Wolf Lover Girl

In Memory

2009-11-06T08:05:00.001-06:00

My thoughts and prayers to everyone at Fort Hood, TX!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

It's a Girl!!!!

2009-08-18T18:57:00.004-05:00

Our little Butterfly has arrived!

Born on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 2:27pm.

Weighing 6 pounds 8 ounces and just over 19 inches long.

Sucking her finger.

Daddy says she's going into the UFC... make sure those hands are up!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Not Gonna Sell it That Way

2009-07-22T16:19:00.002-05:00

I always find it kind of funny when I drive by someone on the side of the road with their hood up (ok, that's not the funny part). But that they have some sort of "for sale" sign on the car.

Okay, you're trying to sale the car but you're pulled over with the hood up which obviously means something is wrong with the car - what's the phone number to call you right up and purchase?

Right!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Baby Room

2009-06-14T21:33:00.008-05:00

We've begun transforming the guest bedroom into the baby room. Here are a few pictures of the process.

The old guest room - not much in it, but it worked when we had company.

Everything cleaned out and taped up. We're using two colors, purple on top and green on bottom. Of course Mr. M did all the painting since I'm not allowed to assist in my "condition". ;-) He did a wonderful job!

Here's the purple on top.

And the green on the bottom.

Tape removed.

Add the border!

Close-up of the border.

Next - assemble the baby bed! :-)

~ Wolf Lover Girl

In Memory

2009-06-10T05:19:00.002-05:00

After his battle with cancer, Mr. M's dad has finally passed.

Not sure of funeral information yet. Just know we're having it in Houston where dad lived and will spread his ashes out on Gatamora (sp) Bay where he liked to fish all the time.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

One Year

2009-06-09T17:44:00.002-05:00

Wow! Today is the one year anniversary of my mom's passing. The time has just flown. I was glad though that I mentioned to her that we were trying to concieve. So even though she's not here she knew.

Love ya mom!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Baby Update

2009-06-03T11:46:00.002-05:00

Okay, since my first post in many moons is a Debbie Downer how about another one to make up for it? :-)

Reason for my absence? 2 reasons - after working on a computer all day, the last thing I want to do when I get home is get on a computer! :-) 2. Usually I post during my lunch break at work. Most of this time lately has been spent working on baby stuff. You know, registering for all things related to baby. Looking for baby furniture. All that good stuff.

I'm trying to not be one of those people who is constantly "baby this, baby that". I know that truthfully people don't care (especially if they have no children etc). Now if someone asks me - I'll definitely let them know.

Now the one question that I'm for sure really tired of? "Are you having morning sickness?" Okay, I'm officially in my third trimester (eek, time has flown!) Morning sickness, if you have it, is usually in the first trimester. So no, I'm not - and truthfully I didn't. I got lucky. I did get sick a few times in the evenings, but nothing like I know others went through.

Again I know that some really don't care for all the details so here's a few tidbits that I'll share...

We're having a girl! Yes, the name has been chosen, actually we kind of knew we were having a girl before we were told so we only had one name picked out.
She's an active little girl. Kicking, rolling around, dancing... I don't know. What a very cool feeling.
We've started baby classes - makes me second guess this whole baby thing. At least this whole birthing part of it. ;-)
Haven't gotten one thing ready yet. Yep, this is freaking me out! Need to change the guest room (which is currently being utilized) into a baby room. Although the theme and furniture has been picked out, just need to purchase and throw it all together.
Baby shower is next Friday so will hopefully help out with the last concern.

So there you go, a quick run down of the baby thing.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Dad's Declining Health

2009-06-03T11:31:00.002-05:00

I know, I know... it's been awhile. And although this is my first post in many months, it's not a fun and happy one... sorry!

I figured I would give an update on Mr. M's dad since the first time I posted something. He's not doing well. Mr. M's brother (we'll call him Mr. W) was doing a hell of a job taking care of him in Houston. Taking him to all of his many Dr's appointments, feeding him through a tube that's in his stomach etc. But it was getting a little too much for him to handle every day on his own. Long story short, dad was admitted to a hospice there in Houston. But still the sole burden was on Mr. W.

So about two weeks ago, with the approval of the Dr, we flew Mr. W and his dad to Dallas. A local hospice in Fort Worth picked them up from the airport and dad has been there since. Mr. W. has since gone back to Houston, packed up the apartment they were sharing and moved to Dallas and temporarily living with us until he can find somewhere to go.

Dad's health is definitely declining. His memory is starting to fail him and he's trying sooo hard to not forget things. He has everyone write things down for him, to the point that everyone's name is also written down "Mr. W - oldest son. Mr. M - youngest son" etc.

We had a small scare last Friday when we received a call from one of his nurses saying he had 36 hours left. We called one of Mr. M's aunts to let her know and she flew down that next day. Of course here it is Tuesday and he's still kicking. Telling ya, he's fighting! ;-) Not sure truthfully how much longer he'll win the fight though. I watched the same thing with my mom. In fact I was telling my sister that if he makes it to next Tuesday it will be exactly one year from when she passed.

Anywho, it's just hard going through this again only a year later. Here's another wish for the overall cure for cancer.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Work Update

2009-03-27T15:22:00.002-05:00

First and foremost - I'm safe!

- everyone in my department is safe!
- everyone in our IT department is safe! (for those of you who might be wondering)

We did not receive word on Monday as we had originally heard. Everything started yesterday, continued today and continues on Monday. I feel bad for all of those who have to wait the weekend till Monday to hear if they have a job or not.

I have heard of several people that I know and work with that will not have a job. They stay on anywhere from 2 weeks to a few months. Not sure how they're making their decisions though.

It has been a very bad week and I'm glad its over.

The only thing that has really changed for me is that I will no longer report to the local office but our Corporate office. As of now there is no one in that position for me to report to so basically everything is business as normal.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Announcement II

2009-03-22T17:32:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned on this post, we're expecting a baby! Friday I had a Doctor appointment and a sonogram was done. I had Mr. M there with me. It was his first sonogram. I think he was really impressed. The baby is definitely looking more like a baby than a "blob" every time I have a sonogram done. You could really see the head from the body and the arm. Just amazing.

The nurse kept pointing out things and I told her I just didn't understand how they could tell all that. She said "job security"... that's true!

Well we did find out... we're having a girl!!!

We do have a name picked out. Actually we've had the name picked out for a long time now. We both had a feeling it was a girl.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

A Present!

2009-03-22T17:27:00.002-05:00

Our little Poo was outside today, as she normally likes to do when the weather starts getting nice. I went to check on her and she was at the door like she wanted to come. M&M acted like she wanted to go out. So I open the door, blocking M&M to allow Poo to come in first.

To my surprise our little Poo had a little present for us! A snake! Have I ever mentioned that I REALLY dislike snakes? I immediatly shut the door a) so she didn't bring in the snake b) so M&M didn't get a hold of it as well.

Now it was a tiny little thing but still. So I yell for Mr. M to come take care of our little present. I tried to grab the camera to take a picture of Poo and her little play toy but Mr. M had already gotten her into the house (without the snake) and then threw the snake away.

Not sure what kind it was though. All I know is ick!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

True or Not True?

2009-03-17T16:38:00.004-05:00

Well the latest rumor around the water cooler is that we will hear something this coming Monday the 23rd. A few of us have nicknamed this upcoming day as "Black Monday". And a few of us have decided to wear black to work in anticipation.

Update: Heard it won't happen Monday, but probably Wednesday or Thursday. I don't think I have enough black to wear all week

I guess we shall see.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Great Day Out!

2009-02-28T13:22:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was my birthday (I take monetary gifts, thanks! hee hee) and Mr. M and I took the day off. We slept in for a bit and then had breakfast at Crackel Barrel. Man I love their hashbrown casserol.

Then we had a Noon appointment at the Dallas Museum of Art to see the King Tut exhibit. We got there about an hour early so looked around the regular parts of the museum. The King Tut exhibit was pretty cool. We opted for the audio tour which gave a little more information than the plaques hanging on all the relics. The last 4 or 5 rooms had nothing but the things that were actually found with the boy King. If you go don't look for the big famous golden mask or casket, its not there. The three things I thought were the coolest. 1. To find out that there were actually 7 (or so) caskets/coffins in all before you got to the mummy. 2. The mummy has never left the Valley of the Kings. 3. One of the pieces they had on exhibit was a little game board that he used to play with and had buried with him to take to the afterlife.

After we were through with the King we met up with my sister who is currently working downtown. Now I didn't bring my camera to the museum because I knew there was absolutely no photography allowed. However I wish I had brought it cause sis took us on a mini tour of parts of downtown Dallas. We ate at a pizza joint (it was ok to me) and then just looked at different buildings and such. Besides having to stop every 30-45 minutes or so so I could pee we really had a good time. Oh, and she brought me a beautiful orchid for my birthday.

That evening we had my birthday dinner at Red Lobster. Man I love crab legs!! And was surprised by a chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream with a candle on top.

I really enjoyed my day!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

The Announcement

2009-02-14T12:57:00.000-06:00

It was on this day in 2005 that Mr. M proposed to me. In April, 2006 we got married.

And it’s on this day that I finally let you in on our wonderful news! We’re pregnant! Okay, not really we but more me. ;-) We’re happily expecting our first child in August.

We’re both very excited. Mr. M has been wonderful to me. To the point that I’m restricted from doing chores and even as much as lifting the dining room chairs. I guess I won’t complain.

Of course now we have different things to worry about… buying the big things that a baby will need: bed, car seat… of course I’ve started looking at things online and for the first time actually went into the baby section at Target the other day.

I don’t have a “baby bump” yet but there are plenty of people who just can’t wait till I get all big and round. And no, I won’t be one of those that hide it. We’ve been working on this little project for awhile so why hide the fruits of our labor?

We’ve told our immediate family and closest friends who live near us. Of course both jobs know - at least immediate departments. I still have a few people at my job who keeps finding out. There are still a few long distance friends and family members that will be advised. And now you… my bloggy friends.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

The Rumor

2009-02-10T19:46:00.001-06:00

There has been a rumor going around my job for probably the last year or so. The rumor? That our company was looking to out source. Now when this rumor first started it was assumed that it was for the front line employees. You know, the ones who actually stuff the envelopes. But we were quickly told that "yes, it had been looked into but that it was still cheaper to run the business here.

Well the rumor is back and this time I've heard it from a very reliable source that the higher ups are looking again - strongly. AND that they are looking to move the whole enterprise, probably keeping a few "key" people here to run things. Now when will this happen? Probably not all at once and "right now". We've known about 2 centers they are already looking to close so that will probably be the beginning. Then they will probably close others one at a time until we're all gone.

And where will we out source to? Probably India or somewhere like that. Isn't that where all the companies move to? Now I understand that the company is trying to save money... but come on! Are you serious? You want to let go all of your AMERICAN employees and move the jobs out of the Country? Yep, that's a way to help the economy. Give our jobs to someone else.

Thanks, looking forward to it and starting the countdown.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Got the Hookup!

2009-01-31T20:54:00.003-06:00

For the longest time we've had a dish attached to our house to watch tv. Which really sucked because of course everytime there was bad weather or if the wind was bad the tv would go out!

Well no more! Verizon finally put Fios in our neighborhood so we could get Fios TV. We got it all hooked up today and can't wait to figure it all out. Besides the lower bill for having the tv, internet and phone there are two things I'm REALLY happy about the new Verizon TV.

1. We can actually record a show and watch something else at the same time. As a matter of fact we can record TWO shows and watch something else at the same time! Sweet!

2. If we record something downstairs we can actually watch it upstairs! This is great when you want to watch something in bed.

So glad to have the new Verizon Fios. Its gotta lot to live up to.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

What if?

2009-01-22T11:24:00.002-06:00

I was reading this article I found on CNN about how the wife made her husband get a job delivering pizza just to support the family. It did make me reflect a little on how the admin employees in my company are still waiting to hear what the final verdict is on who has a job and who might not. Admin includes me.

We've already received a wage freeze (although the agents who actually stuff the envelopes did not) and of course insurance went up this year!

