The Cessna Club

Southern Living Literally Take 1

2010-06-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

A year of Southern Living Literally Take 1

The first issue arrived in April and had a scrumptious strawberry & orange marmalade tart gracing the front cover. I decided to make it for my Mom for mother’s day. Being the oldest of three daughters, I knew that if made her the edible cover of Southern Living and gave her both the tart and the magazine – I would score big on the daughter list. (If you have girls in bulk – it’s competition central often. Healthy competition. Good for the soul. Good for the mother getting gifts…)

There were so many firsts. Lessons from “Southern Living Literally Take 1”:

1- Make sure you use a large bowl when whipping heavy cream. It grows and gets really big really fast like some sort of mad science project. (Emphasis on the word mad please.) Switching bowls in the middle of your whipping might entice you to curse – which is neither lady like nor Southern proper. (Surely the Southern Living test kitchen ladies are not switching bowls and cursing mid tart prepping!)

2- Use little strawberries because they are dainty and pretty and they look like the cover! Do not purchase the berries that need their own zip code to exist. (Darn you Costco!) They look stupid – thus, the cursing may enter your mind again. Then you have to go to a Farmer’s Market and buy locally - like you should have done in the first place - because they have tiny-little-cutesy-cover worthy-berries.

3- Be realistic please. If you are going to make a fruit tart, try not to focus on the picture too much because it’s a magazine cover people! Surely I cannot make a magazine cover in my own kitchen. Trying such a feat may cause my self-worth on a Sunday afternoon to hang in the balance if I try to compete with paid professionals in commercial kitchens with tiny little strawberries that are just oh so cute…

4- Back to the whipping of the cream – whip it last second. Not last minute. I repeat last second. It falls. It leans. It drips in your fridge and has the consistency of Elmer’s glue when dried. You will hate it and it will hate you right back. So I beg of you (well – me really…) whip it last second for crying out loud!

5- On a bright note – the tart crust was doable, thick, golden brown right out of the oven and drama free. Exciting because when I read that I needed to knead it – I groaned.

Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of the tasty tart that I made because I did not know at the time that I would be blogging about this experience. Next cooking of the cover I will be camera ready. But all in all – it looked like a tart. A pretty tart to tell you the truth. It did not show a single sign of my struggle once complete.

My mother loved it. Told me she loved it. Ate it. Told me she loved it again. Ate it later and called me to tell me she loved it.

In conclusion, next time I, Elizabeth, will have 1. - a large whipping bowl, 2. - tiny berries, and 3. - a camera. Lessons learned and no long term damage. Success – tart style!

One cover down.

11 to go.

Southern Living Literally

2010-06-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

Growing up I wore bonnets on Easter Sunday decorated with flowers cut fresh from the garden. I still own more sundresses and skirts than I do shorts. If you open either my mother’s refrigerator or mine, you will always find sweet iced tea (that I brewed in the sun) and fresh lemons.

It still shocks me that anyone serves BBQ sandwiches without coleslaw on them. I have owned my house less than a year and we’ve been busy planting hydrangeas, roses, and a magnolia is on the list. Gone with the Wind, Steel Magnolias, and Fried Green Tomatoes are all movies I ~~have memorized~~ simply love.

I love glitz, grits, barefoot summers, deviled eggs, hymns, country music, Papa’s homemade pickles, fireflies in mason jars, burning candles for all occasions, eating berries right off the bush, living on my front porch and waving at anyone and everyone who passes. And if fried green tomatoes or okra are on the menu - I am going to order them - Every. Single. Time.

You see, I was born in Florida and raised in southern Georgia, so I should have known - but I didn’t know all these things combined made me southern. To me, they were just part of life. And these things are very much a part of my family.

My Meme is a proper southern woman who makes amazing potato salad and my mother is at her happiest with sand between her toes and sweet tea in a nearby glass. My dad has perfected my Papa’s homemade pickles and owns a boat named – “Southern Ease” from a Jimmy Buffet song. (Think of speaking Chinese, Japanese, Southernese…got it?…) Meme thinks her grandbabies are absolutely “bootiful,” because you know – we just are.

So, in the last couple of years, I’ve really come to realize Southern culture and what a part of me it is. When my Papa passed away, I just wanted to hold on to him so badly in some way. So, I planted his favorite plants in my yard. And I hung up the walking sticks he made in the spare bedroom. And I fully intend on making pickles just like he did, though I’m not there - yet.

And while I was processing all of this, I got a magazine subscription in the mail from my Meme. Southern Living. Aha! That’s it! Stay tuned…

I miss you.

2010-06-07T07:38:00.001-07:00

You had many names Charles Raymond Shelburne, Sr., Skeeter, - but you were my Papa. Growing up I remember playing in the pool where you would sweep me into the air and dangle my toes in the water. Your house had stairs to play on and round ice cubes for our drinks. The very first time I ever saw snow – I was holding your hand.

And I loved you so.

At night we’d snuggle on the couch and I’d watch your John Wayne movies because you’d watch my fairy tales. The next day we’d pick fresh, warm strawberries and even in the winter you had frozen ones to go with our rainbow sherbet that you never ran out of. In the summer we’d go out into the garden and eat tommy-toe tomatoes together until our bellies hurt.

And I loved you so.

You always smelled like Old Spice and peppermint. You would take me and my sisters anywhere we wanted to go on our special days. We’d even go to McDonald’s to order hotdogs – which they never once had – but you always acted surprised.

And I loved you so.

As a child, I marveled at your hats and your walking sticks from the woods; how big and strong your hands were; how the tip of your tongue would wiggle when you were really concentrating; how you could turn your basement into a greenhouse; how wonderful you were. Never once did you upset me. Never once were you cross with me.

And I loved you so.

When I was sixteen years old, you drove a bright, blue Jeep. I told you you were the coolest Papa ever. When I got married last year, you told me that “loving someone was easy to do, but loving them right – everyday no matter what – that was the hard part.” I told you that you made it look easy and that

I loved you so.

The first time I saw you in the nursing home your eyes looked tired. I kissed you on the cheek on you didn’t smell like Old Spice. I gave you a tommy toe tomato and you spit it out. You’d forgotten that you no longer had your bright, blue Jeep. But you held my hand and you told me that you loved me so.

I honestly don’t know just how to tell you goodbye or explain to anyone how very much I will miss my sweet Papa. But when I close my eyes and think of you up in heaven, I just know that when you bump into an angel and they ask you how you are doing, you will smile that handsome smile and say, “I’m fine as frog’s hair and twice as smooth.”

And they will love you so…

Dear Furkids...

2010-01-13T15:46:00.000-08:00

Dear Furkids,

This is an apology letter from your human. I wanted to let you know how sorry I am that Scott and I had to work late today. So late in fact that I felt the need to rearrange the office to accommodate you. I am sorry that we had to leave you for so long.

