Kitten Update

Yesterday was a day of extreme heat. I spent most of the day laying where a fan could send it's air onto me, while the kitten spent it's day curled up on the bathroom floor next to the toilet. This, I've heard, is the coolest place in my apartment... too bad I can't fit there. I was beginning to feel rotten for keeping this little bundle of joy in this heat box I call home, so I had decided that I was going to take it to the Humane Society (where it's probably air conditioned) so that someone could better care for it. Little did I know that this sad experience would turn into one of joy. I met my mom at work yesterday evening, so that she could drive us to the shelter, since driving with a kitten is not the easiest task. I walked in the door and took the kitten upstairs, and ended up finding out that someone wanted him! Talk about a wonderful evening. I hated the thought of taking him to the Humane Society, but felt an overwhelming sense of joy when someone decided they wanted to try him in their home.

This is how he spent the morning sleeping. How can you not love this guy?! I came home last night after bumming some AC off my mom's house, and realized just how quiet and lonely my place got in a matter of an evening. Guess that means that it's time for the puppy to come home!! ♥

My Life... as of Lately.

As I wait for the official word on my move date, I have become quite the procrastinator. Not only has it been HOT, but I have also found other things I would much rather do. For example, I just finished a book. It was called Swimsuit By James Patterson. Let me tell you... SO AMAZING! Highly recommended!! Not only are his books highly dramatic, but they have this way to them that makes you NEVER want to put them down!

Friday:

July 24, 2009: The Puppies Are Born!!! That's right, I am a new mama & will be able to take my baby home in about 8 weeks. Here's the break down: 2 black boys, 2 black girls, 2 blonde girls, 1 golden boy and 2 white blonde boys. 10 were born in total, but 1 died. Whitney sent me a picture of the two blonde girls and my heart just melted! More to come.

Saturday:

This past weekend was Camas Days. I went to enjoy the parade with part of the family. It was fun, hot and crowded; the usual scenario for Camas Days. Here are some pictures:

Seeing this kiddo with his grocery bag, pacing back and forth, waiting for the parade to start shot me straight back into childhood. Except instead of other older kids stealing candy from us, we helped the kids out and gave them all the things that were thrown our way.


Like I said, it was hot and crowded.

Let the parade begin!

Talk about people.

This years theme was Pirates. It was fun seeing all the kiddos dressed up in the parade.

But I decided that this was the life I wanted to have.

Mom likes to pick on us. We glare back.

Little did we know that they'd be giving away free T-P. We had to run over to Safeway to get a bag so that way we'd have more free hands.

Overall, Camas Days was well... Camas Days. It was nice being out and about with family. Fighting crowds is always a good bonding experience.

Sunday:

Yesterday I went to leave to head over to my mom's house for our usual Sunday dinner. I opened my apartment door, hands full and ready to start up the AC in the car, when a little kitten ran into my apartment. I asked him where he was from, unfortunately he did not answer. I didn't have the heart to throw him back out into the heat. So I gave him water and made a few phone calls. After walking up and down to my different neighbors hoping one of them would claim him, he decided to have a nice nap.




Needless to say, this little guy still resides in my apartment. I have posted signs, and have not received any phone calls. Let me know if you'd like to claim him. Until then, I guess we just hang out in the heat together.

Fast Forward

My life has been on fast forward this week. I was planning on moving when my lease was up on August 31st. However after a visit to the front office of my apartment complex on Tuesday, I found out that there is an apartment available July 31st. They would need to clean and paint or whatever it is that needs to be taken care of before someone new moves in, so once all of that is complete I could be in as soon as August 7th-10th. Given the fact that the apartment that is available is on the second floor (I refuse to live on the ground floor-especially when I am living all alone), is a corner apartment meaning that it has more windows then if it were in the middle of a building, it is not on a main road of the complex so the traffic noise will be next to none, there is plenty of uncovered available parking for myself and anyone that wants to visit and it looks out on to a courtyard rather then a road or parking lot-- I was not willing to give this up for a later move in date. This means that I am packing, packing packing. It's hard to know where to start, but I have found that I have started in at least one small area everyday, and it's forced me to de-clutter my life and clean out crap that I don't need anymore. (it's amazing how much 'school' stuff I actually have-- take that as a hint Job Gods... I need my own classroom!!)