So what happens if I loose my job? My hubby will not have to tell me to get another job. I'll do it on my own cause I know that we'll need to continue our income to survive. I won't be too proud. As a matter of fact there is a new Kroger grocery store opening around the corner from the house. I'll apply there. Plus its closer.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Where will you be?

2009-01-19T11:58:00.002-06:00

I have never watched an inauguration before but I will be glued to the tv tomorrow!

Mr. M and I have decided to take the day off and watch all the festivities. I know that it will be showing on all the tv's here at work in our lunch room, but why watch it in there? Is that really a great way to spend my companies dollar? ;-)

Besides, this is history in the making. Although I can't be there (and truthfully I don't know if I would want to be in all that mess) I want to be sure to watch it - as it happens.

I need to see if I have any blank VHS tapes (I know, that's old huh?) and record it for a momento. Although I'm sure you'll be able to buy it somewhere on DVD once its all over.

Although today is the holiday, tomorrow is the day I've elected to take off.

One thing that I have pondered... why do we not have a President-mobile like there is a Pope-mobile? Would be great for parades such as tomorrow. Did we not learn anything from Dallas? (and I live in Dallas so unfortunately we get to hear about it at least once a year).

Good luck President Obama! Make us all proud!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Just Disgusting!

2009-01-14T11:15:00.003-06:00

{Begin Rant}

I watched American Idol when it first came out all the way to the end, and would even vote a time or two. Now-adays I enjoy the first part - you know the try-outs, and yes its to see the really bad people who think they can sing - and then I'll check back closer to the end to see how its going.

Of course last night was the Premier of the latest season so I tuned in every now and then (was really watching The Biggest Loser - which BTW I was SO upset to see the grandpa and the youngest guy in the bottom two. Should have been the lazy *ss who just made it above the yellow line. Take the $2,500 and go home and let those who really want to loose weight remain!!).

Anywho, one of the things they kept tempting you with was "the bikini girl". Of course I wanted to see what that was all about, especially when the two lady judges have a cat fight with her. I understand that it sometimes helps to have a gimmack of some sort to get noticed and get shown on the show. However the object of this show is to find people who can sing. That was, at least, until two men judges decided that bare skin, boobs and *ss trumped the singing portion of the show. Of course the two girl judges didn't like her but eventually gave in to letting her go to Hollywood. And truthfully? She didn't sing well. I just think its disgusting to think they let her go.
Typical! Disgusting, perverted men letting their "little" heads think for them.

{End Rant}

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Have a Great 2009!

2009-01-01T15:34:00.004-06:00

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Just Saying Hi

2008-12-27T19:55:00.003-06:00

I know its been awhile since I've posted something. Can't really blame it on the holiday though, we really didn't do much. We didn't even decorate this year. I know real pathetic. We did have my sister over and cooked a nice Christmas dinner though. Turkey, dressing, gravy, yeast rolls and garlic mashed potatoes. It was soooo good. And truthfully the first time that I have actually done the turkey so I was kind of proud of myself.

I have (kind of) been enjoying all the time away from work. The only bad thing is I hurt my back on the 24th. I should probably make up something really cool on how it happened but I just can't do that. ;-) I simply bent over to pick up a shirt or something off the floor and my back went "kink". I hurt my back really bad about 10 years ago so I guess this is just a flare up from that. So I've literally been taking it easy the past few days. Laying around in bed or on the couch. Not getting things done around the house like I would like. It really does make sleeping at night difficult though.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Paranoid Patty

2008-12-22T10:26:00.002-06:00

Everyone knows one. And I'm sure everyone has one in their office somewhere. Mine just happens to be in the same department as me.

As our company was unexpectedly bought out about a year ago there has been the common theme from some "what's going to happen to us?". A few months ago our office did in fact let a few people go. Last Friday we had several big wigs here to discuss the future and any other potential lay offs. In the beginning we heard we would find out before the Holidays (Merry Christmas, by the way you're fired) but now we've been told we won't hear anything until after the New Year.

So my little Paranoid Patty has just been a nervous wreck for months. "What are they going to do?" "What if they lay me off?" "I can't take this...". And as I've told this person MANY times over.... there is nothing you can do. Although maybe what you can do is actually work and show that you are needed. Maybe less time on the phone calling your mom and every friend in the book to tell them how your most recent Doctor appointment went or what the results were. Seriously those can be left to be done when you get home.

Well Paranoid Patty was not here last week when the big wigs were in town. Of course this morning they asked me if I was. Yep. Did you see them? Yep. Anything happen? Well actually yes, they decided to go through everyones office of everyone who wasn't here that day. Looking in your drawers and everything. No they didn't. Okay, no they didn't. {but it was funny watching the look on thier face when I said it - I know evil}.

So about an hour later you can hear an office being cleaned out. This was an old office of one of the people let go a few months ago. It kind of turned into a storage room. What does Paranoid Patty say, "turning it into a counseling room?" AH sheesh! Seriously get over it already.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

First Trip to New Orleans

2008-12-09T19:45:00.013-06:00

Mr. M and I went to New Orleans for the first time. We had a really great time while there. We ate sooo much while we were there. We decided to try a cup of gumbo everwhere we stopped to eat. By far the best we had was at Acme Oyster House. We were told they had the best oysters, Mr. M likes them not me, so we tried it on our first day there. We took lots of pictures and these are just a few.

Of course the buildings are just beautiful

We're not sure why they call Vegas "Sin City" cause there were sooo many titty bars it was unbelievable. I guess so all the drunk dirty men have something to do.

I thought this sign was funny, so had to take it.

We did have one night of drinking. Bourbon Street is by far the place to be.

This is one of the places we stopped to have a few drinks. I had found it on the internet so it was definitely a "must stop". They claim it is one of the oldest bars in the United States. Very cool, no lights just candle lighting.

Neon Signs everywhere.

Even Hot Dog Stands! Not as good as the ones in New York City though. :-)

This is in Jackson Square. That's the St. Louis Church in the back with a statue of Major General Andrew Jackson in the front.

While we were there we took a Cemetery-VooDoo Tour.

Just some really cool stories about how they kept trying to figure the correct way to keep the dead people buried.

This is the oldest grave there.

And this is the main attraction. The grave of Marie Laveau, the VooDoo Queen.

You can see the "gifts" that people have left for her. We were told that if you made a wish and wrote three x's and then turned around three times she might make the wish come true. Supposedly you're supposed to come back and circle your x's if it did.... didn't see any circled.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Time With Family

2008-12-03T20:20:00.009-06:00

Mr. M and I went to visit my brother and his family for Thanksgiving. I really enjoyed seeing everyone under better circumstances than the last time we were together. Sis was able to join us as well. We played games, ate well and enjoyed each others company.

One thing we did do while I was there was visit a known site where I live called Cadillac Ranch. Out of all the years I lived in Amarillo I had never visited. So we piled into cars and headed out for a visit. I was really surprised at how many people were out there. We passed some guy walking out who gave us his left over spray cans. We stolled down for pictures and a bit of non-illigal spray painting. Below are a few pics.

The only bad thing I hate about going out of town is we have to board M&M. But we really like the place that we found and we always buy her a few country walks while she stays there. I think she was really happy when we picked her up. I grabbed a few shots of her enjoying the wind in her face on the car ride home, see below.

Hello!

As for the cats? Well they are very self dependant. Make sure the cat liter is clean. Have plenty of water and food around and their good to go. Actually I think they really enjoy having the house to themselves. We had one full day at home upon our return without M&M and I think the cats were just soaking it up. Here C-Girl is enjoying her very own home made box bed. :-)

Comfortable!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Happy Thanksgiving

2008-11-25T21:57:00.002-06:00

Hope everyone has a great and safe Thanksgiving.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Our men in green - having fun!

2008-11-19T18:28:00.003-06:00

Glad to see our men in uniform are having fun! Sound is a must

Click here to watch the "Cha Cha Slide USMC Style"

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Dog Park Etiquette & Rules

2008-11-12T16:49:00.002-06:00

As I sat at the dog park today with M&M there were a few things I noticed:

Rule is if your dog takes a poo - pick it up. Now just because your dog poo's on its way to the actual enclosed fenced area doesn't mean you shouldn't pick it up. If you don't carry the little bags with you then go inside the park and grab one of the ones they provide for you, go back out AND PICK IT UP! Dumb *ss.
Kids are not allowed inside the park. Not surprised when one kid who was running across the park was being chased by a dog. Kid kind of stopped, a little frightened, and continued on to his destination. Mom? Sitting on the bench talking on the phone. Clueless!
So when the second kid, looked a little younger than the first, was being chased (by the same dog) I was surprised when mom finally got off her *ss to go help - phone still pressed to the ear mind ya.
This is the first time that I've noticed someone come into the park with a bag 'o beer. He looked college age. Probably just turned 21 and just can't get enough beer. Or maybe he had a really hard day at work and just had to have one, even if it was at the dog park.
And when you start to notice too many little scuffles going on its time to grab the dog and head out.

One nice side note though. They have done some nice improvements to the park we go to. They've added several more picnic tables and benches for us humans to sit on.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Really dislike

2008-11-12T12:26:00.003-06:00

I'm really disliking this time change thing. I don't recall it ever effecting me so much as it has this time around.

By late afternoon in my work schedule the clock tells me I have one more hour to work, but my body tells me its time to go!!! Boy that last hour is a struggle to do anything.

And then it feels like at 6pm that its already dark. I have to make sure that if I want to walk M&M I do it earlier in the evening than I'm used to.

Seriously... what's the point?

~ Wolf Lover Girl

New President

2008-11-05T18:57:00.002-06:00

Finally! The election is over!

As everyone has been talking about today, as I mentioned earlier and I'll say again... what a day in history. To think - America, "home of the free" - finally has an African American President!

I just hope that everyone who voted, whether for or against Obama, voted because of the "promises" given or the better of two evils and not because the color of the skin.

Whatever the case - Good Luck Obama, we the people of the United States, along with the rest of the world, is now watching.

Did I mention - Finally!! The election is over!!! The thing I'm most grateful for? No more freakin' campaign ads!!! YEAH!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Fireworks from TRF

2008-11-02T18:44:00.007-06:00

As promised, here are my firework pictures from when sis and I went to the TRF. They were shooting them over a lake, which you can kind of see the reflection in one of the pictures. When we were watching I didn't know if I was getting anything good. I was just snapping away with my new little camera and had some really amazing shots. I hope you enjoy!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Halloween

2008-11-02T18:06:00.006-06:00

We had a great time this year. The weekend before Halloween we threw a little party with our close friends. Everyone dressed up really well. Mr. M and I actually rented costumes this year - we might have to do that again....

Mr. M? The Joker! Fits his personality to the T.

Me? Catwoman. Mr. M really liked it. ;-)

And since M&M had just finished her winter shedding we took her the day before to get a bath, brush, hair dry, nails trimmed, teeth washed and ears cleaned. She was sooo pretty. We got a special Halloween bandana, which she wore for the occasion.

On Halloween night we had lots of fun handing out candy. My sister had given me some of those glow in the dark bracelets so I was handing those out as well as candy. Unless one of those big groups of kids came and I just did candy. We had a few little kids that were afraid to come up to our door because we had these 2 huge spiders - one hanging over the door frame and one in the bushes.

It seems like we had more kids this year. Granted last year we didn't participate and the year before was our first one but since the nieghborhood was still so new I don't think many were coming around.

I think that since Halloween was on Friday this year that kept a lot of the teenagers away - maybe to football games? We had a few younger teens but at least they dressed up.

M&M was having so much fun. We tried to leave her in the backyard so we wouldn't have to worry about her but she didn't want any of that. So everytime the door rang she jumped up and ran to the door - "People visiting us!!". Mr. M would hold her while I handed out the candy. So many kids were loving her "OH a snow dog", "wolf dog", "Alaskan dog", "sled dog"... it was funny. "Can we pet her? Will she bite?" She was loving the attention.