Secondly, thank you for making me aware of the insides of an expensive dog bed. I must say that for the first time in my life I realized just how much stuffing they fit into those things. I didn't know that a small 2 foot by 2 foot dog bed could create the largest amount of blue fuzz known to man. Thank you for making me so aware.

I also want to apologize to you in advance for not purchasing another dog bed. I hope you understand why you must now sleep on the cold, hard wood floors. You see, dog beds are expensive. And beyond the money issue, they are apparently full of an insane amount of blue fuzz. I am no longer willing to own one of those items. I apologize for your inconvenience.

I am sorry that I expected you to be more like "Lassie". Thank you for reminding me that you are more like "Marley". I appreciate your honesty. Next time we have an honest moment I would like to make a request. Please leave out the blue fuzz!

Love,
Your human, Elizabeth

P.S. Thank you for attempting to look guilty while I was the one who neglected to be home on time. I appreciate your efforts.

Three sisters. Three last names.

2010-01-10T15:41:00.000-08:00

Remember this post?

And now I give you my second fabulous excuse for not blogging:

Congratulations to Carrie Rae Shelburne Thornton!

Three Shelburne sisters. Three last names.

Two states. Two weddings. Two husbands.

One year. One fantastic family! One camera full of sweet memories.

Oh sweet blog...I've neglected you so!

2010-01-09T18:55:00.000-08:00

I have not been blogging. It's my husband's fault. Really. It is.

You see he likes to lay around. A LOT. A whole lotta lot actually. His job is fast paced and busy so when the evenings and weekends hit - he's quite the couch ~~rock~~ potato.

And then there's this sweet warm husband just laying there. And he's just laying there with a puppy or two and I'm just not gonna go anywhere near that icy cold and lonely computer room.

So, I've got excuses. A lot of them too I just might add.

But I am here. For the 5 readers or so that I have I am here. I will update. I promise I will. So please quit calling me. (Actually, you've texted, but it just doesn't whine like a call, so I thought I would take a creative liberty and just say that...ahem...) And if you didn't call to complain that I am neglecting you and your reading time, I know you meant to.

So I'm back sweet blog. And I have things to ~~say~~ type! Later though. There's this husband. And this comfy couch. And a sweet puppy (or three.)

Actually, the dogs are not even allowed on the couch...My inner Martha Stewart and and my inner Caesar Milan are constantly at war with each other. Is that even normal?!

He makes me laugh

2009-10-18T17:54:00.000-07:00

My husband was sent for dog food since we were out. I am very particular about what my animals eat. Remember this post? So Scott knows exactly what to come home with. Purina One Lamb & Rice Adult dog food. For me, working with animals and all...it's really easy to remember.

I realized today that Scott could not tell you what the dogs eat, but he can point at it. He didn't know what the food was called, he simply knew what the bag looked like. Or rather what the dog on the bag looks like.

"I just get the red bag of food with the 'African-American Lilly' on it."

What? Oh!

Our Lilly:

Our chosen dog food:

Oh my love...you crack me up!

Do you hear wedding bells?

2009-10-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

First we decorated...

And then we set out some food...

And some ladies - both family and friends - gathered round....

All because my beautiful sister got one of these..

And that was reason for us to celebrate!

Congratulations to the bride-to-be!

We love you so much!

What a nose wants...

2009-10-16T16:24:00.000-07:00

You can have the sweetest house and the cutest decor, but if your carpet smells like cat pee, it's all over.

When I am exhausted from the day and walking in the door I am capable of many things. I can relax next to the overwhelming pile o' laundry. I can ignore the dishes in the sink. Dust on all the furniture can wait. Nothing in the fridge? A glass of water will do. But I cannot, simply will not, most assuredly, do not stand stinky!

Candles take too long to catch up. Plug-ins smell great, but for me they simply mix in with the smell du jour. Scented garbage bags? Umm, a joke in my opinion. The fan above the stove...not helping! Commercial carpet cleaning solution works for stains but not smelly.

"Ahh, is that lilac, fresh linen and rotten banana peel? Did you not take out the trash?"

And for my house with umpteen animals, an open box of baking soda is quite frankly a joke. I do not have room to open a dresser-size-box-of-baking-soda to combat all the smelly that can happen within my walls.

I have a lot of animals, but I don't want a visitor's sense of smell to tell them that before they even are greeted by a cold, wet nose. If I walk in dead tired and smell --insert stinky scent here--then it's up and at 'em to clean whatever the offending scent may be.

So having a litter box and three ~~perfectly housebroken~~ dogs under the age of two in my house has transformed me and my sensitive nose to be a smell expert. Well, expert might be a stretch, but I have got the scent thing pretty much mastered.

First stop on the stink war, vinegar. Vinegar can do a thousand things...literally. See? But for me, the problem with vinegar is that well, it stinks! And cleaning stinky with stinky is just not what this girl (or her nose) wants. And cleaning with baking soda? Not nearly as smelly as its vinegar counter part, but the two of them just don't have a great scent...

After many trials and errors my favorite cleaning solution is as follows:

Magic Solution:

1/2 cup of water **
1/2 cup of a really fantastic liquid soap
1 & 2/3 cups of baking soda
2 tablespoons of white vinegar. (You must add the vinegar last because adding vinegar directly to the soap will cause the soap to be spoiled. And that my friend is another post entirely!)
Then add your favorite essential oil until your nose is no longer offended. (A couple of drops goes a very long way.)
**Add as much water as you need to make this solution easily pour into a clean spray bottle and easily spray out. It depends on what brands of items you buy so it can vary just a little.

This works. It's cheap! It's green. It's not poisonous. It won't leave a residue (making dust stick to whatever you are cleaning causing you to clean more...bad cycle...)

And if your pet pees on carpet -

Run like you are on a gameshow to get a rag or papertowels.
Blot like crazy while you are scolding the tar out of them.
Unscrew the bottle of your "Magic Solution"
Saturate the area and leave it.

When it dries, you will not smell the urine.

Ahhhhhhh!

Smell that?

No?

Success smells sweet!

To hit or miss, now that is today's question.

2009-10-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

While driving, do you ever swerve to miss a paper bag because there might be kittens inside? Do you ever think about stuff like that?

Confessions of a Festive Freak.

2009-10-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was down in the dumps. Big time. But the key word in that sentence is was. Thank you to Lisi & Laurie for your uplifting words. I will be e-mailing you both soon I am quite sure. :)

So, what do you do when you are down in the dumps? Me? I decorate! And man let me tell you, I love me some Halloween. Seriously? As an adult am I even allowed to love a creepy holiday this much?? Hope so because I definitely do!

So after Scott got home I begged (well actually I whined) that I needed him to get me the boxes (BIG boxes) down from the attic in the shed because I was going to decorate! It was raining and that did not deter me.

I deligently began to transform our normal house into something only a "Festive Freak" can appreciate:

First, the porch. Earlier today I went to the garden shop nearby and purchased the largest mums I could find.