I also have some other exciting news to share! I am getting a puppy! yes that's right, a puppy, no need to reread that sentence, it's not a joke. (unless that is for some reason the puppies aren't born or something) The puppies are due any day now and then I'll have to wait a little while before I can bring my bundle of love home. But I am VERY EXCITED!!! They are Labrador Retrievers and by the looks of the first litter that Clyde and Lily (mom and dad) had they are going to be stinkin' cute!! I've already been looking at things for him/her and trying to decide on names and all the fun stuff that comes with having a doggie! It seriously could not be better timing! I am so stoked!! (more to come about the doggie I'm sure ) ♥

I finally feel like I am getting back to my old self these days. I still fight the urge to slip back into my post-school depression phase, but I force myself to stay busy. Plus now that I am moving I don't really have a choice but to stay busy, so that is very helpful! I have a feeling that this summer-- although much different then I was expecting it to be-- is going to be a great summer. I've already met new people, had lots of fun conversations, and am going to have a jam-packed next month. I can't wait to get into my new place, get everything set back up and settled in, start preparing for the arrival of my puppy and just be me again. Like I said, it's going to be a great summer.

Domestic Goddess

Yesterday was by far the most domestic day I have had in a long time, and as weird as it sounds, it felt wonderful! I woke up, made vanilla pancakes, drank cups of yummy coffee (even had to fix the coffee maker before I could get those cups of joe), cleaned(scrubbed) the bathroom, made cookies to take as dessert to Sunday family dinner, spent the afternoon hanging with the family-watching some good ole HGTV, helped prepare dinner for the family, came home-crawled in bed and read for a few hours last night. What a day right?! For you this might seem absolutely boring, for me-- I finally felt normal. Although as I was making vanilla pancakes for breakfast I suddenly longed for little critters running around and hungry for breakfast. I look forward to weekend mornings spent in pj's, eating breakfast around the dining room table, watching cartoons.
Today I fully intend to continue my domestication... how? I will decide that after a nice trip to the gym. (my simple way to start my days with sanity)

I've also realized that I need to start taking some more pictures and post some here on my blog. Maybe this evening when I go for my walk I will see what I can capture. I'd like to take more pictures in general and hopefully I can find a way to make it an everyday thing. Beware I am packing and moving here real soon, so there will probably be pictures of my messy, bare, old home and my messy, unpacked new home.

Good Week

Yes, that is correct people, this has been a good week! I've learned that instead of fighting my so called "summer vacation" I can in fact embrace it and enjoy some time off after all of my hard work for years and years. Yes it is hard not having a paycheck coming in on a regular basis, but I have been reading books (from both the public library as well as my own--FREE), working out daily-if not twice, cooking yummy/healthy meals for myself, watching HGTV & Food Network (which inspires my meals and excites me for decorating a new place), packing things in my place which results in a deep clean of areas in this place, and being ok with spending time with myself. After all, I am a pretty neat girl!

Yesterday I spent majority of the day taking my Great Grandma to run her errands. It started by picking her up from her weekly hair appointment (this is where I get my priorities-- a fabulous girl DOES NOT cancel her hair appointments, even at 96 years old) we then snagged my brother and headed to the Chinese Garden for a fabulous lunch. Then it was off to the routine blood test and then to pick up some groceries. We had a fun day together, even if it was just taking care of those weekly tasks.
My brother is officially "free." If you don't know what I mean by that, don't ask. We spent some quality BrotherSister time last night. Cooking dinner, watching reruns, and then eating ice cream while watching a movie that we both voted at the end, was not so good.