Then this little two year old came strolling up our sidewalk with his wagon (which was his "bag"). He finally got it up on our step and started walking in our house. We figured he was just going to pet M&M and all of a sudden he just took off up our stairs. His mom came running over in shock "I'm so sorry can I go get him?" We were just laughing, also in shock "of course". As she brought him down she just kept apologizing "can you tell this is his first Halloween?" I've never seen that happen before.

Hope everyone had a great and safe Halloween this year. Can you believe that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner?

~ Wolf Lover Girl

It Happened! Holy Crap!!!

2008-11-01T20:35:00.001-05:00

$1.95!!!!

You read it right! Gas is now at $1.95 by our house.

Mr. M and I were driving home from dinner and we passed a station that said $1.99. At first I didn't read it right and I thought it said $2.99 and I was thinking, "wow, that sure did jump almost a dollar." Then I looked at it again and I realized that was a $1 that I was looking at.

So Mr. M decided to stop by the QT by our house and it was $1.95! Nice!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Ding, Ding... Round 4

2008-10-30T17:33:00.002-05:00

About 4 years ago we lost Mr. M's mom... two weeks after she passed we lost Mr. M's step-dad... in June I lost my mom.... now Mr. M's dad has found out he has cancer.

About a month or two ago his dad discovered a huge "ball" protruding out of his neck. Supposedly there was no sign of this "ball" it just appeared. His brother took dad to the Dr. to get it checked out. They didn't really say cancer but they wanted to schedule an operation to get rid of it.

About a week or two later something was wrong with his knee and he was in so much pain that he needed major medication to make it go away. I forget what they said they thought that was, but they had to reschedule the operation for the neck.

Well today was the operation. They are saying for sure it is cancer. I'm unsure what all the details are so not sure if they got it all - I would hope so. But I do know they took half of his vocal chords which means he won't be able to speak more than a whisper.

As I said I'm unsure of any other details. But it really sucks to think that I was just starting to go through all of this with my mom this time last year (I remember cause I threw a fit that I missed Halloween). And of course the first part of this year was the stress of it all. Just as I figured the rest of our year could get back to half way normal (minus the holidays coming up) we now have to deal with it again.

Mr. M told me the other day that if he could have one wish at all - he would wish that everyone who had cancer would be cured and there was no more cancer.

I second that wish!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

What are the odds?

2008-10-29T16:07:00.002-05:00

Okay so I was shocked when the gas went under the $3 mark and I actually saw a $2 on the sign. And again I was shocked when we actually made it under $2.50.

Today I filled up at $2.14. Is it possible that we might actually see the $1 mark? Wow! That would be so nice. Let's keep hoping.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

I did it!

2008-10-28T15:36:00.003-05:00

Mr. M thought we should register to vote this year. I really was not that interested but agreed to do so.

Today I voted for the first time in my life!!!

And since I registered AND voted I now have the authority to talk about Politics and the President that comes into office etc. Will I? Probably not. I just really hate talking about that stuff.

Who did I vote for? One of the main guys... ;-) I won't tell.

But it is cool to think that we, the United States of America, are about to make history. Regardless of who you voted for or believe in... we are about to have either our first female in the White House, granted she'll be Vice President OR we'll have our first African American in the White House. Isn't that the coolest?

I was alive to witness it - and yes, I helped with the vote.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Found!

2008-10-23T11:44:00.002-05:00

Last week Mr. M and I were driving around trying to find something to eat. We came up on one corner that had three pizza places - THREE. Pizza Hut, Little Caesar's and Domino's.

Of course Mr. M LOVES pizza but I'm not really a big fan. However I do really like Pizza Inn. I was mentioning to him that I wished we had one near us I'd eat there.

So as we're getting lost trying to find another favorite, Jimmy Johns Subs, and since we couldn't find it we were on our way to a mexican restaraunt. As we're sitting at a traffic light I noticed this little character dancing around by the street. I'm thinking what the hell is that? So I figured I'd look over to see what business he's advertising - to my surprise there is a brand new PIZZA INN!!!!! I was ecstastic!!

We pull around and pull up to go eat there. There are two ladies at the front door asking if we have reservations. Reservations? It was their pre-opening and everyone was in training and only those who had reservations were allowed in. Damn!!! But we did get two passes to come back for free buffet and drinks. :-)

We've already used them this week. Nice buffet.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Woo Hoo!

2008-10-21T21:37:00.002-05:00

As I mentioned here the gas has been steadily going down. Today I saw it under the hopeful prediction of $2.50. {Sorry Lara - hopefully its starting to come down where you are} :-)

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Texas Renaissance Festival

2008-10-19T20:42:00.009-05:00

Sis and I took a wonderful weekend trip to the Woodlands, Texas - located just North of Houston. This was our first trip to the Texas Renaissance Festival and we had a blast!!!! We've gone many times to the Scarborough Renaissance Festival located just outside of Dallas but this is the first to the TRF.

For those of you not familiar with these Festivals its a medival times themed ordial. There is the King and Queen of England, jousting and lots of food and beer! And yes, we are one of those that dresses up.

Every weekend at TRF is a different "theme". We chose this weekend because it was "faery" weekend and we wore our new fairy outfits. I tell ya this place is HUGE. We only got half way through the thing. And we realized that next time we go it will be without the wings cause its a little hard to walk in the tight spaces of all the different shops side ways to accommodate the wings. :-)

I highly enjoyed my new camera that Mr. M bought for me just for this weekend. I got to try out all sorts of new things on it - close ups and the firework mode. And boy did it end with a wonderful firwork show! So here are a few of the 250 pictures that I took. Hope you enjoy! {I'll do a separate post for the fireworks - they turned out really cool!}

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Back of Sis and her wings

The Royal Parade

The King and Queen at one of their many events

A Spartan? This one was for Mr. M - SPARTA!!!

Loved her wings!

Flowers in front of the lake

You can get married there too. This Bride was off to the chapel.

Dragon

Great fairy couple - loved her wings too!

Close up of flowers with bee

Mermaid statue

Even Indians there.

Holy Crap!

2008-10-12T10:48:00.003-05:00

I never thought I would see this number again at the gas station - $2!!!

I've noticed that the station by my house has been about 20 cents cheaper than anywhere else (and anywhere else means by work and on the side of the highway between house and work). I filled up on Wednesday and it was $3.22 or something like that. It was nice.

Friday night Mr. M and I were out and it had dropped to $2.99!!! I couldn't believe it! The $2 mark.

Saturday morning Mr. M and I were out and it had dropped again - $2.87.... Can you believe it? It had gone down 12 cents over night.

Will it get down to $2.50??? We shall see.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Differences and a Funny

2008-10-09T11:35:00.002-05:00

First - Differences

I think it's interesting in the differences in how companies show "how much they appreciate their employees". For example:

My company encourages us to wear a silly hat one day and then our favorite sports team shirt on another. They came around and gave us kid size candy bars (not the full size) and a piece of gum.

Mr. M's company is taking him out to play Paint Ball!!!

Granted I know the economy is bad and we've had to let a few people go a few weeks ago... but this is what my company has done the past several years... this isn't the first year. Le sigh.

Second - a funny

So my company has a little way for those employees who are in need of money they can get some assistance. And we're offering a silent auction to help raise some of this money. This is all good.

The funny? I noticed they had a used treadmill next to the elevator with a sign announcing it was up for bid.... Let's think about it. If the person is taking the elevator instead of the stairs which is not even 5 feet from it then I highly doubt they are motivated to bid on a treadmill!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2008-10-01T18:47:00.004-05:00

Don't forget - October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Don't forget to click here daily to help fund a mammogram for someone who might need it.

In Memory of Mom

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Woa!

2008-10-01T18:44:00.002-05:00

I was at the Post Office this afternoon and saw the worst comb over I've ever seen. I mean this guy could almost put Donald Trump to shame. It was bad!

Had to share. ;-)

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Worst Shoes

2008-09-16T11:47:00.002-05:00

I'm a t-shirt and tennis shoe kind of gal. And I'll wear my tennis shoes until they are run into the ground or I can tell they are no longer supporting my feet.

A few months ago I purchased a new pair of Skechers. I figured they would work rather well. A little pricey for my taste but a name brand.

I'm really disliking them with a passion.

Within the first few weeks or month I noticed that something was kind of stinking. I thought maybe one of my cats had pissed on one of my shoes or something!! I finally determined that it wasn't (thank God) but that it was coming from the inside of only ONE of my shoes. I'm not sure what's causing the smell. I wash my feet every day (sometimes twice) and I wear clean socks every day. I've taken to putting shoe "smell good" stuff in there every night to try and take it away. Its worked a little...

Then I realized that when I was walking it would feel like I was stepping on something. I figured it was the end of my shoelaces so I would tie them up higher so not to hang over and walk on. But I FINALLY figured it out. A portion of the rubber sole has come loose and makes a flap every now and then. Sometimes it makes me stumble. At first it was only on my left shoe but I've discovered one on my right shoe as well.

It's time for a new pair of shoes well before these are even worn out. These will become new "working in the yard" shoes.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Ike

2008-09-12T22:43:00.005-05:00

Friday, September 12, 2008
Mr. M's dad and brother live in Houston. Of course we've been chatting with them the past few days to see what they were gonna do. They don't live in one of the zip codes that was under mandatory evacuation so they decided to stay where they were as they want everyone to do.

Well we got a call today about 5:30pm (Central) and they told us their electricity had gone out. Ike hasn't even made land yet and they have no electricity. So they have packed it up and heading our way. Unfortunately they don't have a cell phone so we have no way of staying in touch with them during their journey. We just know that they're stuck in traffic, poor guys.

I do hope that all those who decided to stay behind on the actual coast make it through...

Update: Saturday, September 13, 2008 - 10:20am
We have not heard from Mr. M's dad or brother. We're hoping that they decided to find a hotel/motel on the way and stopped for the night. However we would also hope they would be considerate enough to pick up a phone and let us know. We're going to wait a few more hours and see. If anything we might contact the Houston police and have them drive over to their apt to see if they decided to stay. We tried to call but if they have no electricity still then their phone won't work.
As for here (Dallas) we're starting to gt a small drizzle of rain. Not the intense wind yet that they say we're expecting.

Update: Saturday, September 13, 2008 - 12:30pm
We've heard from Mr. M's brother as of 11:40am. However the phone connection was SO bad we couldn't hear a word he was saying so we have no clue where they are. And the caller id came up unknown so I couldn't even determine the area code to assist. But, at least we know they're ok... for the most part.

Update: Saturday, September 13, 2008 - 1:30pm
They're safe!!! We had a knock at our door about 1pm and they were standing there. They evidently got in last night around Midnight and finally found a motel to stay in. Evidently this motel disables the ability to call long distance so that's why they didn't call us. And of course in this day and age with cell phones there are no pay phones anywhere. So they're in Dallas for a few days. Will call thier apt complex on Monday to see if they have electricity before going home.

On a "lighter" note. Here's a video of Geraldo Rivera doing a news report in Galveston... did I mention the Hurricane hasn't yet made land? Oh... he bites it! FUNNY AS HELL! :-)

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Never Forget!

2008-09-10T11:23:00.005-05:00

To all of those who lost a friend or family member in the towers, the Pentagon or from one of the four planes... my thoughts and prayers are with you on this day... I will never forget!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

My Two New Toys!

2008-09-05T17:12:00.006-05:00

I have two new toys!

Toy #1:

There's a small story to go with this one. :-)

About a month ago Mr. M wanted to go shopping for a new cell phone. His contract was up with his old service provider and he didn't really like that phone to much. So we went in to a local store and we're talkig to the service guy. Mr. M mentions that he works for "Company B" and the guy goes to the back to see if they offer a discount. They do - 8%. Pretty cool.

We leave and come back a few days later deciding he wanted to purchase the phone and open a new service. Our original service guy was not there so we had another great guy help us (turned out to be the Manager). Mr. M tells him the phone he wants, mentioned that he receives a discount with his company. Mr. Manager then turns to me and asks who I work for. I tell him I'm not interested in a new phone, my service is fine where I am and I have no intentions of leaving. He says he just wants to check, so I tell him "envelope stuffing company". He comes back and proclaims "WOW! The envelope stuffing company has the second best discount we offer" - the government is the only company better than ours - my discount is 24%!!