And then I draped cheesecloth over our mantle and added a couple of black rats along the top. It looks great in real life, but admittedly it looks cheesy in this picture. Sigh.

Moving on! I also took black paper and taped a HUGE black silohuette of a cat slinking in one window. In the next window, a large black spider. This is an inexpensive way to really make your house one of the coolest on your street. All these black cut-outs need is a light on in the room and voila! You have a masterpiece!

This is a borrowed picture because try as I may, the lighting on my actual window is simply not working. But at least you can get the idea...

And the dining room centerpiece...

The doormat:

Happy, happy Halloween everyone!

Disatisfication & Ramifications

2009-10-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

Today I feel like I'm living a quote from one of my favorite movies, Before Sunset. If you haven't seen this incredible movie before, do yourself a favor and rent it immediately.

There are only two characters in the movie and they spend the entire time walking through Paris and talking about life. In Before Sunset, one of the characters (Jesse - played by Ethan Hawke) says of his life:

"You know, to be in the moment, and I just feel like I'm designed to be slightly dissatisfied with everything. You know? I mean... always trying to better my situation. You know, I satisfy one desire, and it just agitates another, you know? Then I think: to hell with everything, right? I mean, desire is the fuel of life."

I truly feel that sentiment today, I suppose a victim of my age. I'm 28 years old, nearing 30 quicker than I'd like, and I feel like I've accomplished little in my life. Nothing seems to ever make me truly happy. I always need something more, something else, something just a little further down the road. It's never enough.

Then logic kicks in and reminds me that success is in the eye of the beholder, that which only effects other people's perception of you and they're not worth your time in the first place, and I have a job which is pretty darn good in this economy - two in fact. I have a husband who loves me so well, a beautiful house, a great family, friends, really cute dogs, enough money in the bank...blah, blah, blah.... But none of that is soothing at the moment.

I've just never been good with justifications; they taste bitter in my mouth. Some days (today in fact) I'm a professional at pointing out the negative, the evil, the bad, the dirty... and have absolutely no desire to be finding the good in myself. It's a heavy cross to bear when in fact it's you who makes you hold the cross.

I'm never good with change, but change is what I'm constantly seeking. Ironic, isn't it? My mind scans all available options - but I settle for being slightly uncomfortable and slightly dissatisfied with my station in life rather than largely uncomfortable making those changes.

You'd think I'd know better, constantly being uncomfortable really teaches you how to be in the current moment, but I just can't fathom doing that or living that way. I need stability but I long for change. Ugh!

I generally write with purpose, but today it's entirely for internal vindication.

I'm sitting here, listening to itunes wishing a cat was purring on my lap, trying desperately to think of how to get this out of my head. I've been nearing the edge of tears all day. I'm positive it's a result of my recent diagnosis or maybe even my childhood friend's phone call. I haven''t seen her for nearly 2 years and talking to her just reminded me of how little genuine contact I have in my life right now. Ugh times two.

I went for blood work at the doctor's office the other week and when the results came back - they were not normal. First I got a phone call to say that I needed to schedule an appointment for a follow up with the doctor. You know, when you have perfect results - they just send you a letter. Crap!

So in short, I have endocrine issues that make me overweight, have less than stellar skin, and fertility problems. I have never been really large - just not always thin. I have never had bad skin - just not always clear. And I've never been pregnant - and maybe never will be? In one way it's justification that although in the last two years I have been a size 6 all the way to...well...double digits...it's not me and my fascination with ice cream so much as my body's inability to regulate itself. And in the other way, well, here I sit feeling sorry for myself. Remember this post? I had no idea at the time that this question might one day burn me.

Fertility issues. What a burden. Seriously! I mean if I were simply infertile, then I would know to just let it go and move on. But I am not - just...well...keep your fingers crossed? Give up? Make a new family plan? Try hard? Take fertility drugs? See a specialist? Do nothing? Do everything?

So, for now, it's hiding under stability. Maybe someday soon I'll learn how to make change not hurt and scare me so much.

I will take my medication and remember that life has many things in store for me and although it may not look like I once thought it would, it will be what was always intended to be. Relinquishing control....and. just. waiting.

Tomorrow I will again strive to find my annoyingly optimistic self. But today, I am going to wallow.

Good Grief!

2009-10-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

I would like to make a formal (yes! my blog can be considered formal...) complaint to Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart - whom at the end of September had all their Halloween stuff out and if that was not bad enough, Christmas items too!

Oh Wally-World! If I didn't love you so much, I'd hate you!

Hmm

2009-09-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

Why do they use sterilized needles for death by lethal injection?

Did you ever notice that when you blow in a dog's face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him for a car ride, he sticks his head out the window?

Do the Alphabet song and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star have the same tune?

Why did you just try singing the two songs above?

Happy Friday!

Who dunnit?

2009-09-18T15:21:00.000-07:00

While on the phone with comcast cable trying to explain that we did not order the porns that we were charged ($10.00 each!) for...

Us: "We have just moved here and the date that the porns were ordered, we had not yet even set up a television!"

Them: "I'm sorry but there is simply no way we can remove those movies from your bill. If we do that for one person, then we must continue to do so each time someone swears that they did not order the adult films."

Us: "But I am 120% sure that no one in my household ordered this when we did not have a television!"

Them: "Every once in a while wires are crossed and your neighbors' selections can wind up on your bill. I can send a technician out to check this for you."

Us: "That would be great. We refuse to pay for another movie that we did not order. I don't care if it is Free Willy or Look at my Willy, we will shut off Comcast!"

Them: "I understand, we do not want to lose a customer. We will try to make sure this does not occur!"

And meanwhile someone on our street is doing the I-got-to-watch-dirty-movies-for-free dance!

Sigh...

Fall is in the air

2009-09-18T09:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Scott and I attended a beautiful and elegant fall wedding.

Crisp green apples,
live monarch butterflies,
chrysanthemums,
brown and orange dresses,
and a beautiful outdoor shrine,
made me feel super pumped about the upcoming fall season.

So beautiful.

Congratulations to the new couple!

Before, During and After

2009-09-09T03:38:00.001-07:00

Before

During

After

My mother told me to pick the very best one...

2009-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

I painted my kitchen. I painted my living room. I painted my bedroom.

What color should our plain jane white white white bathroom be?

Suggestions? What color is your bathroom?

Help!

Dog Days of Summer are nearly gone...

2009-09-08T18:20:00.000-07:00

Fast foward!

2009-09-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

I was teaching Sunday school a few months ago and had planned to watch a video with my four year old group. When I pulled out the VHS, it needed to be rewound. I popped in the cassette, hit the rewind button and the whirring began. The children stared at me, waiting.

"Miss Elizabeth, push play!"

"I will as soon as it stops rewinding."

"What's reewhining?"

What?!?!?

In the land of instant communication and DVD's and CD's, I realized this new generation was not used to waiting for well, anything.

