Don't bite the hand that feeds

You all get the benefit of reading my rant. Two HUGE pet peeves of mine are as follows.

1) People who draw off of you like a leach, whether it be emotionally or financially, and then deny you ever contributed anything in their life and say they did it all on their own.
2) People who enable the above types of people.

Everybody in life needs help at one time or another be it emotional or financial. The worst thing to do to someone who has helped you in either category or BOTH is to deny them your gratitude. There are some people (namely the ones in category #1) who go through life without ever earning anything they have. Why? Because people in category #2 come to the rescue and clean up their mess, ergo preventing category #1 from accepting any responsibility or full consequence for their actions. What type of results does category #2 create you might ask?? Let me enlighten you. It creates ingrates who continue to make the same decisions over and over, blame everyone else because they keep getting the same result, and also encourages category #1's attitude of "the world owes me" and "I've always been so mistreated".

I'd like to address category #1 first.
Everybody has a sob story, and I assure you there are people with far worse ones than the ones you have conjured up. Accept responsibility for YOUR decisions, the results are YOURS and YOURS alone. Appreciate the help you receive, and give credit for it.Try to make better decisions to prevent having to ask for it again since you have such a hard time admitting you received any in the first place!!

Category #2.
Stop cushioning the blow of category #1's repeated stupid decisions. You aren't helping. You can help by telling the truth and pointing out the obvious, and teaching them how to make decisions. Cleaning up their mess and protecting their feelings only encourages their self pity and also gives them comfort as they plan yet another bad decision to make.

Thank you. **End rant.

Well...I tried

After all that effort in finding the right dog, I took her to the Little Elm animal shelter today. Not even 7 days that lasted.

She didn't at any point show signs of aggression, but definitely had a dominance about her. Last night Abby was sitting on the floor on her knees by my feet petting the dog. I was watching t.v. but could see Abby and the dog. All was fine I saw Abby move a little and within seconds the dog launched after Abby growl/bark and all and knocked Abby's feet out from under her and onto her back. Thankfully I reacted just as quickly and yanked (thought I might have snapped her neck) the dog off and put her in her cage. Abby was MORTIFIED. I calmed her down and told her she wasn't in trouble but it was very important that she tell me what she was doing to the dog. She replied "I tried to pick her up". My immediate reaction was to defend the dog. I told Abby the dog is too big for you to pick up and you probably hurt her. Of course her feelings were then VERY hurt, as that was obviously not her intention, nor did she expect the dog to attack her.

I went and gave Abby a bath and the more I though about it, the more I was not comfortable with the reaction from the dog. The dogs claws scratched Abby's forehead, neck, and arms, and the dogs tooth left a nice mark on her left cheek bone just under her eye. What this dog did was not a "warning", nor a reaction to pain. I also talked to my neighbor across the street who fosters dogs, and she said to get rid of the dog. I've been around dogs all of my life, even aggressive non kid friendly ones and not seen a reaction like that. Now, had Abby been pulling the dogs ears, slapping her, kicking her, or other forms of torment I could somewhat understand that form of a reaction, but even then, even the biggest dogs don't attack, but they certainly let you know they will hurt you if you continue, they "warn" and yes sometimes those warnings draw blood. But, Abby wasn't doing any of those things, nor has she ever to any animal because she knows and learned at an early age, I will beat your ass if you harm an animal.

Abby has always been apprehensive around animals, her dad is that way. I think this dog sensed Abby as being weak/scared. Abby is somewhat afraid of dogs. Abby will never walk up to any animal and pet it, not even itty bitty dogs. There were a few times this past week where the dog had run after Abby for whatever reason or when Abby had food the dog would try to grab it and Abby became fearful.

It doesn't really matter at this point why the dog reacted that way. I'm disappointed as is Abby, but my child is more important, and after that I would have never felt comfortable leaving Abby alone with the dog, and I wouldn't have felt comfortable having other people bring their children around the dog. So, the dog went. I'm thankful I was within arms reach when it happened.

I thought I had learned all the lessons I needed to, to be prepared to own a dog. I don't want a puppy, I don't want to potty train, and I now know I do not want a rescue dog, it's clearly risky when you have small children. Maybe that's common sense and I should've already known that, but I would rather save an animal than go buy one, but that's not an option now unfortunately.

Such is life. I have not given up completely on the dog idea. But, I may need to stick with lap dogs. Chihuahuas or something of that nature. Abby wants a dog, she likes dogs, but has always feared being attacked, and now that has happened. If I give up on getting her a dog, she'll always fear them and think they all act that way. One day she may come up against a viscous dog, and she needs to know how to not fear it.

