Surviving NJ

Archive for the ‘Family’ Category

I finally got my third and final tattoo. Let me just say, yes it hurt. The good news is it went a lot faster than I thought it would. YEAH for that. I white knuckled through it – and it’s amazing how certain tiny pieces hurt so much more than others. Let me just state now – yes, I know – I’m a wimp. I’m totally okay with that!

I’ll put pics up when I can. My new tattoo is of a sun with the words “Joyful Soul” around it, and then he fixed an older tattoo’s coloring. Happy day, just glad it’s finished!

Merry Christmas! I hope you get the opportunity to share time with family or loved ones, and that your day is full of great memories and joy and laughter.

I got an ultrasound today for my breast. I’m happy to report there’s no change, and I got an all’s good. That means I’m good for another 6 months. What amused me is that they gave me a small set of pearl earrings for coming in – I’m guessing because it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month. I don’t know if they’re using it to encourage people to come in…but it was a nice treat.

On the other hand, the money used to buy all those earrings, I think I’d rather know it was going to help women who can’t afford to get their breasts checked, due to a lack of insurance.

Either way, happy for the all clear.

There’s something comforting about seeing an old friend. You can start stories mid-stream. You can catch up in the blink of an eye. You can laugh about old days, and not have to explain past scenarios…

I had the opportunity today to visit with an old friend…we’ve known each other since my children were small. We’ve shared hours of laughter, heart to hearts and more…our kids knew each other and played together.

We ate dinners together….planned outings together, and knew each other well.

Life tosses a few balls along the way and takes people in different directions. Today, I got the chance to revisit someone I hadn’t seen in a long time – and it was fabulous. Wonderful day….wonderful day!

I think someone laced my dog’s food. Seriously, they are beyond themselves this week – barking any time a leaf falls. Is it a full moon or something? Here’s the thing….when you have 2 dogs, you have 2 dogs. When you have 3 dogs, you have a pack mentality.

One dog starts, and the others fall in line. Sound the alarm….

These dogs, that I absolutely adore are driving me barking mad this week!

Every car that drives by — woof!
Every dog that is being walked by — woof!
Every time I shift in my chair or get up quickly… what’s going on? woof…bark now, ask later….
Every time one of them thinks they hear another dog within a 75 mile radius! — woof!

Whatever is flowing through them this week, I will be thrilled when it’s finished.

I know, it’s not like anyone likes the dentist, but I have a deep dislike that’s been in me since I was a child. Growing up I had a dentist who always yelled at me. I’d pass out whenever I got a shot of novacaine, then he’d call me a baby and yell at me. I’d ask to see my mother, and he’d yell at me. What a jerk!

If I had a dentist like that today, I’d be horrified, but I guess we accepted things a little differently back in the day. It wasn’t until I was about 25 years old that I realized, hey, I’m an adult and can get a new dentist.

I went for awhile, then just plain avoided them. I didn’t have problems, so I wasn’t going…until one of my fillings came out.

Today, I had to go and get a filling replaced. No fun, yuck, and I have to go back one more next week to replace 2 more old fillings I had gotten as a young child. After 20+ years, I guess they can wear down.

The dentist was surprised how clean my teeth were, and the lack of placque after not seeing a dentist for so long. I swear by the Sonicare…and my doctor agreed…it’s kept my teeth in great condition!  

“Come see this crane, it’s huge”…he says.
“It better be worth it…I’m busy.”

“Holy cow!”

This was in our neighbors yard the other day, apparently part of their willow tree got knocked down during the wind and rain on Saturday.
Here comes the massive branch they had to pick up…
We were fine, except for the part where the branches are dangling over OUR car! Little nervewracking…

Being chopped up, and then back for a few more pieces…

For those who were looking for the pet names:

Gracie, Buster and Jack are my dogs, and Sebastian is my cat.

Jack was like a bundle of energy today. Don’t get me wrong, he always has energy, he’s a Jack Russell, but today, he had trouble settling. Luckily, he’s finally found a cozy position and has snuggled in. I’m not sure why he was so antsy today, but no biggie. He’s such a sweetheart.

Grace is a bona fide couch potato. Period…and she’s more aloof than the cat. 

Sebastian thinks he’s a dog sometimes. I swear he does.

Buster Boo, he’s just the most tolerant little guy. Jack jumps on him all the time, because he wants to play, and Buster isn’t interested most the time. They’ve worked out a pattern, but I just shake my head sometimes, because Jack can be relentless with Boo. Boo is a good sport, 99% of the time.

This is the jealous circle here…

Grace gets jealous of the cat. Boo gets jealous of Gracie. Jack gets jealous of everyone. He thinks he owns me. The cat gets jealous of Jack.

 So..I’ll be petting the cat, and Gracie needs attention, which means Boo wants attention, which means Jack pounces on me, because I’m his. Now that Jack is there, the cat comes around, which brings Gracie…you see the pattern?

Last picture for awhile…I’m pretty well pictured out for today.
I know people take tons and tons of pictures. To me 3 or 4, and I’m done! LOL Oh well, guess I’m not the picture taking maven I once was….or jeez, was I ever really? Eh, who knows
We’ll be heading out to play shortly. Have a great day!