_______________________________________________________

Well my life feels like it has been in fast forward the greater part of this year. So this post is to rewind time back so that I can fast foward you to the present.

So recapping we go...

Ready?

______________________________________________________

It began with this lovely, sun glassed boy.

Hi Scott!

Scott is my outdoor country boy who stole my heart. Last year found us doing pretty much everything you can imagine. He taught me how to lose touch with my city self.

Fast forward one year later.

Wedding Rehearsal:

Here is my beautiful niece displaying her flower girl skills.

Good food with great friends.

The Scotts with baby Annabelle who would be born just one month later.

Spending time with my family to be...

Then our big day!

We left the night of our wedding to head to the airport. From there we flew the next morning to catch our cruise ship and sail to the Bahamas.

Just after unpacking and getting back into a routine, the house hunting began. We soon found what would become our first real home.

So we moved all in. Boxes, boxes, boxes and more boxes.

Scott and I plus our furry friends are very, very tired.

And more to come! Stay tuned...

The third time is the charm. Right?

2009-08-06T07:12:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed the world’s obsession with the number three?

Three blind mice.
Three billy goats gruff.
Three times a lady.
Three sheets to the wind.
Three cheers.
Three Dog Night.
Three ring circus.
Three trimesters in a pregnancy.
Three bags full in “Baa Baa Black Sheep”.
Three is a crowd.
Three times Peter denied Christ.
Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice.
The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Paper, rock, scissors.
Three notes in a triad (chord).
Three lines in a haiku poem.

And I could go on, and on and on, three times over in fact. But the one I have been focused on lately is that “bad things happen in threes.” Ugh. Ugh. Ugh.

First, my cat Atlas broke out into a rash. I could see bloody spots on him so I shaved him down to get a good look at his skin. (And made him look like a bloody idiot.) My home remedies did not do the trick, so to the vet he went. He was placed on steroids to calm his skin and quit the itching. I had not finished giving him his meds when Ella the Boston terrier began to have issues.

So second, Ella began coughing. I rolled my eyes and went to work. But when I got home that evening she was coughing out of control. She couldn’t make it 60 seconds before she sounded like a goose. So to the vet she went. One hour later I was annoyed at Ella because she swallowed something she should not have and sliced her throat. It got infected and we left with antibiotics and cough suppressant in tow. But before Ella and Atlas finished their meds…

Thirdly, Cooper became a tripod. Cooper began only walking on three legs. Three! Good grief!
That’s it, right? I cannot have more than three sick or injured animals at one time?

The world (3 Germ layers: Endoderm, Mesoderm, Ectoderm), science (Primary hues in white light are the three colors: red, green, and blue.), nature (three leafs on a shamrock), and even the bible (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) operate on the rules of threes.

Surely, I must be in the clear. (IF I believed in such things.)

Veni, Vidi, Vici
Faith, Hope and Charity
Peter Paul and Mary
Winken, Blinken, and Nod
Snap, Crack, and Pop
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Small, Medium and Large
Alvin, Simon and Theodore (chipmunks)
CBS, NBC, ABC
Ready, Aim, Fire

Can you think of things that come in threes?

On your mark, 1-Get 2-Set, 3-Go!!!

HA! HA! HA!

Man vs. Man's Best Friend

2009-08-06T05:39:00.000-07:00

Scott: “Do you remember me saying goodbye to you this morning?”

Me: “No. I didn’t wake up until after you left. Why?”

S: “I kissed you on the head and told you bye. You said, ‘Bye’ And didn’t move.
Then I put Cooper [the puppy] on the bed."

Me: “Okay.”

S: “You rolled over and grabbed him. Said, ‘hi! Coop-a-loop’ kissed him and snuggled in!”

Me: Smiling, “I do love you more than Cooper, Scott.”

S: Not smiling, “You had better!”

Lilly & Atlas

2009-08-05T07:31:00.001-07:00

just plain duckie.

2009-08-05T07:22:00.001-07:00

Remember Donald Duck? Donald Duck has a very short fuse. It didn’t take much stress coming his way to ruffle his feathers. If one more person tells me that ‘’mortgages can be tricky’’, I just may turn into a duck.

A really pissed off duck.

I have been so mad, stressed, sad, and just plain angry that I believe I could fry an egg on my head…hair and all.

We have the money for a down payment. We have the credit score. We have a housing contract. And twice (twice?!?!?!?!?) the day before we are scheduled to close we have had some major banking catastrophe.

Today’s Catastophe:

WASHINGTON - The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today suspended Taylor, Bean and Whitaker Mortgage Corporation (TBW) of Ocala, Florida, thereby preventing the Company from originating and underwriting new FHA-insured mortgages. The Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) is also defaulting and terminating TBW as an issuer in its Mortgage-Backed Securities (MBS) program and is ending TBW's ability to continue to service Ginnie Mae securities. This means that, effective immediately, TBW will not be able to issue Ginnie Mae securities, and Ginnie Mae will take control of TBW's nearly $25 billion Ginnie Mae portfolio.
FHA and Ginnie Mae are imposing these actions because TBW failed to submit a required annual financial report and misrepresented that there were no unresolved issues with its independent auditor even though the auditor ceased its financial examination after discovering certain irregular transactions that raised concerns of fraud. FHA's suspension is also based on TBW's failure to disclose, and its false certifications concealing, that it was the subject of two examinations into its business practices in the past year.
"Today, we suspend one company but there is a very clear message that should be heard throughout the FHA lending world - operate within our standards or we won't do business with you," said HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan.

And we were using Taylor, Bean and Whitaker…closing tomorrow.

It’s emotional to find a home that suits our life and what Scott and I are planning for our lives. And then to be delayed a month. And then two months. And then indefinitely. And only God knows where this is going this time.

I am sick and tired. I am sick and tired of boxes in my kitchen. I am sick and tired of yard sale signs in my living room. I am sick and tired of talking to the banker more than I am talking to my family. I am sick and tired of coworkers asking how my move is going. I am sick and tired.

Actually, I am just plain ducky.

Prayer request

2009-07-27T10:16:00.001-07:00

Click on the above button to see why baby Stellan needs your prayers.

Change, stinking change.

2009-07-23T04:17:00.000-07:00

...Closing on our new house on Tuesday at 1pm.

...I am packing.

...Our hot water heater went out.

...I won't call the landlord because our house is literally that bad.

...I took a cold shower this morning and it took my breath away.

...I am now at work.

...Freezing.

...Today it is raining. Hard.

...I have lots of pictures of this crazy move.

...But my computer at home is packed.

...So no pictures.

...I have two animals sick and on medication.

...I am not in a good mood.

...

Think fast!

2009-07-16T12:31:00.001-07:00

In my office, just above my computer, but below my monitor, I have a small dog, an elephant, and a cross.

See?

They are just little things, but I have collected them in one fashion or another and each of them mean something to me.