I finished reading the book I had mentioned a few posts back (during my blah-blah days & update) and I am sure now that it was the fact that I was in the wrong mindset to be reading a book because once I finished, I realized that it was in fact a great book! Now I'm on to another! I look forward to going to bed at night so I can curl up and read. That and lately my body has been exhausted and often sore. But I am not complaining! ♥

Smiling with a Chance of Rain

Yesterday as I was sitting in the doctors office waiting for my appointment, I realized that the OB/GYN office is a place with many possible emotions. I saw people walking in with their newborns in tow, exhausted looks on their faces but smiling through it. I saw women walkout wiping away tears and looks of frustration on their faces. As I sat and watched, I realized that any doctors office can be a place with a huge amount of possible emotions. It's amazing what you can get from a simple doctors appointment.
Today as I sit in my living room, freezing, I realize that although it is July, it feels more like March. I have been wearing jackets, socks (which aside from working out, my toes have been free for quite some time now) and curling up under blankets in order to stay warm. I have been looking out the windows all day wondering if the clouds that are outside are going to bring rain?! If so, I can't wait to open all the windows and take in the wonderful smell of summer rain!!! It is honestly, hands down, one of my most favorite things!
Things in my life have been changing a lot recently, and I see this weeks weather change as a precursor to my life so far this summer. Although it is cloudy right now, I feel that my life is going to be getting brighter and sunnier. I am happy about this. I have begun packing my place for the move in August (yes it's early, but since I have the summer off I figure why not start early), I've been reading, I've been working out, & I've been happily cooking myself very delicious dinners!
As I wait out the possibility of rain (fingers are crossed), I can't help but consider a few things. The need to go to Seattle. The desire to figure out just how I want to decorate my new place. And the thoughts of fun things to come this week.

Expect The Expected

I wish I could start out this blog with a fabulous report of my fantastically exciting holiday weekend, however I cannot. I won't lie to you, I had been looking forward to The 4th Of July for quite some time. There is something about BBQ's, beers and fireworks that makes me feel like the summer is finally off to a start. I did experience these things, however not quite as planned. I am not going to have a pity party about it, because frankly- it's over. Instead I am going to tell you that I am looking forward to a fun filled week. And introduce you to my mini-rant...

Let's begin with a question... Since when did it become ok to not act with others feelings in mind? Apparently I didn't get the memo that said, "People no longer have feelings, they don't care if you blow them off, they don't care if you are rude, they love to be walked all over, and totally dig it if you act like you never did any of these things." I wish I had gotten the memo, because I would have been properly warned, however I along with everyone else who did not receive this memo, have lived without the proper knowledge that my world is about to be turned into something that I, have in fact, decided never to be a part of-- and am proud of that fact. Get where I'm going here? I was raised with many thoughts placed into my head, but this one is the most important:: "Treat Others How You Wish To Be Treated." Am I the only one that was raised this way?! I sure hope not, but I am beginning to lose hope. Don't worry, I still intend to treat others fabulously, in hopes that I will soon be treated in that same sense. I have not given up all hope, and will never change who I am or how I am towards others.

Rejuvenation

It's still amazing to me what one simple haircut can do for this girl. I went and got just a simple trim yesterday evening, but went a bit shorter then the past few cuts I've had, just for summer-sake. And I feel wonderful!!! Not only is today blistering hot, but I now have a neck that is free of hair laying on it!

I have been slacking on my gym visits this week, but am happy to report that I went tonight and it felt nice for a change. The sad part is that I don't even have a valid excuse for not going. And after going tonight, I will make sure that next week I step it back up! No excuses!

I have also been slacking on reading my book. I honestly don't know why I have taken so long to read this book, but It is my goal to finish it by next Thursday at the latest-- my motivation? Another book on hold to pick up at the library. And the fact that the book I am reading is itself a library book, so I better get with it! A little time management might be in order for my carefree lifestyle... I should be able to handle it.

Life in Limbo...Somewhat

Since it is the 1st official day of July, I've decided to turn over a new leaf in life.. and that is to write more often. I've heard that as a "blogger" I will often be saying things such as "sorry I haven't written" or "I promise to write more" but today begins the first round of that for this so called "blogger."

Update:
1. It's officially summer, no school, no more college, no homework... supposed to be a relaxing and wonderful time right?! NOT! I have found that I have no idea what to do with myself. I have found that it's easy to fall into a funk once school is out and there is officially nothing that "has to be done right now." And that funk is one that I fell into. I am thankful that after talking to a few friends however that I am not the only one, as well as finding out that seasoned teachers go through the same exact thing. I think it is just a feeling of worthlessness.. you go from having 24 needy students who depend on you for the majority of a day, 7 days a week, to no one needing you at all. (considering the fact that I don't have children of my own or a pet) I am proud to say though, that after figuring out why it was that I was feeling so... BLAH!, I have begun to come out of it. I still don't quite know what to do with all my time, but I am slowly figuring it out.