HOLY CRAP!! Why has noone told me this before? Do other companies offer discounts with my company?

Of course he asks again if I'm interested in a new phone.. mine is a little older and I could use one. I call my original carrier to see if I receive a discount with them. They are unable to pull up any discounts without some "number" they need from me. I ask them if they can just look it up by the company name - nope need this "number". Okay then I will probably be leaving you. And with that I left Cingular - I mean AT&T for Verizon! Just because they couldn't look up my discount! I did later find out my company offers a discount but not comparable to Verizon.

So here is my new phone. It is a little bigger than my older phone. I'm still able to put it in my front pocket which is what I like to do when I'm out so I can tell if its ringing (well really feel it vibrate because I don't think others want to hear my ring). I also got it mainly for the key pad. I do a bit of texting - not a lot - but when I do I hate having to press a key multiple times just for one letter. I'm still trying to get used to some of the features it offers.

Toy #2

Last Friday I got home after working a half day (Friday before the holiday) and Mr. M tells me there is a package coming and he was hoping it would have been there already. I figure its something for him - again - because he's been buying a lot of computer stuff or frisbees. Anywho, he's out with Z at the store when I hear the knock and dash of the UPS and find the package at the front door. I call Mr. M and ask "what have you purchased at Best Buy?" He tells me not to open it - I tease that I am - but I wait!

He gets home and has be get the package and open it. To my surprise its a new Nikon Coolpix S550! It's sweet!!!

I'm going out of town with my sister for a quick weekend trip and I just don't want to take our big Kodak camera with me. I've always wanted something small that will fit either in my purse easily or my pants pocket! And so he surprised me with it so I could get used to it before my trip!

Have I told you how great of a guy my man is? What a wonderful surprise! I've been playing with it almost every day. I need to get out the directions again so I can really figure out what all the different features are. Sweet!

So those are my two new toys! And they say only men like their electronic toys... ;-)

~ Wolf Lover Girl

You can help!

2008-09-03T18:40:00.004-05:00

I was sent an email today letting me know of this great website that helps give free mammograms. A mammogram can help women detect breast cancer and early detection can save their lives!

All you have to do? Simply click a button located on their website!! That's it! I'll make it easy for you, click on the logo and it will take you to their website. As soon as you get there you'll see the big pink button that says "click here to give".

And that's not all! Besides all of the great things you can purchase or help with there are 5 other tabs at the top helping support other causes: Hunger, Child Health, Literacy, Rainforest and Animal Rescue. So while you're there go ahead and click on each of these tabs too!

Now don't you feel better?

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Singing with Dad!

2008-08-23T21:02:00.003-05:00

Our little M&M LOVES to sing with her daddy. We had her "perform" when Queen P was here a few weeks ago and she told me I needed to record it and put it on my blog. So here she is for your listening pleasure...

~ Wolf Lover Girl

He's the Man!

2008-08-22T16:02:00.003-05:00

This time I'm talking about my husband! ;-)

Let me back up a little bit first. About two years ago I had to travel to our Pennsylvania office to do some work. While I was there I took a quick day trip to New York City (first time there - friends took me so I wasn't alone). While I was there I bought this REALLY cool sweatshirt.

Not a few months after I got home I washed the thing - following the directions it said on the tag - and it shrunk!!!! It was too short in the arms. I was pissed and I've not worn it again since then. :-(

So a couple of weeks ago (I've been meaning to do this post for a while now) there is a package on our doorstep and I look at Mr. M and ask what that was. He says "I don't know - open it". To my lovely surprise is a new New York City sweatshirt!! Isn't he the best? What a wonderful surprise!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Lucky Number 8

2008-08-19T17:46:00.003-05:00

That's right I'm talking about Michael Phelps again!

I've never been interested in the swimming portion of the Olympics before until 4 years ago in Athens. And of course this year is all about Michael. Granted there are a few others that are also enjoyable to see including the "young" Dara Torres and the amazing relay finisher of Jason Lezak. But let's face it almost all of America is talking about Michael (I say almost all and I'll explain this in a minute)

I found this today on MSN featuring Michael's most recent Sports Illustrated cover. Man check that out. That is the coolest thing! They look so good against that nice chest (oh wait I shouldn't say that huh? LOL)

Now that the swimming is over I'm just waiting for a few other finals: 4X400 and 4X100 Track and Field relays. End results of the basketball and volleyball (though I probably won't watch much of these) and looking forward to the Closing Ceremonies. You know they're gonna have to "bring it" after what they did for the Opening Ceremonies!!!

OH! and as for "almost all America" is watching Michael Phelps.... Read this article on MSN as well.

Poor Jennifer Lopez. The new mom is training for a triathlon, but everyone is too busy watching the Olympics to notice.

Lopez, who appeared on "Good Morning America" Aug. 18 to discuss her preparations for the Malibu Triathlon, was overheard saying after the segment that she “couldn’t understand why everyone is talking about that swimmer,” according to a GMA source. “She couldn’t come up with (eight-time gold-medal winner Michael) Phelps’ name, and then she yammered on about how she was the one training for a triathlon just six months after giving birth, and how that was the big story right now, not ‘the swimmer.’ ”

What a big ole spoiled little girl... Really, who does she think she is? I guess people never cease to amaze me.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

He's the Man!

2008-08-14T22:03:00.003-05:00

Of course I'm talking about Michael Phelps!

The all time best Olympian and still has two more races to go (as of this post). He has his last individual swim in about 15 minutes and then one more relay.

All I know is staying up to watch these Olympics is killing me. I've been getting to bed any where from 10pm-11pm and I get up at 5am! But I just can't help it. Some of it I record and watch the next day but the really "important" ones I have to stay up and watch. I mean I must be in the know when I get to work the next day! :-)

Last I checked we were two medals ahead of the Chinese! It's gonna continue to be a battle and I have one more week to enjoy. Mr. M is watching every now and then but his interest is going fast...

Go USA!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Not Cute Enough...

2008-08-12T12:18:00.002-05:00

Okay I knew that the little girl who sang in the Opening Ceremonies was lip synching. It's very obvious and, well, reasonable in that particular venue for such a little girl.

However I did NOT know that the girl that we saw was NOT the girl who actually sang the recorded song. I found out here from cnn.com. AND its because she wasn't cute enough? What kind of a message are you sending to all little girls when you say this? I'm sure there is enough pressure on little girls (and lets admit it - us older ones too) to look good, be pretty, be thin, be whatever it is that it is "they" want it to be...

Just wrong on so many accounts!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Smokin' Baby

2008-08-09T18:54:00.006-05:00

I posted last month about the lady behind us and was hoping beyond hope that she was just a big girl... she's not.

Granted I've never been addicted to anything before - smoking, alcohol, drugs (okay maybe candy and sodas) - so I don't know what it would be like to try and stop this addiction for 9 months. However if I was lucky enough to bring a child into this world I think I would do whatever I would have to do to let it have a fighting chance.

How did I finally determine she was pregnant and not just big? She was out with her girlfriend having a smoke. Her friend, who also smokes, was bending down and talking to her belly and rubbing her belly like one does when a friend is pregnant.

And her husband, who also smokes, at another time was out with his lovely bride carrying his child and he was rubbing her belly as he blew out smoke. Here's a pic I took - I blocked out their faces so you can't recognize them - and circled one of the daily drags they've had today.

I guess her friends and family have NO issues with her being pregnant and smoking. I guess a family who smokes together... raises a child who will have health issues!

Poor child!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Let the Games Begin!

2008-08-09T10:46:00.002-05:00

I will be sooo glued to the tv for the next 2 weeks. And it all started last night with the spectacular Opening Cermonies of the Olympics!

I was actually surprised that Mr. M sat with me for most of it. I figured after all the hoopla part of it he would cut out before the marching of the Nations, but he did stick around until after the United States came and went.

I've already printed the two week schedule and highlighted what I wanted to watch. Of course most of it is during the primetime. They know what most of us want to watch.

But man were those Opening Ceremonies cool! Just outstanding!! And that little boy who survived the earthquake getting to walk with his home Country was just the cutest. He'll remember that for the rest of his life.

Go Team USA!!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Yu-ummy!

2008-07-30T18:28:00.003-05:00

Last Saturday we had my best friend over with her son. I got out this little kiddie pool that I found at my mom's when we were cleaning up her place, not sure why she had it - probably found it on an "incredible sale! ;-). Unfortunately the sides of the thing were really flimsy so I was unable to fill it up real deep.

While she was over we planned a feast!! We grilled all sorts of shish-ka-bobs!

Beef tenderloin (boy was it tender)
Chicken
Shrimp with pineapple
Veggies: squash, zucchini, onion, red and green peppers and mushrooms

We decided to try out a few new sauces to help bring out their flavor so I thought I would share...

For the Shrimp and Pineapple (from "Taste of Home's Easy Grilling Recipe Cards")
1/4 cup each soy sauce, balsamic vinegar and honey
1 garlic clove, minced
1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 large green pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces {we left these off on this kabob and added to the veggie kabob}
1 can (8 ounces) pineapple chunks, drained {Mr. M used a fresh pineapple and cut it into chunks}

In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, vinegar, honey and garlic. Set aside 1/3 cup. On eight metal or soaked wooden skewers, thread the shrimp, green pepper and pineapple. Place in a shallow dish; pour remaining marinade over kabobs. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Cover and chill reserved marinade. Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray before starting the grill. Drain and discard marinade from kabobs. Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 3 minutes, turning once. Baste with reserved marinade. Grill 3-4 minutes longer or until shrimp turn pink, turning and basting frequently. Yield: 4 servings.

For the Veggies (from "Taste of Home's Easy Grilling Recipe Cards")
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 medium zucchini, cut into 1/2-inch slices
4 medium yellow squash, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 medium red onions, quartered
1 large sweet red pepper, cut into 2-inch slices
1 large sweet yellow pepper, cut into 2-inch slices
12 to 16 whole fresh mushrooms
12 cherry tomatoes

In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, oregano, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Place the veggies in a shallow baking dish. Add marinade and toss to coat. Let stand for 15 minutes. Drain and discard marinade; arrange veggies on a vegetable grill rack. Grill, covered, over indirect heat for 10-12 minutes or until tender. Yield: 16-18 servings.

Then to top it all off we located the dipping sauce from Benihana to dip all of our wonderful grilled items into!!!

Benihana Mustard Dipping Sauce:
Makes about 2/3 cup
Prep time: 5 minutes
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cut water
2 teaspoons Oriental mustard (can be found in the international or Asian food sections of most supermarkets) {I could never find this one so I used dry mustard}
2 teaspoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, mustard, cream and garlic powder. Stir or whisk until well combined. Chill before serving.

We actually tried the mustard sauce twice. The first time we forgot to chill before we used it - highly recommend chilling first - makes the taste just pop! Also we thought there was a tad bit too much soy sauce so the second time I halved what it asked for and we really like that much better.

Bon Appetite!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

I think I've finally decided...

2008-07-30T11:37:00.002-05:00

I participate every year with a special event that our company participates in and Captain the horseshoes team. Yesterday was our first practice and I really disliked feeling my tummy as I bent down to pick up the shoes.

So I decided to look into Jared's story from Subway. I figure if he can loose a few hundred pounds eating Subway sandwiches I can loose a few pounds doing the same. I did a little research last night on how he did it and some further research on the web. I'm still not done looking at what all I need to do but I've got a starting point.

Since Mr. M no longer works in the same company with me I'm on my own for lunch. Now he's on a special project for a couple of months so basically I won't see him and now I'm on my own for dinner too. I figured I would do as Jared did and have a Subway sandwich for lunch and then grab one on the way home for dinner. The only thing is I get to work early enough to grab a garage parking spot. Parking here is a b*tch and I don't want to leave for lunch and drive all over eternity trying to find one - and in the hot sun.

There is another sub place that actually delivers to our job - Jimmy Johns - and they are soooo yummy! Well I was looking at their website and ran across a really nifty nutritional page that allows you to select the sandwich you like. It automatically displays the ingrediats on the sandwich and displays all the numbers associated with it (calories etc). You can remove the items and the numbers change accordingly. You can also add items and see the numbers change accordingly. How cool! So today I had Jimmy Johns for lunch using this nifty new little tool.