A co-worker came in my office to discuss something of fake importance and while leaning over to look at my monitor, picked on me about leaving my childhood behind and certainly out of my office.

Hmpf!

Without skipping a beat I pointed to the dog.

“See him? That is my reminder to remain loyal. And the elephant? To never forget who is eternally loyal to me. And my cross? To remind me of His ultimate sacrifice for all of us.”

Ha!

I suppose now it means that. But also, the dog is just oh so cute. Elephants are my favorite thing ever. And that cross never made it back onto another chain after that other one busted.
But, sure. I’m always thoughtful, super thoughtful.

Or…just quick on my feet.

Not me Monday!

2009-07-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

The idea for Not Me Mondays came from MckMamma’s blog carnival. You can check out more about her blog here.

As for me, I most certainly did not wake up in the middle of the night to a soggy puppy that urinated all over his kennel. If I did find a pee covered pup, I would certainly never blot his feet with a paper towel and deem him clean. Wiping with a paper towel is not sanitary and I would never believe it to be so.

I did not get unnecessarily irritated at my husband who was mowing because he did not hear me calling for him. Surely since he was mowing, I would never expect him to hear me yelling or see me flailing my arms at him to alert him. And since I was not even irritated, I most definitely did not get red faced when the said mowing man turned a corner causing loads of grass to fly in my direction. Being covered in grass clippings from the thighs down would be hilarious if I were to find myself in that situation. That would never upset me.

I also would never shave my cat bald. If I were to shave him, I would never shave only the parts of the cat that had matted. I would shave him all over so that he does not look ridiculous. Since I always brush my cats daily, I would never end up with a matted then shaved, then patch worked cat.

Who does such crazy things to their animals and their husband?

Not me!

And as for this picture:

That is most definitley, most assuredly, NOT ME!

It was also not me choosing the longest line in the grocery store so that I could read the magazines for free. I have such a busy and fun filled life, that I simply do not have time to read about Jon and Kate plus 8 while running my errands. Certainly I do not do such crazy things as peruse these gossip magazines in place of getting home quicker. I would never do such a thing.

And finally, since I always throw my produce into the compost as soon as it starts to go bad, my husband certainly did NOT contemplate what I was doing in the kitchen with the grapes. Since I wouldn’t have been in this position in the first place, I would have never heard him ask me, “Baby, do you think if you leave grapes on the counter long enough that they will turn into raisins?”

Nope, I did NOT hear him say that to me!

I want to be…but I am not.

2009-07-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

I want to be a doctor. So that I can help people and make the mega money. (Yes, in that order.) But I don’t want to sit through school, nor work those hours.

So I am not.

I want to be a sinner at times. I am human and am tempted by many sins and some of them are quite enticing. But I don’t want to lose sight of my God.

So I am not. (or try not.)

I want to be “Super-wife” to my husband. So that dinner would always be fresh, homemade, and warm right at 6:00pm. But I have too much feminism in me to be a true Martha Stewart.

So I am not.

I want to be an activist for rape victims. So that women’s lives are enriched and healed. But I always seem to fill my days with other doings.

So I am not.

I want to be a runner. So I can feel the pavement pounding underneath my feet and I constantly move forward closer to my fitness goals. But I walk the dogs instead.

So I am not.

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hope you are seeing some of these during your weekend:

To be pregnant or not to be…

2009-07-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

What is it about getting married that gives everyone around you, even those you do not know, the green light to ask about children? Seriously!

I have only been married just shy of two months and I am already getting irritated! People, puh-lease! I have been asked by co-workers, people who have assisted me in changing my name at the social security office, in elevators, on the phone, over e-mail, and more. It never irritates me when it’s a family member, but the social security lady??? C’mon!

What if I had just lost a pregnancy? What if I did not want to have children? What if I was pregnant, but was waiting to tell? What if we want to adopt? What if we are trying? What if we have yet to make our minds up about our family plan? What if we decide to wait for several years? What if God has a different plan for us? What if Scott and I are unable to have children?
Whatever our what ifs may be, they are ours. It pains me to think how many women must go through this all the time. If we do wait for several years, I can only imagine the flow of questions.

So far I have come up with the following come backs:

“Actually, we are trying tonight!”

“I’m sorry to disappoint, but my husband is a registered sex offender. It’s in a child’s best interest to stay out of our home.”

“E-gads! Children! Please do not curse in my presence!”

“Oh! Is that the next step we should be taking now? Thank you for letting me know!”

Of course I will never use one of those. But it is fun to think about.

For now I will continue to smile and say,

“I guess we will see what the future holds when the future arrives.”

The parable of the pencil

2009-07-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Pencil Parable

Allow this parable on the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person and only you can fulfill the purpose to which you were born to accomplish. Perhaps it will enable you to be thoughtful each time you use a pen or a pencil and to feel encouraged by your thoughts.Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

Enjoy!

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

"There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

"One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."

"Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."

"Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."

"Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside."

"And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.

Now replacing the place of the pencil with you. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.

One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God's hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.

Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems in life, but you'll need it to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what's on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.

I'm lovin' it.

2009-07-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

Did the McDonald's song just play in your head? That's exactly what my title to this post did to me. Sigh. Yay commercials.

Have you hiked Humpback rocks? Humpback rocks, is, well, it rocks!

Located in the Blue Ridge parkway at mile marker 5.8 it’s one mile up to the top. One very steep mile. There are a lot of benches along the way to greet weary hikers.

And when you get to the top. Oh! You literally see nothing man made. How often is that true in today’s world?

Look!

Also, near the trail is Humpback Mountain Farms.

This is a recreated farm from the 1900s .

The farm is open year round but in the summers, the buildings are open and staffed. The staff is costumed in period specific clothing and they demonstrate farming skills from back in the day.

This whole experience is so much fun. And the cost…nada, zilch, zippo!

You get what you pay for

2009-07-02T05:48:00.000-07:00

In an effort to save money to purchase our home, we cut everything we could possibly cut.

Literally.

We turned off our cable, our internet (gasp!), we ate every dinner at home and brown bagged every lunch. The phrase, “I need…” was scrutinized for truth. Every. Single. Day.

In one month we saved more money than I would have ever thought we would have been able to. It was freeing, enlightening, and fun somehow. I am very proud of our accomplishments and hope to keep a piece of our new found SUPER frugality with us.

But I never cut back on the pet food that I buy. Yes, I buy the “expensive” food. No, I would not be got dead with Ol’Roy® in my pets bellies. Ever.

And I do not believe that buying cheaper food saves you money.

Why?

Cheap food will more than likely lead you to an expensive vet bill. The ways that this can happen is another blog entirely.

But let’s break this down:

For example’s sake let’s pretend that Fido’s food is made of three ingredients – chicken, corn meal, and beef. No matter which dog food you buy, these three items are the key ingredients.

So why go with the expensive brands?

