up, on a whim. After only two chapters, I was so hooked that I hopped online and ordered book 1 in paperback. I read it day and night, didnt sleep, and immediately ordered book 2 in paperback. Anxiously awaited it's arrival, chewing my fingernails (which isn't even a habit of mine!), and re-read books one and three. So then I had to go back and read them in order, one - two - three.

THEN I discovered ... *drumroll*... books on tape! A friend lent me her set, I'd never listened to a book on tape before ... I could listen to it in the car on my way to work! (a 30 minute drive) So, we had to start over with book 1 on tape ... but then I got smart ... CDs! And then book 4 came out ... so had to get THAT ... in hard-back, and CD ... and I went over to England, and discovered the versions were slightly different, so then I had to get THOSE ...

So, yes, I have all of the Harry Potter books in american paperback, british paperback, american hardback, american CD, book 1 on tape, (I dont have the british tapes or CDs - I like the reader who does the american versions, Jim Dale, better). ALTHO ... I do not have books 4 or 5 in paperback ... they are just too big, and paperback is just silly! *laugh*

(And yes. I have pre-ordered the CD version, AND the hardback version of Book 6 - Half-Blood Prince).

See? Very very sad. d=)

I was driving in to work this morning, and caught myself chuckling at a memory of my recent trip to St.Louis.

I had given Bailey an 'Extra Special Rawhide Bone' as a distraction, hoping he'd settle down somewhere to chew on it instead of bouncing off the walls, jumping on people, giving kisses, and just generally getting on everyone's nerves. My dogs dont get rawhide because Willow, my white shepherd, cant have it (health problems)... so out of fairness, I dont keep any in the house.

So Bailey had a large (too large, for his size) bone, and he was thrilled. He carried it around, but refused to sit down and chew on it. His first concern was to "bury" it. Being inside, this meant finding a really good hiding spot. We spent the next several days playing hide-and-go-seek with his bone ... he hid it under my piano, I found it. He hid it under the dining room table, I found it. He tried to hide it in the couch, but he caught my Dad watching him ... so he moved it. The only time I didnt catch him in the act, was the last afternoon in town ... he trotted off down the hallway, and came back... pleased as punch with himself.

Now, I know his methods of "burying", it could have been anywhere ... in a pile of dirty laundry, underneath a bed, up against the wall, sitting out in plain sight, I was worried that we'd leave it behind and that my parents would unexpectedly find it in some most inconvenient way several weeks down the road.

I spent HOURS looking for that damned bone!! My Aunt had come up from Texas to surprise my mother, for her 70th birthday ... she told me "Carol, try as you may ... you will never be able to think like a dog!" (Oh, how little she knows me ...)

Watching Bailey carefully, we played the 'hot and cold' game. I could tell by his reactions when I was getting closer to his 'hiding spot'. Well, I FOUND that damned bone ... it was buried IN a slipper, IN my mom's closet, UNDER a pile of shoes!!

Clever little Aussie .... that's my boy!! d:)

I want to take a moment to remember some strangers. People I've never met, and never will. Through the odd links of fate, they've touched my life though.

As you'll later read, and as U2Lorax will tell ya, we volunteered at "The Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Race For The Cure" here in downtown Raleigh. But before I add that that to my growing list of adventures to write about, I have to mention one lady I met.

I made a lady cry today.

We were volunteering at the half-way point water stop, handing out cups of water to the walkers and runners as they passed by, and cheering them on.

An elderly lady came by on her own, during a quieter time towards the end of the first race. I brought her out a cup of water, and noticed she had a pink "rememberance" paper pinned to her back, where race participants could write down people they wished to honor that day. I chatted with her; we talked about the weather, she was very cheerful and determined to make it all the way thru the course. I asked who she was remembering today, and her voice cracked and she started to cry. Three months ago, she lost her neighbor who she was to be going to Ireland with next week... and another friend as well. I couldnt understand their names when she told me, but I thanked her for being strong for them today. I promised her I would add them to my prayers, and that I would remember.

So right now, I'd like to remember these strangers by lighting a candle for the people that she has lost, people that have also been found.

What Not To Do:

Get yourself a cookie. Get the dog a cookie. Guess where this is going?

Let me tell ya ... "Beggin' Strips" DO NOT really taste like bacon! False advertising!!! d:( *bleah*

Hope Riley (my collie) liked that 'Golden Oreo' ...

Star Wars Horoscope for Libra

You are on a lifelong pursuit of justice and determined to succeed. You convey the art of persuasion through force. You always display your supreme intelligence. You have a great talent in obtaining balance between yourself and your surroundings. Star wars character you are most like: Obi Wan Kenobie

Home today. It was just about 12:30am when I pulled in to the driveway last night/this morning, which put the car trip yesterday at just under 16 hours. Long drive. Had meant to write while at the parents house, but just didnt feel like sitting in front of the computer long enough.
Very busy trip, lots of adventures. To summarize: Great time! Will write more detail in a bit ... brain is fuzzy from lack of sleep, body is achey from 16 hour car trip and from a fight this afternoon with the lawnmower (Herbert the lawnmower ganged up with a hole the dogs had dug, and those two won, knocking me down to the ground and wrenching my shoulder very painfully. *pout* I hate losing fights to inanimate objects! )

Ready, Set, Drive to Missouri?

Preparing for a scenic drive from "here to there" with one of the dogs. We're staying overnight somewhere closer to "there" than "here", since it's about a 13 hour drive. Last time I drove it, it took the ex-boyfriend and I 17 hours due to a rock slide. We drove straight through, since we had two drivers. Bailey, my Mini-Aussie, isnt old enough to drive. Plus, his legs cant reach the pedals... so he gets to co-pilot and navigate. He'll also protect us from any clowns (he barked FIERCELY at a fiberglass Ronald McDonald at a drive-thru once) and keep me awake with the occassional kiss.

Should be an interesting trip ...