2. I've joined a gym. Something I haven't been able to do for years because of the high demands of school. And I must say, that it is very nice. I don't "work-out" on my own (i.e running treadmills or lifting weights with the big guys) but I do go to classes and have met some really nice instructors as well as some nice people that take the classes as well. It is more my style to take a class, and I have found that I am feeling much better about myself.

3. I've laid out by the pool a few times already this summer. (working out has helped the comfort level in that area as well) I met a nice lady who just moved into the complex a few months ago. Ironically both times that I have been down by the pool, she has been there with her daughter as well. Sadly, as I write this, I realize that I don't even know her name.. so that is a must the next time I see her. Oops! She is very nice to talk to and I have learned a lot from her already in two visits. **more to come about "pool lady story" later.

4. Sleep has been non-existent in my life lately. I go to bed at night, read like normal, and then shut the light off and toss and turn for about 2 hours (which is so unlike me- usually I hit the pillow and can't even read for 10 min and my eyes are shut). But then the downfall to this is that in the morning (once I am finally asleep and feeling good) I don't want to get up. So I've been forcing myself to get up- no matter how tired I feel or how comfy my bed feels, but then another downfall occurs... NAPS! I have found that I have either actually taken a nap or really really wanted to nap on a daily basis. The only days that I haven't napped (which are very few) are those where I am with someone (such as having coffee with Kara during the afternoon) or where I have errands to do--which is well, basically never. My naps are out of pure boredom and lack of motivation. And you would think that by working out (sometimes twice a day) that I would be a tuckered out little girl by the time night rolls around. I have got to get to the bottom of this, ASAP!

5. I'm moving in August. I am very excited, there is something about unpacking and putting things into their new places, reorganizing things and redecorating that makes me feel at ease. I have figured that if I start packing slowly now, that come August I wont feel so rushed to get everything ready to go. I have boxes that are ready to be packed up, now I just need to decide where to start and basically what I wouldn't need for another 2 months.

6. As I have said before, I need something to take care of. (As if myself at times isn't enough). I have decided to seriously start looking for a dog-- meaning doing some research into breeders, and how much it will end up costing me so that way a few months down the road I can seriously consider getting one. Either that or I am going to take back my cat from my moms house. Either way, I'm going to have to pay a pet fee for living in an apartment-- which stinks. I don't really understand why it costs so much, I mean I do, but I don't... But I'm willing to consider making the sacrifice.


So as you can see my summer is off to an EXCELLENT start (sense my sarcasm?), But honestly I know things could be a lot worse, however this whole 'transition into adulthood' phase is really screwin' with me. I am tired of the ups and downs, and well just plain tired apparently-even though I have no real excuse to be. But I have decided that I am going to throw myself into a few projects, or simply just try to relax and enjoy my summer of unemployment. My friends are great, and it helps to know that I am not the only one that is going through this awkward phase, it helps to break up the week by having coffee dates with them and sitting poolside (to happen this week). Nothing beats the company of my surrogate sisters. I have found that I am longing for the summers when my mom was off from work as well, although I know she has her own life, I do wish we'd have more time to just hang and do girl stuff together. We've been walking together a few days a week and that is nice, however it is somewhat "work" not leisure-girl time, so I don't think that counts. :)

Well, I'm off to start another Wednesday.. This one includes reading my book (that I have been slacking on reading and is due back to the library soon), getting a hair-cut (SUPER EXCITED-- one of the small joys in life that gets me every time), walking with mom (by the lake today-interested to see how things have changed- haven't been over that way in quite sometime), then back home for who knows what... dinner and more reading? A glass of wine? Online BINGO? (oh yes, that is another update:: I've become addicted to playing online BINGO...and I'm not proud, but can't seem to stop)

It felt good to write today, and as my mom has noticed, I've been seriously slacking on writing. So I fully intend to write more often, even if it is just a quick story or snip-it of what happened or is happening in the life of this gal. Until next time...