The cheaper brands may use these three ingredients on a consistent basis, but the price for these ingredients fluctuates with changes in the market.

One week corn meal may be sold at a killer price. Cheap brands stock up and put more corn meal in their food. The next week chicken goes on sale and the recipe shifts. Yes, this means pet food producers are able to keep their prices down, but the quality of the food is constantly shifting. The only guarantee you have is a full dog belly. You may purchase the same brand steadily, but the nutritional building blocks of the dog food are not uniform from bag to bag.

Now let’s say that the expensive food’s recipe is 30% chicken, 30% cornmeal, 40% beef. No matter what the markets yield, this food will be made the same way each week. The ingredient amounts are driven by the nutritional need for your pet and not the financial need of your wallet. Of course there are a million pieces to it, but the biggest selling factor for me is uniform recipes, no matter what.

Ahh, sweet consistency.

There’s an airplane in my living room!

2009-07-01T06:38:00.001-07:00

While watching the movie Miami Vice, Scott pauses the movie and points to the screen,

“Elizabeth! See that antennae on the plane above Jamie Foxx’s head? That’s part #??????. Each part costs $1500!”

Then he presses play.

Okay Scott. I love you.

Stop and listen to the roses!

2009-07-01T06:18:00.000-07:00

Stop and listen to the roses. Yes, I said listen...not smell.

Last week I woke up without my voice. If I truly tried, I could utter sounds, but the searing pain in my infected throat was enough to deter me. I slept in, drank lots of tea with honey and waited to feel better. I waited and I listened.

When someone speaks to me, of course I always listen. The natural flow of conversation always depends on both parties listening to be able to form a response. It’s natural, it’s normal even to listen. But what about true listening?

Listening. Not forming a response in your head, just listening to the words and meanings being spoken to you. Not shouting a greeting to a neighbor while walking in the neighborhood, but listening to her hum while gardening and simply waving a hello. Not talking on my cell phone while driving, but listening to the cars pass and watching the road intently.

Listening forced me to slow down. I relished every word Scott said about his day and I listened. I appreciated the rain falling on my roof as I listened to it beat at my windows. When the sun came back out, I ventured onto the porch and I listened to the world come back alive with the coming of the sunshine.

I think God is most present in my life in my quiet moments. Being forced into silence gave me time to think on my quiet times. How fleeting and rare they seem to be. Why do I not stop to listen more often? Are we not called to do so?

The bible commands us to, Aim for perfection, listen to my appeal, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:1. This is our cue. To stop. To listen. To feel His presence, His appeal.

I remain humbled by my sick day. I cherish the lesson that presented itself. But reflecting later, I realized that the lessons are always going to be there; set in my life for me to stumble upon. But if I am not listening to my God, then I will not “hear” the lesson itself.

So slow down my friends and listen to your roses.

What works for me Wednesday.

2009-06-29T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is a really great salad considering it takes all of three minutes to put together. I appreciate it in the hot months when I am unwilling to make my kitchen hot.

Whisk together:

½ cup canola oil
3 TBSP apple cider vinegar
3 TBSP Splenda
1 pkg Ramen Noodle spice packet

Salad:

½ head Cabbage (chopped)
1 pkg Ramen noodles (broken up)
And whatever else you want to put in it.

I added chopped almonds and carrots, but I think mandarin oranges would be good, too….as well as peppers, onions, and ???????

This salad doesn’t “keep” well so wait until just before it is served to pour the salad dressing on.

We are on You Tube!

2009-06-29T10:11:00.000-07:00

Check it out!

Our photographer uploaded a slideshow of our wedding to use it for advertising. Enjoy!

Bunny woes.

2009-06-29T09:55:00.000-07:00

My beloved Baxter the bunny passed away. Scott buried him underneath the blackberry bush under our front yard. I found him lying on his side next to Gracie in their hutch. My heart aches, but I know he is somewhere hopping around like the young bunny he used to be. It's hard to know that Gracie is alone for the first time in her little life and I cannot explain it to her. Sigh. Goodbye my furry little love.

What works for me Wednesday.

2009-06-17T07:26:00.000-07:00

I love tea. Love it. I love the clean taste, the warmth, the choice to have caffeinated or not, the aroma, the spice, the fruity flower flavors. There is an insane amount of choice when it comes to teas. You can drink tea for years and not try them all. (I should know!) It’s my best morning ritual.

And I just do not love the tea. I am in love with my teapot. You see, it’s not a normal teapot. It’s special.

It holds fifteen ounces and not a drop more. It’s the perfect size for one person. And it’s just plain cute!

You can literally get them in any color. It has taken strong discipline on my part to only own one.

The best part about my teapot is that the lid is removable, so you can easily stick it in the microwave. The infuser and lid both come out incredibly easy, but stay in place really well too.
Since the teapot has an infuser, this also allows me to use loose teas (or teas without bags.) If you have a local tea shop, owning an infuser opens up new tasting opportunities.

The Bee House is the company that makes these wonderful pots and you can check them out online here.

Enjoy your tea time!

Wedding Pictures

2009-06-17T05:43:00.000-07:00

Tuesday's Tattle tailing

2009-06-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of tattle-tailing on myself, I thought I would attempt to let everyone know that I am not perfect. (Readers! This is when you gasp in total shock!) Yes, so here is non-perfect glimpse into my life.

I went through the drive-thru at Taco Bell and ordered two bean burritos. I had two whole dollars, so I ordered two bean burritos. I pulled around to the window and handed her my only card with my new married name on it. Cessna.

“Oh! Are you related to the Cessnas that make the airplanes? You must be so rich!”

I smiled and thought, “Right lady. I am driving a paid-for-Jetta-circa-2001 and ordering $2.00 worth of food and not even paying cash for it. I am rolling in the dough! You should see what I am driving tomorrow!”

But I smiled and said, “Yes, we are related, but really far down into the family tree. So, no we are not super rich.”

Now give me the stinking burritos!!!

Ahem.

Then, I proceeded home to my house where Scott had recently mowed. Since he had not mowed in a while, the dead grass clippings were making miniature hay piles all over the yard.

The bunnies needed food and it would be oh so much effort to actually put more food in their bowls, so I just pulled them out of their rabbit hutch and let them loose to feed on the pretend hay bales.

I would never leave my innocent pet bunnies outside, unattended. Just because they are in a fenced in yard does not make them safe from the neighborhood cats. I would NEVER leave them out without watching them. Just so they could eat. So that I could go inside and eat.

So there you have it. I am not perfect. Just in case you were wondering.

Matchy, matchy.

2009-06-08T08:22:00.001-07:00

My sister went shopping with my niece. Upon looking at a couch, she knew it was a photo opportunity.

Some pictures are so darn cute they make your smile hurt.

Enjoy!

IT'S nearly OFFICIAL!

2009-06-07T10:59:00.001-07:00

Our offer was counteroffered, then we counteroffered and then it was accepted! So we are officially under contract for our new home!