Not sure yet how I'll keep track of everything, as I said I'm still researching what I need to do. Also I figured instead of sitting and watching tv I'll just walk the treadmill and watch my shows!

And again I stress to all of you who think I don't need to loose any weight - I'm not asking for a major transformation - just 15-20 pounds or so.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Grease Baby...

2008-07-24T16:53:00.002-05:00

This is the cutest little video.

The new cast of Grease!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Out for a Week

2008-07-22T19:36:00.005-05:00

We've been taking M&M to the dog park a lot lately. Let her get some exercise in and socialize with a few friends. Last night we took her and about 5 minutes after we got there she got into a small scuffle with another dog.

Of course my shy little girl did not start it. I couldn't even tell you what type of dog it was that "attacked" my dog. All I know is it was white and I wanted it off my dog. M&M did stand up for herself and fought back - I'm not sure if she did any damage to the other dog or not.

After the owner grabbed her dog M&M headed straight for the gate to leave the park. She didn't want anything else to do with it that night. I went and grabbed her to look her over make sure she was okay. She seemed okay. I comforted her and let her know that everything was good. The lady of the other dog was grabbing her dog to go and did stop by to make sure she was okay. I knew she felt bad and for the most part you can't really control how dogs react with each other.

M&M did stay in the park for a while and played. One of the guys that I see there often came and asked how she was doing. He said that her dog hadn't been playing nice for a while and that she should not have brought him in the first place... go figure.

As we were getting ready for bed later that night I noticed there was a little blood on her. She has a small puncture wound near her mouth! We got her to the vet this afternoon and they said she looks okay but we need to give her anitbiotics for the rest of the week and flush out the wound to make sure there's nothing in it. (that's the blue stuff you see in the pictures). Vet suggested staying away from the dog park for about a week just to make sure no dirt or anything gets in her wound.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Happy 200!

2008-07-21T15:48:00.003-05:00

Wow! I've hit 200 posts today!

To celebrate I thought I would answer a few questions that Z included on his blog. Here you go Z...

1. When showering, do you start the water and then get in, or get in then start the water? Must start it first and let it get warm – then get in!

2. Do you read the labels on your shampoo bottle? Sure, at the grocery store.

3. Do you moan in the shower like the people on the Herbal Essences commercial? Only when I first get in and it feels nice.

4. Have you ever showered with someone of the opposite sex? Yes.

5. Have you ever been forced to shower with one of your siblings? Not a shower but I did have baths with my sis, of course we were much younger!

6. Have you ever brushed your teeth in the shower? No, I don’t believe I have.

7. Have you ever dropped your soap on your foot? Yes – man that hurts!

8. How old do you look? I guess it depends if I put on makeup or not. ;-)

9. How old do you act? Depends on where I am and who I’m with.

10. What's the last song you sang? I don’t remember.

11. Have you recently become a member of anything? No.

12. What are your plans for the weekend? Working more on the yard.

13. Do you kiss with your eyes open or closed? Closed.

14. What’s the sexiest thing about Condoleeza Rice? Hmm… never thought of her as sexy. My preference would be someone like Halle Berry or Nicole Kidman – they’re sexy.

15. Does anything on your body itch right now? I have two freakin’ ant bites on foot.

16. Who's the sexiest famous woman alive? See #14.

17. Who's the sexiest famous man alive? Johnny Depp.

18. Does every family have a crazy uncle? I guess so but I only have 1 uncle and he’s not that bad.

19. Have you ever smuggled something into America? I haven’t.

20. Does playing the guitar make a girl/guy more attractive? Not something I look at.

21. Do you live in a city with a good sports team? Go Dallas Stars!!! Oh and some really like the Texas Rangers and the Dallas Cowgirls.

22. Have you ever finished off the popcorn and ate the junk from the bottom of the bag? Yes. Depends on what junk you’re talking about. If it’s all the extra butter then no. If it’s the just almost popped kernels – yes, I love these!

23. Have you ever had sex in a tent? No. Usually if I’ve been camping I’m tired when I get to “bed”.

24. What about in a boat? No.

25. Have you ever dated a Goth? Nope.

26. Would you rather receive amazing oral sex or have amazing sex? If I had to choose – amazing sex.

27. Can you fix your own car? Nope.

28. Would you want to kill George W Bush yourself if you were guaranteed to get away with it? Wow!! I hope you’re not surprised when the Secret Service shows up. Regardless of how I might feel about the Commander in Chief I don’t think I would ever want to kill him/her.

29. Should guys wear pink? Sure. I think there are some nice pinks that look good on guys. The very bright pink not so much!!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Lookin' Good!

2008-07-20T10:00:00.003-05:00

Not me - I wish!

Mr. M and I spent all day Saturday working on the backyard. We finally went out and finished putting some boards down around the fence line to hopefully keep M&M in. We also had to fix a few fence planks that she tore up in her 4th of July escapes. And finally took down all the other make shift items that were up against the fence. Now we don't look so trashy!

Now its time to really look into some trees and landscaping. We're thinking of a cottonwood and magnolia. We see Crepe Myrtles everywhere so they seem to do really well so maybe one of those as well. What I really want in the main spots to keep out viewers of other houses are a few cypresses. These will stay green all year round instead of loosing its leaves and such. We'll see.

I already enjoy sitting in our backyard just relaxing. but having a few trees and finally some flowers and stuff would be very nice!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Finally!

2008-07-19T13:38:00.003-05:00

Went to watch a movie yesterday after work (more on that in a minute) and as we're sitting there watching all the warnings and stuff they FINALLY have a new one that mentions NO TEXT MESSAGING DURING THE MOVIE!!!! I've been wondering for a long time when they were going to catch on to this. Of course I did have this idiot one seat over from me pull his out a couple of times. He had one more chance before I went off on him. But I was already pissed off at him for another reason. Why?

Well we went to watch the highly anticipated Batman. Mr. M and I usually always go on the Friday of openings for new movies but we also catch early movies on Friday because they're less crowded. We didn't plan accordingly for this movie. We had our friend, Z, join us and we couldn't find 3 seats together. So Mr. M and I sat together and Z sat at the end of our row. About 5 minutes before the movie started the chic who was sitting next to me got up and left. I KNEW she moved to another seat somewhere else (maybe I stunk?) but I didn't want to assume. So I asked the guy if she was with them - basically trying to figure out if she was coming back. If not I wanted to tell Z to move down by us. He said she was coming back. Liar!

But about the Batman!!! I've been wanting to watch it since I first saw it advertised. Way before the untimely death of Heath Ledger. I thought it was a very good movie. And yes, Heath was amazing! There were a few interesting surprises, but I won't spoil it for you! :-) So if you plan on watching it - get there early!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

UNbelievable

2008-07-16T16:51:00.002-05:00

I had to get gas this afternoon and was SO excited that it was $3.95 only because I saw stations down the street already over $4!! Yep, unbelievable to think I was happy about this price.

What was REALLY UNbelievable was the lady who pulled in next to me. Got out of her car - that was still left running - and started to fill up. I kept thinking to myself "I hope she doesn't create a spark cause I really don't wanna go up in flames".

I also looked around at all the warning signs and truthfully I didn't see one that said you had to turn your car off before pumping. It does say no cell phones.

So she filled up with her 2 gallons or so and left. And I'm still alive! :-)

~ Wolf Lover Girl

A friend in need

2008-07-11T13:36:00.002-05:00

I have a friend at work who is need of thoughts and prayers. She does not read my blog (that I know of) but thought you could be thinking of her. We'll call her Rebecca.

Rebecca has had a few rough weeks. She was just in California with her dad who just suffered a stroke and was in a comma for a few days. He's out of the comma and she's back in Texas.

She had/still has a bad sinus infection she's trying to beat. AND she found out that her dad now must go for open heart surgery on Monday. Evidently two of his arteries are clogged, the main one being clogged about 95% or so.

Please keep her in your prayers. :-)

Thanks!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Feeling Lightheaded

2008-07-09T16:06:00.016-05:00

Since my wedding, two years ago, I've been growing my hair out. I finally hit the correct length to donate it to the Locks of Love. Locks of Love uses hair donations to create hairpieces for children who have lost their hair due to chemo, radiation, burns etc.

I've been so anxious to get my hair cut for months now. Below are my before and after shots.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Before - must have at least 10 inches from where its cut to donate.

After - so easy to fix in the morning

It must be true!

2008-07-07T20:57:00.002-05:00

Most people who know me know that I do not discuss religion or politics. And although I'm not really going to discuss it here I just want to discuss the constant emails I recieve about one person in general - Barack Obama.

Now before I get started I want to back up a little. A few months back Mr. M and I were at a dinner party with a few friends. And of course since the presidential thing is around the corner that was a topic of discussion. As I normally do I just sit there and listen not offering anything to the topic when one of the questions asked was, "so who do you want as president first, a woman or a black man?" They discussed and I sat. The lady of the house then asked me what I thought and I said "I don't discuss politics" She said, "well you have to have an opinion, a woman or a black man" to which I replied, "I thought the president was based on their qualification not their gender or race" I wasn't bugged again.

Now back to Obama. I'm tired of the constant emails that go around with ALL this information about him. And do most people actually look this stuff up or do they think that just because they received something in an email and it came from the internet that its automatically true. Then of course they send to everyone in their address book lecturing "don't vote for him"... Granted I do not endorse any of the candidates. As a matter of fact I am not registered to vote.

Here, check out TruthorFiction.com, they have all sorts of information about all of your Presidential candidates but I'm highlighting the most common email I receive. Obama is Muslim! And guess what? It's Fiction!!!!

But let's just say he was Muslim? Who cares? Just because he isn't part of YOUR religion doesn't make him a bad guy. And do you really think that he's going to start doing things based on his religion if he makes it to the White House? Really? What about Bush? He's a Christian/Baptist... did he go tell everyone they need to believe in God and get saved and baptised or they'll all go to Hell? NO! He ran the Country - that's what the President does.

So before you take all those emails and forward them to others believing them to be true, check it out first. Granted pieces might be true but most of it isn't. I've mentioned one website above but you can also check out snopes.com, its basically the same thing.

Now good emailing to ya! And for those of you voting - do it wisely.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Five things

2008-07-07T20:31:00.005-05:00

My bloggy friend Knatolee from up North tagged me so here it goes...

What was I doing 10 years ago?

Ten years ago I was still single. Living in an apartment with my kitty C-girl. Going out all the time and using the credit card all the time (which is why I’m so busy cleaning it up now)

Five snacks I enjoy:

{Do I have to narrow it down?}

(1) I really enjoy just about any candy, which is not good

(2) Baskin Robbins has this delightful “Rock ‘n Pop Swirl Sherbert”. It used to only come out when a Shrek movie came out but they finally added it to their menu. Unfortunately for me I don’t have a Baskin Robbins close by
(3) Lemon Meringue pie

(4) Cherries

(5) Cotton Candy

Five Things on My To-Do list today:

{today is almost over so I’m going to make up my to do list for tomorrow}

(1) balance checkbook

(2) pay bills

(3) go grocery shopping

(4) mow lawn (at least the front yard so HOA doesn’t say anything)

(5) walk dog

Five Things I would do if I were a billionaire:

(1) Donate some to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

(2) Pay off house, cars and credit card bills

(3) Give some to family and close friends

(4) Buy a nice log cabin with lots of land in Colorado

(5) Take some nice vacations

Five jobs I have had:

(1) Worked in the concession stands, mostly cotton candy (see why it’s a favorite snack?), at an amusement park where I grew up

(2) Did one season at a firework stand

(3) telemarketer - only a few weeks, I think everyone has experienced this just once

(4) Ran a video store

(5) Instructional Designer (write training materials)

Five of my bad habits:

(1) Worrying

(2) picking at my face

(3) stealing really cool glasses from restaurants (haven’t done it in a long time though)

(4) napping instead of doing much needed work in the house or in the yard

(5) telling my husband how to drive - figured he would like that one added ;-)

Five places I have lived:

(1) Amarillo, TX

(2) Dallas, TX

{sorry no others, not that well lived}

Five people I would like to get to know better (yes, this means you are tagged!):

(1) Queen Paula

(2) Computer Diva

(3) Lara

(4) Texas Grind

(5) any other random blogger who stops by and would like to play

Five Random Things:

(1) My tummy doesn’t feel good

(2) Had a nice nap this afternoon :-)

(3) Glad I’m not too stupid to have sex at my job, see this post

(4) Wish my dog would stop escaping out of the back yard. I thought she was done with this bad habit

(5) Getting my hair cut tomorrow and I CAN’T WAIT!!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

You did what?