I'm trying to raise Abby by the "wish factor". I wish a mutha fucka would! LMAO!

For a job extra well done....

I got a raise today!!! YAY ME! I didn't even ask for it...how good is THAT! Go me.. Go me.. Go me.. (does a dance). =)

New edition to the family

We got our doggie, her name is Penny. She has a very sweet disposition, but is EXTREMELY curious! She sits and stays on command, and I have taught her to wipe her feet when she comes in from the back yard. (we all know how OCD I am about the damn floor)

We got her on Friday afternoon. We had a good weekend. Rather uneventful. I made breakfast on Saturday and the day consisted of lounging and playing with the dog. Sunday I bought breakfast LOL and I cleaned the whole house and went grocery shopping. Abby had a sleep over with two of her friends....we'll skip that and fast forward to today as that was exhausting.

Today Abby had her 5 year check up. She is a little short for her age group (shocking *rolls eyes*) but she is normal weight. The doctor put her in at least the 6 year age group for what she was able to do. The way they base these things I think is a little stupid. "Here draw the shape I say", or "Can you copy what I wrote", or "Can you walk like you're on a balance beam". I mean really? Either way, I'm glad I put her in Pre-K. He said she separates from me easily, and is eager to please (not sure I like that), so he was overall impressed and convinced she will do well academically and that I should really push the academics (not sure I'm on board with the "pushing" but whatever). He also suggested dance, or soccer for her based on her bounciness whilst we were in there. DUH! Dude, have you not seen the girl bust a move?? LOL

Abby has mentioned to me several times about playing soccer, so I'm looking into some teams here in Little Elm. I did find it funny he suggested those two things, one of which she already LOVES to do, the other she's been dying to try. I already read to her alot, but I usually read childrens books. I think I'm going to take her to the library and try a different course like, Emerson, Barret Browning, Poe. I love poetry and she's definitely the type to ask what it means and get into it. She starts school in August (I'm so nervous). I don't know where the time went but, I WANT IT BACK!!

Back to the dog. Last night and today she was rather mischievous and irritating. I'm not sure what the poor dog had to go through to get food before, but this dog hunts through my house constantly sniffing for food. She stands up with her paws on the counter like a damn cat trying to see if she can reach anything. We have to keep a VERY close watch on her because she CONSUMES Ritzy's cat food. At first I thought it was the dog food I had, so I went and bought a different flavor, even put a little water to bring out the aroma....NOPE. She wants the damn cat food. It's really irritating. I have to put her in her crate when we eat dinner because she has no manners. She doesn't even sit and beg, it's like every man for themselves you have to fight for your food. LOL That's really my only complaint. But it's a damn big one. I know it will just take some time. I can't even head toward the kitchen without her beating me in there already sniffing in the air as if I already have something. SHEESH!

Here's some pics!



That's all here. Back to work tomorrow. =(

The Dog Saga

Well it has come to an end FINALLY! Phillip and I decided about a month ago (although he claims having no part in the convo) to get a dog. Yes again.

The first dog we got was Leia. She was a wonderful puppy. She was a mix of Jack Russell, what my brother believed to be Orange Heeler (sp?), and something else. I didn't have my head on straight when I got her. We went to Operation Kindness which is a no kill shelter and I couldn't leave without her. Abby was only a year old at the time, the dog was bigger than her. We had her about a month. Through no fault of her own, she simply wanted to play with Abby, she ended up scratching Abby's face and the rest of her body. We had Abby first, so the dog went back.

The second dog we got was an 8 week old Maltese. Cute as he could be, dumb as a box of rocks, and again, I didn't have my head on straight. I hadn't ever owned a puppy before, Leia was house trained. This puppy was like having a baby/toddler at the same time. He tore up our guest bathroom baseboard, he bounced off the damn wall, and I couldn't get him house trained. Abby doesn't like bouncy rambuncheous animals. He was all of the above. She couldn't really play with him mostly because of his attention span, and it was all about DON"T LET THE PUPPY PEE ON THE FLOOR. What's fun about that. So, he went to my friend Amy's mom.

So, this time around (live and learn) I decided we will not get a puppy, and the dog must be house trained. I can handle all the other antics that come with a dog, but not needy, and not pissing and shitting on my floor.