Here are pictures of it was it sits now as a bachelor pad. Just wait till Scott and I get our hands on it! We have so many plans!

Anway, house as is to follow:

So there you have it. Three bedrooms, two bath and just about brand spaking new. Its really exciting for us!

Sweet Shenandoah Vally Sunrise

2009-06-05T07:07:00.001-07:00

How lucky we are to be living in such a beautiful area.

Don't you think so? Happy Friday to all!

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe

2009-06-04T05:13:00.000-07:00

Change, even positive changes, can be stressful. And right now, I have more than I bargained for.

First things first. We cannot make an offer on that house that we really wanted. You cannot have a “previously owned modular” in a flood zone and get a loan from the bank without $15,000 down. We do not have $15,000.00 down. (Seriously?!)

Even though the owners have an elevation certificate and the house has never even remotely come close to having water near it, much less in it. It is a beautiful home that was assembled elsewhere, moved and then perfectly renovated. It also has a bubbly stream running through the property. I have learned that freaks banks out.

And I thought only bank robbers had that power…Dang it!

So now we are considering building a home on a lot in Broadway or a darn near close to brand new home in Elkton. Stayed tuned ladies and gentlemen. Update to come.

_______________________________

THEN, after house hunting and dinner last night with Scott, I had a message on my cell phone.

Now enters more choice than I bargained for:

It was from an LVT (licensed veterinary technician) in Charlottesville, Virginia. He got my number from the emergency clinic back-up list in Verona where I worked for several years. He wanted to offer me a JOB!

Let me back up a little bit.

I left the vet world.

And for good reason.

I didn’t have insurance.

I was not making nearly enough money.

But I loved it.

Remember my post with my personal zoo?

Hard core, full heart, loved it.

I saved lives or made them better. Every. Single. Day.

They are opening a brand new referral emergency animal clinic in Charlottesville. They need people who have emergency experience to help staff it. He said I came highly recommended from the vets I worked for and he spoke to. He was willing to match my pay that I currently have. Then he let me know that the licensure at the clinic was stricter and I did not have all the licenses they need.

So they would send me to school via the internet. Train me in the clinic, help me with everything and I would be fully licensed and certified in the emergency world within 18 months. For every A and B I get, they reimburse 80% of my tuition. Then I would get a raise upon graduation.

Since the clinic is just opening, I would not have benefits for about 6 months. (But wait!) This go round I have a husband…who can insure me! Whoa.

The schedule would be 12 hours shifts. 8pm-8am; 7 days in a row. Then I would have 7 days off. 7 DAYS OFF?!? One week on, one week off.

IF, I were to accept this job, I would have to live in Elkton so that Scott could commute to Bridgewater (about half an hour away.) And I could commute to Charlottesville (about half an hour away.)

I really honestly deeply truly like the job I have now. I wasn’t looking for anything better. I have good pay, work in the same place as my husband (car pooling anyone?), and my insurance is completely free to me. I am comfortable. I am happy.

But you know, I never threw away all my scrubs...

But to recap: One year ago I was single, renting, and working at the airport. I am potentially, changing marital status, my name, my job and my home all in 6 months. WHOA!

Eeny, meeny, miny, moe!

Please pray for Scott and I as we make decisions, make changes, and choose our path.
At the epicenter of all of this, I feel blessed that we are purchasing a home when others are losing theirs. And I have my choice among jobs while others are struggling to find just one.

God is good!

What Works For Me Wednesday

2009-06-03T12:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a little blurb about something that works for me.

I always have oatmeal in the mornings. It’s cheap. It’s nutritious. I can keep it in my desk and it doesn’t go bad or start to smell. It’s really easy in the morning. And since I am a night person, I need my mornings to be as easy as possible.

The problem with always having anything is that it gets boring.

So I bought canned fruit. Peaches, pineapple, pears, fruit cocktail, mandarin oranges, cherries…you get the idea.

Even though I have the same old plain jane oats in the morning, I can mix it with the fruit of my choice for that day. Oatmeal is transformed into a yummy, healthy appetizing breakfast.
I even started using low sugar version of the oatmeal now because the fruit naturally sweetens it.

Sweet success. It works for me!

Drum roll please!

2009-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:00

We got approved for a house. Now it's shopping time so that we can make an offer!

Whooo hooo! I am excited!

You are driving me blinking crazy!

2009-05-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Personal pet peeve:

What would Jesus do?

He would use his blinker!

Bumper stickers of the world: I am in agreement!

Is your tail wagging today?

2009-05-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

Yes, I have seven pets.

No, I am not crazy.

Meet Baxter.

Baxter is the epitome of what a bunny should be. He’s gentle. He’s soft. He’s laid back. He lives outside (unless it’s cold) in a HUGE rabbit hutch that takes four strong adults to move. He will hop around the yard sometimes to get some fresh grass and really have a chance to stretch his legs. Every Easter Baxter goes with me to church or a preschool to visit with the kids. Baxter is a rare pet for me because there was no rescuing to it. I wanted him so I paid for him. And I am so glad I did.

Here he is with my niece, Meredith last month:

Next in line is Brie. Brie is my six year old cat. She taught me about SPCAs. In college I went with an old roomie to “look”. Anyone who is an animal person has no right to be there unless they intend on adopting because that is indeed what you will do! When we went into the cat room, there she was.

She was twelve weeks old and a bright white kitten with blue eyes and dark spots on her nose, tail and paws. I fell in love…and so she is most likely sleeping on my pillow right now, six years later.

So here she is, my Brie-baby:

She has darkened up over the years, but her eyes are as crystal blue as it gets. She has my heart and she knows it.

Then, five years ago, this couple brought in an itty, bitty, baby bunny to the emergency clinic. She was so small she could just about sit on a post-it. And staying in the office theme, her fur was the color of the brightest pink highlighter you could find.

This couple went to the pet store to get their daughter a baby bunny for Easter, but thought it would be cute if they dyed the bunnies’ fur pink. Bright pink. Oh my. She went into grand mal seizures due to the dye.

After seeing the estimate of what it would take to save her, they decided to put her down. My heart swelled up and I took over her care. Given the name Gracie, she is now a very fat and happy rabbit. Unfortunately, because our first few weeks together I injected her, place iv catheters, and force-fed her medication, she is not my biggest fan. But man is she a fan of Baxter.

I wish I could describe to you the level of love that exists between these two. It’s something to be in awe of. So, I love Baxter and because Baxter loves Gracie, she is a part of our family.

And they came two by two.

After tragically losing my first dog, I was at work the next day at the clinic. A man brought his six-week old yellow lab pups in for their first vaccinations. After talking about the love of his dog to the vet, he had me in tears and I had to leave the room. When I came back in the room, the conversation pretty much went like this:

Client: The doc tol’ me what happened yesterday.

(I nod.)

Client: You really loved your dog, didn’t you?