2008-07-07T18:59:00.002-05:00

I found out something a bit interesting, no wait frightening, that happened at work last week. There were two people involved, we'll give the girl the name Janet (as in the Janet from the Rocky Horror Picture Show - "dammit Janet you slut") and the guy will be named Mitch.

One evening on the work floor of the envelope stuffing company Janet and Mitch, whom are dating, decided they just couldn't wait till after work to get together. So right there on the floor they decided to get a little busy. Not completely all the way Mitch just used his fingers. Janet, did however, get completely satisfied!

They didn't try to hide and a few people witnessed this unspeakable act at work. I mean what were they thinking? Take a break and run to a motel around the corner I'm sure they'll let you pay by the hour.

Oh, and they're still employed. Just a final warning. So I guess its okay to "just do it" once.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

What a Great Weekend!

2008-07-06T14:28:00.002-05:00

I've had a really enjoyable weekend!

Thursday evening we spent with the Computer Diva and Z. We car pooled to Addison to watch thier famous Kaboomtown 4th of July firework display. We set up in some shade (thankfully) and enjoyed the fabulous air show. I'm not sure what type of plane this one we saw was but it was a type of bomber and it came swooping down real low so you could get a great view of it. Of course this is the time we forgot to bring our camera!! sheesh! We continued to enjoy the air show up until it started getting dark. Then we noticed another plane up there but that's a bit wierd cause you can't really see it. But then the coolest thing I've seen. It started dispensing sparklers (best way to explain it) and flying upside down and everything. Then it started to (as Mr. M said) tooting fireworks out. Every now and then it let out some fireworks. I've never seen that before out of all the years I've been to Kaboomtown. Now on to the fireworks. They do them to music and this year was a bit disappointing. They were a little close to the ground and some of the music was something you would hear every day on the radio as opposed to patriotic music. It was still an enjoyable night.

However on the way home we received a phone call from a neighbor down the street telling us they had our dog. Sigh. M&M evidently dug a hole under our neighbors fence and then from there got out. Mr. M even mentioned earlier in the evening that he had a feeling she was getting out that night.

Friday, July 4th. We went to CD and Z's house for some burgers and brats. One of his neighbors had some black cats and let us play with some. Then a few of us decided to run to the firework stand and purchase a few things of our own. We did have one minor injury but all is well. Enjoyed watching us fire off some fireworks and watching all the others that were being done in the neighborhood. (We kept M&M inside the house because of the night before and in the event any of our neighbors did any fireworks we knew that would scare her)

Saturday. Mr. M and I went to breakfast and then went to watch Will Smith's Hancock. That evening we went to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the UFC fight. Luckily we got there early cause it gets to be standing room only.

M&M wanted to sleep outside last night so I left her out. I woke up about 6:30 this morning to see if she wanted to come back in and she was gone again. I woke up Mr. M and I got dressed and hopped in the car and drove around the neighborhood. Mr. M called me to let me know that he had her. He thought he heard something outside the house and looked out the window and saw her laying in our nieghbors yard. He opened the door and told her in a nice fun way "come inside" and she came running in. Luckily we found her this way cause she was missing her collar. We later found it next to the new hole under the fence. Again sigh.

So minus a few glitches we've really enjoyed our weekend.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Caribbean Martini

2008-07-05T20:25:00.002-05:00

so I have decided when I go to a bar or restaurant and find a martini that I like I will start writing them down. so mr m. and I are sitting at buffalo wild wing and I found one I like so I am borrowing mr m's treo to post...

caribbean martini
(buffalo wild wing)
Skyy vodka.
midori melon liqueur.
malibu coconut.
pineapple juice.
splash of sprite.

yummy

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Happy 4th of July

2008-07-04T14:00:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone has a fun and safe day.

And thanks to all or our men and women who serve our Country.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Pregnant?

2008-07-03T16:08:00.002-05:00

My desk in my study is next to our window and it overlooks a rental "garage". Everytime there are new tenants there who smoke outside I can see them. Well there's one chick who lives there now who comes out to smoke and she is a little large.

This is one of those times that I'm hoping she's just a large lady because she kind of looks round like a pregnant woman would. I REALLY hope she's not pregnant and smoking. Because if she's pregnant she looks like she's about to bust - unless she has more than one in there.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

July already?

2008-07-02T18:21:00.002-05:00

I can not believe it's July already. And it's starting to get so hot already.

I've been so neglecting my yard though this year. Havent' been in the mood to mow and it hasn't been weed eated since it started turning green again.

I desperately need to do some major watering between now and Friday. With as dry as its been I don't want to worry about any of our neighbors doing fireworks and one of those nice hot bottle rockets landing in my yard and starting a fire. Oh its after 6pm I guess I can go ahead and set it up.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Pet Peeve: Cell Phones

2008-06-26T11:55:00.003-05:00

I know I've chatted about this many times before but sometimes I just don't get it.

I know its the day and age of cell phones but please people use a little common sense with them. Especially when you're at work.

Now I had my cell phone out on my desk the past few months waiting for the inevitable call for my mom, however I kept it on vibrate so really only I knew a call was coming in.

There is one lady at work who keeps her cell phone on her desk every day AND she leaves the ringer on. Her daughter calls her all the time so we always get to hear the lovely country song that she's downloaded. However if her daughter doesn't get her the first time instead of just leaving a voicemail or something - she just keeps calling back. Sometimes over and over and over and over again. OH! Did I mention that her daughter is 19 years old or so? Its not like she's a child in elementry school who might actually need their momma, no its an adult.

Come one - turn your ringers off!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Where Are They?

2008-06-26T11:29:00.002-05:00

I was watching one of our local news broadcasts last night (don't remember who) and they have a section where they go over questions/comments from the viewers. One person had one that I thought worthy of blogging about.

With all the flooding we're having right now - where are all the celebrities? Where is their telethon asking for mass donations to help these people? Where is Kayne West yelling that it was the Government that took out the levees?

And you know I agree!!! Where are they? I guess we don't care as much for these people as we do for those in New Orleans and surrounding areas? Granted I feel bad for them too - I was unable to really eat those first few days because I kept thinking about all those stranded people without any food.

Speaking of food - most of the people suffering in the floods right now are farmers! Hello! This is our food we're talking about!! I was watching a news report where one farmer was talking about how very much he's in the hole. They tell their buyers in advance how much they will provide and work out a $ number. Now that he has no supply to give he now owes the buyer this $ amount. Just sad.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Tidbits

2008-06-25T11:37:00.002-05:00

Our little M&M has decided that she wants to stay outside during the day when we go to work. And I'm cool with that because she's been tearing so much stuff up the past few times we've been out. We need to completley redo the blinds in our dining room and in the gym. Sheesh! We just need to get her a dog house in the event one of our lovely Texas thunderstorms comes rolling in she has a place to take cover.

Yesterday morning I was getting ready to leave the house for work and checked on M&M in the backyard. When I went out there the sunrise was absolutely incredible!!! I have not seen a sunrise like that in sooooo long. Beautiful reddish-pinkish. Just incredible. Stopped me in my tracks. And I so would have taken some pictures but the power died on it recently while at an air show (I'll post pictures later). So I thought about calling Texas Grind and get her out of bed to take a few pictures. However by the time I got in my car and heading out it wasn't as magnificent enough to warrent an early morning phone call - you're welcome! ;-)

Mr. M and I went to the movie last Friday afternoon. There actually wasn't any *sses that were texting on their phones or anything (I know shock!) However we like to go early Fridays because there's hardly anyone there as was the case for this movie. We're walking to our seats and there is a couple that is in the row behind ours with their feet on the seats in front of them. Okay first - come on! Seriously? Feet on the seats? I just find this very rude. Well evidently we got into their "room" so they got up and went one more aisle up just so they could put their feet up. Whatever!

And one more thing I witnessed the other day driving in to work. Now its funny and its stupid. If you drive an 18 wheeler you know that you require a lot of room to make a turn. Evidently this 18 wheeler didn't want to wait for a light to turn green at this intersection (which goes under a highway) so he decided to take the U-Turn that allows you to skip the lights. Of course these U-Turns are rather limited in space so of course he got stuck. I guess all that time you just missed waiting on the light to turn green is now being used on figuring out how to get yourself out of this pickle you just got yourself into. Good job!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Thank you!

2008-06-16T14:02:00.004-05:00

Thank you to all of my friends and family who have responded to my most recent post about my mom.And although it was a rough few months I did enjoy the few bits of quality time I got to spend with mom. In the beginning when she was living in a nursing home close to me we had Thursday night get togethers. Mr. M and I would cook her a nice meal and we watched Survivor and Lost.

We had a small memorial back where I grew up. We drove up on Tuesday and the memorial was on Wednesday at the church I went to. My mom only had one wish if we had a memorial for her and that was for a certain lady to play the piano for the songs. Luckily she was still at this church. I did good up until the music.

I did spend a few extra days at "home" with my brother and his family. Under the circumstances that was a good time. Mr. M and I stayed at a local hotel and so my brother and his kids came over one afternoon and we played in the pool. It was a little chilly but a constant play of Marco Polo helped warm us up! :-)

When we got home I had a notice on the door that flowers had been sent and were left at my neighbors. Surprisingly they still looked very good (above). They were sent from my job - nice bouquet huh?

Today was my first day back to work. A bit awkward. Friends want to say sorry but don't know what else to say... Got a nice card from my department (among others of course) and found out they had taken up a collection of money and asked where I would like it donated. As we had indicated in her obituary we've asked for all donations to be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. They said they collected almost $150!!! That's incredible!

Anyway, thanks to everyone for their prayers and support over the last few months and especially this past week. I know she's in a good place and no longer hurts.

Love ya guys!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

In Memory

2008-06-09T14:04:00.003-05:00

To my mom

October 18, 1951 - June 9, 2008

She's now with her Heavenly Father.

I love you mom and will miss you dearly!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

While I was walking the dog

2008-06-05T18:32:00.003-05:00

I noticed a few things while I was walking M&M today that I thought I'd share:

Observation 1 of 3:
It has been very windy here the last few days. And every house in my neighborhood has that siding that doesn't require you to paint it ever. Well one house had sheets of it flapping in the wind because its so windy. Crazy. It's so windy you can feel it while you're sitting in your car.

Observation 2 of 3:
One of my neighbors close to our house has a little poodle like dog. When she gets home she has it go out in the front yard to do its business. Why? Why not use your backyard like every other person? I don't get this...

Observation 3 of 3:
And I really saved the best for last cause this one should really go under my idiots label.
This lady was backing her SUV back out of her garage and then I noticed she was kind of going forward and finally just stopped in her driveway. As I passed by I realized why she finally just stopped. She ran right into her own car that was sitting in the driveway. It was all nice and scratched down the side in the back. The SUV was still up on it so I guess she was trying to decide how to get out of this predicament. Can you imagine? Being the doofus who ran into your own car and scratched it?

And that actually reminds me of something else I observed about a year ago. Guy was in his garage and got into his car. With his door still open he started to back out. Well there's a little bit of a lip in your garage that doesn't like open car doors. Needless to say he ran smack into it and f*cked up the door on his car so badly that it wouldn't shut. Yep, he goes under the idiot file too!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

An update

2008-06-04T12:49:00.004-05:00

Well since this post mom seemed a tad bit better. Although its still rather hard to understand her when she "talks" as its mostly mumbling. Every now and then she might say a word that is a little legible.