So for two weeks I've looked at dogs. I found a few pugs, a puggle, and a chihuhua. I showed Abby all the dogs she could pick from, and then we landed on the Basset. End search. So this past weekend I was on Craigslist, animal shelter websites, rescue websites, you name it I was on it looking for a Basset Hound. Every time I found one, I would call, tell them I wanted it, they would call back 20 minutes later and say "someone who lives closer can come get it now, so I gave it to them". Real classy. This happened 4 times!!! That's not counting the ones I would email, they would email me back, I would ask when to come get it.....end emails. RIDICULOUS! So I decided this is a sign. I am not to get a Basset Hound. I love them, think they're adorable, bad sign. I actually wanted a beagle to begin with. But, of course everyone has a friend who has a friend who has a cousin, that has one that howls. Phillip said no right off the bat. Abby preferred the Basset over the Beagle, but only because I said they're fat and lazy and they're belly drags the floor, that just sounds funny and entertaining. Plus this couple we know has a 9 mos. old beagle. He's a good dog, but he does bark and howl.

Before the Basset saga began I found a lady who has a beagle. She isn't advertising her, she has been keeping her until she finds someone interested that will give her a good home, then she is willing to part. Well before me there wasn't anyone she thought would be a good home. She took possesion of her for friends that are moving out of state and won't be able to take the dog with them. So she took her to prevent her from going to a shelter. She has had the dog 3 months now, and the dog is house trained, doesn't bark, doesn't howl, and doesn't appear to be to terribly active. LOL She's PERFECT....and she's a Beagle named Penny. I hope she turns out to be our great dog. I go get her Friday. The family that had her before had 3 children so I know she's good with children, we aren't sure on the cats. The lady says she shows no aggression, she doesn't even get excited or bark at squirrels. So I think we'll be ok. Ritzy is lazy and laid back, she'll just go hide if she isn't a fan.

Hopefully this will all turn out fabulously. I think she'll be a good doggie. I will post pics once I get her. I'm not telling Abby until we get there that she's not a Basset. Drama will ensue if I tell her prior. Once she sees the dog, she will be like "what Basset?". LOL

Dinner and a movie

Kelli and I went out this evening for movie and dinner, rather than dinner then movie. LOL We saw he's just not that into you. WOW. It was cute, and also very true about women. I was rather ashamed to be a woman after watching that, even though I've never done the things those women were doing in the movie over a guy. We ate at California Pizza Kitchen, it was conveniently located. I actually had a pretty darn good salad. I'm glad Kelli is my friend, she'll tell me the truth when noone else has the balls too.

Prior to this evening, Phillip and I did yard work. He did most of it. I usually am only responsible for trimming the hedges. That's because when Phillip does it I have no hedge left. Abby played with her friend across the street. We had a good lunch that I cooked, and I got a nap. =) It was a relaxing Sunday. I still don't want to go to work though. LOL

Everyone have a good week!

Well..well ...well

Been a little bit since I've posted. It's been busy.

2 weeks ago was Mardi gras, Abby and I had a blast. Then I was sick for 2 straight weeks, I went through 2 rounds of antibiotics and steroids, FINALLY it went away. I lost a significant amount of hearing in my only good ear (my right one) from the infection. I'm already legally deaf in my left ear, my right wasn't much better, but now it's as bad as the left. I've been informed for the third time since I was 14 that I need to get hearing aids. Let me assure you...this will not happen. LMAO! I refuse.

Abby and Phillip left for California this past Thursday. I flew out this past Friday at 7:00, arrived at 10:30. I stayed up until 2:00. Saturday I got up and took Abby to Knotsberry Farm. I had never been and made the fatal mistake of thinking it was like Six Flags or Disneyland. Not so much. There were a whopping 6 rides Abby could get on supervised/unsupervised. I paid $50 bucks and stayed a total of an hour, and it was hot. Stayed up til 1:30 on Saturday, got up went and ate the best Korean food EVER with Phillip's cali friends and his brother and sister, and went to the airport. I will not make a short trip like that again. I was friggin exhausted. That, and because I literally walked ALL day Saturday with Phillip and Abby, my calves are STILL killing me. Otherwise, it was beautiful and a nice mini trip. Phillip and Abby come home tonight, I can't wait!

Thursday I get my tattoo on my wrist. I'm pretty stoked about that. Work is going well, I got major major props from all of the physicians Friday before I left. They told me I set the standard. :) Can you say, where's my money?? HA! I will wait for the 6 month mark for that. I have been fighting the maternal feeling this past couple of weeks. All these damn women coming in pregnant or with a baby..KILLIN me! I just have to wait for it to pass...because it will. :)

Everything is good, no complaints. We are going to Korea in September instead of March. I'm SUPER excited about that. I can't wait! I have to get started on mine and Abby's passports.

That's all to report for now. Have a good week!