Me: Yes sir. Very much so.

Client: Well then, these puppies need a good home and it looks like I am looking at one. Take your pick of the litter!

Wow!

But then, the next few moments I am chalking up to lack of judgment because of my personal tragedy.

I turned around and picked the only puppy that wasn’t sleeping peacefully.

In fact, I picked the young female pup who was doing her very best to leap out of the box to see me.

Leap.

Hmm.

That doesn’t quite describe it. Let me try again.

She was impaling herself on the side of the cardboard box towards me. (The movie Marley and Me should have been out that summer.)

Now let me make this very clear. I love Lilly the lab. Love her. I am committed to her more than you can imagine. It’s just that for the first year or so of her life, I didn’t really like her at all. She was hard!

But she is beautiful when she's calm.

And smart. Oh! She is so smart. And since she has turned two last March, I have noticed a big change. And I like it.

Lilly is coming full circle and I have my hands on a really great dog. At this point, I still love her and I am starting to like her too.
I had not yet taken home Lilly since she was only six weeks old. She needed to stay with her mother another two weeks…in the mean time…

Meet Atlas.

Atlas is my spunky, funky fun kitten. He’s two years old, but hey. He’s still my kitten. Atlas’ mother was a beautiful Persian cat. She had a rendezvous with an alley cat and 42 days later (yep, that’s all it takes) produced 6 beautiful, fluffy kittens and then…Atlas.

His fur gets matted even though it’s short. And even though I feed him the best of the best when it comes to his diet, he always has dandruff and just doesn’t quite look healthy. Since his mother was a purebred, his head is huge, but his body reflects that of a regular cat. Our joke was that “normal” cats have a forehead, then Atlas has a fivehead. Just one notch bigger. But then, normal is only a setting on the dryer.

He is my Charlie Brown Christmas tree, as I felt I had to take him home because I thought no one else would want him.

And when he looks at me like this:

He has me nuzzling into his matted fur every. single. time.

And because Lilly and Atlas grew up together and are only two weeks apart. They are so close.

Here they are sleeping together when they were three months old:

Looks aside, Atlas has a heart of gold. No animal in my house takes the trophy for affection like my Atlas does. Everything he has lacking in appearance, I get back in heart. Ten fold.

A year passed and I met the man who would become my husband. Since I had two cats, two bunnies and one dog he joked with me that Lilly would be lonely. I needed to make my Noah’s ark politically correct and get doggie number two.

At one and a half, Ella, the Boston terrier, had one litter of pups. Because she was a great looking dog, they thought she would be perfect to breed. But boy were they wrong. Ella is such a princess that she simply does not have time to take care of puppies. Not when there is food to eat! Or naps to take! No sir-ree. She is a busy little lady. So they adopted her out to me.

The first time Scott saw her, she was snorting. Or gasping. Or snoring. Or whatever it is that Boston Terriers do. He took one look at her and simply said, “Well, what’s wrong with her?”

Well, nothing. Everything. She’s what she is.

Quickly earning the title of Scott’s baby girl, Ella is truly a princess. Her thick body and big ole’ head has made us call her Cinderblock. Cinderella. Ella. Princess. She can make us laugh in a heartbeat. She is the only one allowed on the couches. She has our hearts. She has found her forever home. Watching her buzz around the house like she owns it, it’s hard for me to ever imagine that she used to live in a kennel.

So then Scott asked for my hand. And we officially had two bunnies, two cats, two dogs and two people.

But wait! There is one more…

Enter Cooper.

Cooper is our 17 week old puppy. Cooper’s mother was a Boston terrier and his father was a dachshund. This mix is called a Bo-Dach. We bought our little mutt from a guy’s truck at an Exxon station. Talk about what not to do when purchasing a dog.

But look at him.

Man, I am in love with this little puppy. He’s so gentle. So tiny. So sweet!

And that’s it. And according to my husband. That is it. Period.
(But according to me, you never know just who might cross your path. But...Shh! Don't tell.)

Blach, ick, phooey.

2009-05-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

I have been married for only 18 days. And since we have come back from the honeymoon Scott has been working non-stop. This change to manager is sure testing me. It's Thursday and I kid you not, I have eaten alone every meal every single day this week! Blach, ick, phooey.

Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. We both work for at a local airport that completely overhauls planes - nose to tail - for specific aerial work. For instance, if the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) wants a plane with large windows to see fire from the air and large tanks to hold fire retardant, here we come. We deliver the plane according to all specifications, pilots and mechanics to wherever.

This is a picture of a King Air(plane) fighting fire out in California. You can see more about what exactly the company does that Scott and I work for here.

But anyway, back to my whining...

The problem is that the BLM guys really did want those planes and a WHOLE lotta of them. They need to fly out by tomorrow. My new husband worked a 27 hour shift earlier this week. (I promise!) and it is now nearly 11:00pm and he has been at it since 6:45am. I miss him! But It's the nature of the plane contract world. Work alot, fly alot, sleep a little.

And the killer is I used to love being alone. I love the productivity of being by myself. The peace of it. The time I have alone with only my God. The time I have to be an idiot and feel zero embarrassment.

And then I met Scott. Being my strong other half, I will act nerdy in front of him and he laughs or acts nerdy right back. So here I am at an hour I should be sleeping, blogging angrily at the lack of husband in the home.

Blach, ick, phooey.

Goodnight!

Tuesday’s Tattle tailing

2009-04-21T08:01:00.000-07:00

In the spirit of tattle tailing on myself, I must admit…ahem…Yesterday I was a “bridezilla.” I have seen these women on television and thought lowly of them. Certainly nobody ever acts like that. Yesterday I did everything short of popping a blood vessel, fire coming out of my eyes, and the skin coming off of my face. I really felt like my whole wedding was coming down on me and I can tell you that it felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest.

That being said, I have been super overwhelmed lately. My fiancé, Scott, recently was promoted to manager of his whole department. Along with the title of course, came boat loads of responsibility. He has been working overtime pretty much since Christmas! There were even a few weeks that he worked so much I literally did not see him…and we both work at Dynamic Aviation! My sweet, sweet man who had been helping me with anything and everything I needed, barely had time to shower, much less plan a wedding. Hmpf. (Can you see the fit pitching preparing itself?)

I had felt in control over the whole situation though through the beginning. Control is such a temporary thing. And as only temporary things can be, it slipped out of my grasp. Good life lesson though. Control is only found in our God. Having control on Earth is always correctly placed in his hands. And really, fifty candles, two hundred ribbons needing tied, and dress details are such a small blip on the grand scheme that only in a tattle tail blog would it ever be relevant.

Outside of wedding whining, here is my upbeat update: 19 days til the big day. And today, I am mindful on my attitudes, grateful to be getting married to such a wonderful man and happy to have a job to go to in a rough economy. I cannot believe it’s all happening and so very fast. Exciting!

Do you have anything you should tattle tail on yourself?