I did go see her yesterday after work and read a couple of letters to her from her best friend from back home. She seemed to kind of understand it. One of the nurses came by to check on her and she told them to go away so I could finish the letter. She then asked me to write a letter back to her bf. It was very short and I kind of didn't understand some of it.

It's interesting what she does remember and what she doesn't. Every time she mentioned my name when I was writing a letter she would spell it as if I didn't know how to spell it. She did ask me who I was so I guess she still doesn't really remember who I am.

Well I got a call from her hospice nurse today. She told me that her blood pressure and heart rate is not where its supposed to be. And basically she thinks she has about 5 days or so left. Of course this can all be a guestimation...

So anywho I was unable to concentrate on work so I decided to leave. I came home and ate a little lunch and now I'm gonna go take a nap.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Too dependent?

2008-05-29T17:44:00.003-05:00

This proves we have become far too dependent on our computers.
1) Are you male or female? To find out the answer, look down....

Look down, not scroll down.... hee hee. :-)

What a day of hell...

2008-05-27T14:24:00.002-05:00

Before I get started it might be beneficial to clarify one thing. Of course you know that mom is under hospice care. One of the main things about being under hospice care is that if anything happens to mom: broken bone, having a heart attack or anything like that 911 is not to be called first - the hospice is to be called first. Okay to the update...

Thursday morning on my way to work I received a phone call from one of the nurses to let me know that mom had fallen again (she had fallen 2 days prior but was okay). This time they were a little concerned because her blood pressure had fallen really low and they wanted to know if I would like her to go to the hospital to be looked at. I asked "have you talked to the hospice? I can't do anything unless the hospice says so". The nurse (who's english is not really good) said, "yes the hospice doctor said it was okay for her to go if you wanted". So I said okay. I called Sis to let her know. I went to the nursing home and mom was very red and sweating very badly. And walking around.... the nurse got her to sit down and asked her if she knew who I was. She was basically whispering gibberish but didn't recognize me. Told the nurse "I was pretty".

I rode with mom in the ambulance to the hospital. Sis met us in the ER. The Dr. said her potassium was very high and that her sodium was low. They wanted to get mom's potassium down so wanted her to stick around for a couple of days or so until they got it down. The whole time we were in there mom "talked to herself" and seemed to be (lack of better words) seeing things. She was very thirsty but they wouldn't let her drink anything so she was drinking imaginary drinks with a straw, handing it to us and say thanks. She seemed to be walking with her walker a few times and petting a pretty dog. The only time she really spoke loudly was when the nurse or someone tried to do something she evidently like she would tell them to stop.

After being in the ER for about 4 hours or so mom was moved to a room where of course they try to take her blood just about every hour or so to check her potassium. She continued her talking to her self and getting a little sleep. Of course Sis and I had to keep her from trying to yank out her IV.

Now I mentioned this was a day of hell. I don't think mom was aware of what was going on so this day of hell was for me and Sis. And here's were the "real" fun came in.

Sis got to wondering why noone from the hospice had come up or called us to check on things. So I called mom's hospice nurse and asked if anyone would be coming to the hospital to check on mom and the nurse was not even aware that mom was at the hospital - this was the first time that she had heard anything. So I told her what happened this morning with the nursing home nurse and asked when she would come up - it wouldn't be till the next morning. Sis then wondered if we could have the 24/7 hospice nurse to watch mom since we didn't feel comfortable leaving her alone. The hospice nurse said her office was closed so she wouldn't be able to set up anything until the next day. And that we couldn't do it while mom was in the hospital, if she was at the nursing home they could. But I could call the main 800# for the hospice and see if the on call nurse might be able to arrange something.

So I called the on call hospice nurse (from now on - h.n.) and told her what was going on and could she help. So she did some calling and said yes. She could have a 24/7 nurse at the nursing home at 8pm. We talked to the hospital nurse, Rachel, and told her that we wanted mom released. She said that the Dr. would be against it and we said we didn't care we wanted her released so she went to call the Dr. so we could speak to him. Sis spoke with him and he basically argued with Sis that it was a bad idea to release mom until her potassium came down. We told him that mom is under hospice care and that she should not have come to the hospital in the first place so we wanted her released. He said he would have to get a social worker from the hospital to come in and have her released since he was not there and that he would talk to Rachel to get that started. A bit later I questioned Rachel about how long it would be for the hospital social worker to come in. She said she didn't know, they're on call so who knows. A little later there was a shift change and mom's new nurse was Kim. I asked Kim if she knew how long it would take for the hospital social worker to come in she said she didn't.

I received a call from the h.n. saying that the 24/7 nurse was at the nursing home (n.h.) and they were unaware that mom was coming back so could I call to let them know. So I callled the n.h. and told them that we were in the process of having mom released and she would be coming back. the n.h. said they needed one of the nurses from the hospital to call them and let them know what all had been done to mom so they could have for their records.

So i went out to the nurses station and was talking to one of the nurses (not kim or rachel) and told them we were waiting for the social worker (s.w.) to come so we could have mom released but in the meantiime we needed a nurse to call her n.h. to give them an update on her etc. The nurses i was talking to looked a little shocked and said there wasn't a s.w. on the way in. I pointed to rachel who was still there and said "we were told by at least 2 people that a s.w. had to come and sign us out so we could release our mom so we could leave". A s.w. hasn't been called????? nope!!!!! As a matter of fact we don't need a s.w. to sign us out we needed to sign an AMA (against medical advise) form! Well get me a form to sign! Oh and could one of you call the n.h. to give an update on my mom - NOT rachel or kim!

So one of them came in with a form - oh and btw if she's released they can call an ambulance to transport mom but it wouldn't be paid for because we're leaving AMA. What?!? Doesn't Medicaid (which mom is under) pay for it? Don't know. so I call the h.n. back and tell them what's going on now. does she know if medicaid pays for it? she's not sure let her do some checking she'll call me back. she calls back and is unable to find an answer but suggests that we ask to speak to the hospital s.w. via phone as they should know. So I ask to speak to the hospital s.w. and they get one on the phone. I told her about trying to get mom released and how we were first told that we had to have a s.w. release us and now we were doing an AMA but the ambulance wouldn't be covered etc. She was shocked and apalled by what had happened. OH And this was the first time she had been called. I also told her about Rachel and Kim and she was taking down names and everything. She says she remembers looking at moms chart when we were in the ER and was wondering why were there since she was under hospice care. She asked me if mom was with such and such nursing home and i said yes. She said that unfortunately this is not the first time that this n.h. had called 911 for a hospice patient. She told me she was unsure if medicaid paid for the ambulance but she knew the phone number to the company so she was personally going to call one for us. She would check the next day to see if it wasn't covered and if it wasn't she would make the n.h. pay for it. We finally got mom back to the n.h. about 10pm or so.

Sis and I saw her last night. She's a little more coherent than she was last Thursday but we don't think she still really recognizes us. She was kind of talking but it really didn't make that much sense. She was telling us that we needed to go away so she could get ready for work. She snapped her fingers to "call security" to escort us out. She hadn't really eaten anything yesterday was drinking a lot of liquids though. Her hospice s.w. called me today to say that she had eaten a little today. She said that they'll just monitor her to see if she continues to go down hill from here or if she kind of stays at this stage.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

To the Dog Park

2008-05-20T11:01:00.003-05:00

It has been a rather long time since we've taken M&M to the dog park. So I took her on Sunday morning while it was still nice and cool outside.

I don't think she's ever enjoyed it as much as she did that day. At first she was in her own little world as she normally is. Roaming around on her own, minding her own business.

I was standing in the shade of a big tree and a few other people started to congregate there as well. One lady asked me if that was my husky and I said yes. I had noticed her come in with a few dogs and one was a white dog that looked like a husky as well so I asked her. It was!! I've never seen a full white husky before. She was very pretty.

There was another dog there that really wanted to play with someone. Played a little with the white husky and kept trying to get M&M to play. So M&M kept barking at her in a friendly but kind of get back type of way and the other dog barked back. So they kept doing this to each other as M&M stayed right around my legs. The white husky's mom was laughing about how M&M wouldn't go far from her mom. I told them no because she's a big ole scardy cat.

So M&M opened up a little and ran around with a few of them. We stayed out there for about an hour. More and more dogs kept coming. Our little crowd under the tree kept growing with people and dogs. Finally M&M just kept laying on the ground to rest so I decided to take her home. She slept so good that afternoon! :-)

Oh and yesterday Mr. M and I went to check out this place that we're going to board M&M for the weekend. There was this dog in this play area that I was watching and I pointed it out to Mr. M and said "it looks like a coyote". The lady who works there said that was her dog and that it was half coyote. She didn't know that when she first got her. She's getting used to other dogs. She's very pretty.

Oh and I just had to post some recent pics of my babies throughout the post... enjoy!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Just stop asking me

2008-05-18T16:33:00.002-05:00

I'm sure I've b*tched about this before but the need has arisen again.

Just because some folks have children and Mr. M and I have been married for over 2 years now they feel it necessary to ask (not him of course, just me) when we plan on having children. And sometimes this question comes from people (mostly ladies, of course) that have already asked me this ridiculous question. I use a standard "if it happens it happens..."

But what if...
What if we really don't want any?
Or what if we're unable to have any?
What if?

Lord knows you can't say one of the above cause then you get more questions. So regardless, the standard is what I use.

Stop asking already!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

sniff... sniff...

2008-05-06T19:11:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I wish I wasn't sensitive or not as sensitive as I am.

This morning on my way to work I dodged this bird on the street. Then it dawned on me that it was flipping about as if it was hurt. Granted it was one of those ugly black birds but just the thought that it was hurt really made me sad...

Things like that make me cry in a heartbeat - I'm just too sentamental.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Round Two - Finally Finished!

2008-05-05T19:39:00.003-05:00

After winning two games away in San Jose, bringing it back to Dallas to win game three, loosing game four in Dallas and loosing game five in San Jose - the Dallas Stars won game six back here in Dallas!!!!!

I'm so glad they won it in game six because having both of us go in with four wins each to play game seven would be nerve racking.

I did have the great pleasure of being at the game last Tuesday for game three. Talk about an exciting hockey game. I think play off games are soooo much more exciting than a regular hockey game. The spirit in the place is just electric! We did go into Overtime - but when we got that winning goal it was wild in that place! I was so freaking excited for a couple hours afterwards. Needless to say my voice was a bit hoarse for a few days.

Now we go into Round Three of the playoffs against the RedWings. Whew! This should be another interesting Round!!!

Go Stars!!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

My dog - the Huntress

2008-04-17T11:50:00.002-05:00

Well that's what Mr. M is calling her.

For a few days now little Ms. M&M has been pacing by our back fence like she sees something just under it. Every time I go back there I see nothing. I even had to bring her in one night because she just started barking at it and I didn't want her to bug the neighbors all night.

Then the day before yesterday she was in the yard aways and I could tell she had something. So I went out there to check it out and it was a frog. I think it's my little frog friend that kept visiting last year. Mr. M picked it up and threw it over the fence so it wouldn't be M&M's new toy.

So yesterday I let her out when I got home to do her business and run around. Now she's focused on our wheel barrow that is turned over and obviously there is something underneath it. I'm thinking maybe its my frog friend and go out there. Of course I look at M&M and tell her that if its a snake that I will be very upset (I really, really, really do not like snakes). I hesitantly raise the wheelbarrow and to my wonderful surprise is a small opossum! {and yes it's opossum - not possum} Of course it scared the sh*t out of me and I dropped the wheelbarrow. I grab M&M and take her in the house and get on the website to Google exactly how dangerous they are and how to get rid of them.

When Mr. M got home I told him of the latest find from our dog. As we left her in the house we went out to take a look. As he lifted the wheelbarrow the thing high tailed it under the fence to our neighbors yard. Mr. M peeked over the fence and all I heard him say was "uh oh". I'm like what? The poor thing escaped into the clutches of our neighbors dog!! :-( I'm so upset by this. Mr. M kept telling me, "I didn't do it on purpose" I know! I told him that maybe it was just "playing dead" - that's what they do anyway right? So I run over to our neighbors to let them know that their dog has an opossum, but they weren't home. I didn't go in there to handle because the dog is a rottweiler. He's a freindly dog but I'm not taking my chances.

Well I didn't look in on how the little fellow was doing because it would just upset me. M&M is now fine and no longer pacing by the fence - but I think an innocent little animal may have lost his little life. :-(

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Survived!

2008-04-16T19:29:00.002-05:00

Mr. M has survived his first two days at the new job!!

He still has a few jitters from new job anxiety but I think that is so to be expected. I think it will take a good month or so before he really knows what needs to be done and have a real feel for things. But I can understand the "not knowing" especially after the many years he had with "old job"

His first day happened to be held half a day at the Main Event for meetings (which of course he was clueless about) and then afterwards there was fun and games!

The place sounds cool though. They have a cafeteria that serves several items to choose from including hot food (better than eating out of a vending machine). And they have computer games in the break room. Now that's a company that wants to make their employees happy!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Last Day!

2008-04-13T14:14:00.002-05:00

Friday was the last day for Mr. M at his "old job". Of course there wasn't much for him to do. I was trying to get some work done and he kept calling me to walk around and such. I am gonna miss that.

Most of his department and one of the Executives took him to lunch (which btw I was not invited to go to - hello, I'm his wife and we do happen to work at the same place - but anywho). They presented him with a small token of "appreciation". Kind of hard to explain but it has a small little plaque (sp?) on front that says "from your friends at old job" or something similar. Then there is a little globe thing at the top that if you turn it one way is a clock and then if you turn it the other way the entered the old job's logo (we can remove this later if we want). Mr. M showed it to me when he got back from lunch and told me he was fighting back the tears. He then asked if he was doing the right thing and he felt bad for leaving. I told him that it was too little too late. They should learn to show how much they appreciate someone while they still work there - not after they've put in their notice and have their foot out the door.

Of course that evening was a time for celebration. Small group of us met at a local restaraunt for a bit to eat and a bit to drink. Most called it kind of an early night (well if you count 4 hours of celebration an early night) and started on their way home. Mr. M and I went to the house of one of the ladies who works with us and basically sat in her jacuzzi all night (another 3-4 hours). It was really nice and we had a good time.

We both have Monday off to do some shopping for new clothes to wear at the new job. Mr. M did a bit of re-cooping yesterday. :-) And is fighting allergies/cold - poor guy. I just hope that it clears up before Tuesday on his first day at the job.

OH! And he got a call from new boss to talk about day 1. He and his team will be meating at the local IHOP in the morning for breakfast and get to meet everyone. That evening they are going somewhere for a little team building to play some pool and have a few beers. I told Mr. M that he is definitely in a different company. I hope they keep that up - I bet it makes their employees happy!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Moving On!

2008-04-02T11:44:00.003-05:00

Well after what seems like an eternity, Mr. M has finally found a new job!!!

He received his offer letter yesterday, signed it and faxed it back in, then gave his notice!! He's been looking forward to that for months.

His last official day with current job is Friday, April 11. His first official day at new job is Tuesday, April 15th (which btw is our 2 year wedding anniversary).

So congratulations on the new job honey, I'm very proud of you!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Had a great time!

2008-03-31T21:17:00.005-05:00

I know, I know... I'm a little behind with details of my Easter weekend! :-)

Brother and family came into town on Good Friday and we got their car all unpacked. Then I took him and his wife to go pick up mom so they could see her living arrangements. Mom was so glad to see him, went straight past me to hug him. I guess I can't blame her. Friday was a little tough for her. She was just sooo anxious that she kept having to lay down and take a few power naps. Mr. M grilled some fajita meat and brother made an enchilasagna. Man, we had way too much to eat.

Saturday was absolutely beautiful so we packed up a few drinks in a cooler and headed for the park that's around the corner. It has a huge playground that brother was really impressed with. We took lots of pic's of the kids playing and well of us playing in it as well. :-) We flew some kites and just had a good ole time. Unfortunately we weren't really thinking very well as none of us put on sunscreen so a few of us went home with a sunburn - yep I was one of them. That evening we took everyone to a wood burning pizza place. Now most people who know me know that I really do not like pizza (only cause when I met Mr. M he ate it just about every day) and I really like this pizza. Then we walked it off around the shops there. Mr. M and I bought matching rings at James Avery - actually his idea, I think that's pretty cool. Kids and I colored some boiled eggs when we got home. No plans to hide them I just wanted to color them!! Nothing like the smell of vinegar.

Sunday was a bit cooler outside and we just decided to stay inside and some watched tv (mostly the kids) and most of the adults played games. We played Train Dominos, Hand & Foot and Clue. We were going to make a turkey but we still had so much food leftover from Friday that we decided to eat it down. OH! And my sister had brought over some of those special eggs. You know the ones that are hollowed out and filled with confetti? So sis, brother and I were outside grabbing a few in our hands. I went inside and told all the girls that they needed to put on their shoes and come outside and get some fresh air, they'd been watching too much tv. So we waited till they all came outside and then we got em! It was great fun and M&M thought it was the best. There was sooo much running around going on. We did have to go around the yard and pick up the big egg peices cause she kept trying to eat them.

Monday we played a few quick hands of Uno before they left. I took mom back to her place. I had a really great time with my brother and his kids. Boy they sure have grown up. I do wish I could visit them more often, or live a little closer to each other so we could. Such is life huh? I think M&M really enjoyed having the kids around as well. They would go out and run around with her. But I think she was really happy to have "her" house back.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

I'm so excited!

2008-03-17T12:33:00.002-05:00

My brother and his family are coming to my house this weekend!!! I haven't seen him in about 2 years or so. Granted I know that the primary visit is to see mom while she's still with us, but still I get to see and visit with him too!!

And boy is the house gonna be crowded! My brother and his wife have 4 girls! Plus to make it easier on all of us and to make the best of our time my mom will just stay with us instead of going back to the nursing home she lives in. AND my sister will also just stay over... again a full house!

I think that M&M will just love having all the girls around. Of course she's still massively shedding her winter coat so we've been vaccuming just about nightly.

Mr. M is happy about everyone coming as well and he wants to make sure that everyone is taken care of. But I know that he's dreading having 10 people total in the house. It's only a few days so I think we'll survive. I just don't want there to be any downers about it.

So 4 days and counting! :-)

~ Wolf Lover Girl

XXX Peep Show!

2008-03-13T17:45:00.003-05:00

Warning! The following image might not be suitable for those with a low tolerance of sugar.

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Video - Playing in the Snow

2008-03-06T19:15:00.005-06:00

Okay, this is gonna be my attempt at loading video.

M&M found one of her balls in the snow and got a little wild streak in her and was just running everywhere, shaking it up and just having a good 'ole time. Enjoy!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Ding Ding - Round 2

2008-03-06T18:45:00.017-06:00

Wow! DFW hardly ever gets snow so isn't it interesting that we got it TWICE in the same week? And we got more today than we did the other day. Of course we had to get out and play in it and many more pictures were taken. I actually figured out how to use the video that's on our camera and will try to post one of those later as well. I tell you the snow "flakes" coming down got to be soooo big! I don't recall ever seeing snow flakes that big before!

So here are several photos for your enjoyment! These were taken throughout the afternoon so you can see in some of them just how deep the snow got.

You can't have this much snow and not build a snow-woman!

The cats enjoyed the comfort of being inside

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2008-03-03T20:17:00.006-06:00

The DFW area always recieves one day of snow and/or ice. Tonight we're getting the snow, hopefully it won't create the ice.

So of course we had to let our little "snow dog" go out and play in it to get some pictures. Here are my horrible attempts to get a few clear shots.

Pretty dog in the snow!

Except for those darn evil red eyes.

Although this one is a big fuzzy, I like it because she's chasing Mr. M!

Get 'em girl!

Here M&M is burying a treat she found. Mr. M had never seen her bury anything before so he thought it was funny.

This is why her nose is dirty sometimes when she comes back in the house.

Did I mention that she's shedding her winter hair? So now we have a wet, shedding dog!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Happy Birthday!

2008-02-26T07:11:00.004-06:00

Lunar Eclipse!

2008-02-20T21:38:00.003-06:00

Well tonight was another lunar eclipse and the first one that the States could see in I don't know how long (granted I'm sure I could look it up online, but I choose not too!)

When I heard that it was scheduled tonight I thought, "crap, it's supposed to be cloudy and we won't see a thing". When I got home from work I checked out the sky and sure enough cloudy.

And truthfully I kind of forgot all about it until about 8:15pm CT. I was looking online to see what time it was supposed to start and evidently it started around 7:45 CT so I jumped up and ran outside to see if I could see anything.

The sky was soooo clear!!! The moon was already about three quarters covered so I pretty much watched it until it went into a full eclipse just about 9pm. And that was pretty cool it had a orangish-reddish hue to it. Mr. M said that it reminded him of a pumpkin with a candle in it. I did try to take pictures of it in the beginning but I just don't have the right camera. I'll have to wait till Roz posts hers (cause I know she'll get some good ones!). Then about 5 after 9 the clouds started rolling in. I was still able to catch glimpses but now its so thick you can't see anything so I finally gave up and came back in the house.

So tonight turned out to be really cool! I even called mom to make sure she saw it. :-)

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Jury Duty!

2008-02-20T11:38:00.002-06:00

Yesterday was my first ever time to be summoned for Jury Duty!

And it was a little interesting. I knew to take a book to read 'cause I knew that I'd be sitting in a big room with all sorts of other people there and it would be forever before anything happened.

In my summons it did mention to dress appropriately for court - no shorts! And to be there by 8:20am. So since I am in a place where I can people watch I made a few observations...

1. There were no shorts - yeah, they can read!
2. There were several people who wore pants - mostly men (go figure). And most of the ladies who wore jeans looked like they were just out of High School or in College.
3. People were still arriving around 8:30 and 8:45 ect - I guess they can't read!

We got to watch a little video on "how great it is to serve on a jury". The facts and fictions of serving on a jury. Got sworn in by the judge. Then the judge listed all these items that could potentially give you a way out of serving, and if you feel that you fall under one of these then line up and I'll review it with you. I didn't see many people get a pass.

Then another court lady began to read off names and tell you where and when you would be serving. There were several for yesterday afternoon. Then she began reading off names to come back on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. The more and more I sat there I could just feel the tension in my kneck. I just can't serve on those days, sis and I are planning on cleaning out mom's old place on Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun (or however long it takes). Luckily I was not in those lists. Then she started calling out 50 million names (okay it was more like 30) and they had to come back on Monday.

After they all left with their directions and such she looked at the rest of us and told us we were not needed - THANK GOD!!! They also gave us the opportunity to donate our lovely $6 we made for the day to one of the charitable type things in my area. I really didn't recognize most of them on the list so I donated mine to the Habitat for Humanity.

BTW it was only 10:30am!!! Woo Hoo!!! I get paid a full day by my job so I sure as heck wasn't going in. I grabbed something to eat for lunch, changed into comfortable clothes (which included jeans because I didn't wear them to court!) and then went and spent the afternoon with mom.

We had a really good time. They were making Mardi Gras masks (even though it really happened about 2 weeks ago) and I helped her with that (I have a picture I'll have to post later). So my day ended up being very nice!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Happy Birthday

2008-02-14T16:22:00.002-06:00

Happy Birthday Roz!!!

~ Wolf Lover Girl

Happy V-Day! (afternoon update)

2008-02-14T07:08:00.004-06:00

I got the BEST Valentines Day "gift" from my hubby...

We don't really celebrate this "holiday" because we think it's really crap. But he surprised me this morning with "I Love You because... 100 reasons and counting".

He had some funny things in there and some very sweet things, sorry I won't share! :-)

I think this is the best thing I've ever gotten because I know it takes much thought and time to do it.

Anywho, hope everyone has a great day!

Love you Mr. M!

Update:

Well it looks like Mr. M went ahead and sent me some flowers to work. They were soo unexpected. And I have to say I love them so much more in this simple arrangement than the normal dozen rozes only that most received.

Well done honey!

~ Wolf Lover Girl