Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts

Friday, May 29, 2020

Five on Friday #233

EINS - Random Shit


In a fit of PMS fueled rage, I did something I didn't think I'd do..  started applying for jobs.  Pretty much anything that I thought I was moderately qualified for and interested in that happened to be in a location I was willing to be in.  SO MUCH RAGE.

It kicked off with something like this:
"When did Technical Writer morph into Personnel Security?"
and went downhill quickly from there.

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I'm gonna be honest.  I haven't been wearing a mask as often as I should be.  You see, I live in SC, the land of the lawless and the "I do what I wawnt" preachers... and well.. I'm lazy.  I know I should, and worse yet, I know I would if I lived somewhere that required it... but I don't, so I don't.  Judge me, it's fine.  If I am asked to wear my mask, I 100% will, but if I go to Walmart to pick up things, I probably won't.  In fact, I'm that person that might just fake cough to get you to stand away from me.  I'm an asshole, I've accepted it.

Additionally, I would really like to get antibody tested.

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I have been on the hunt for a plant stand to use as a raised feeder for Sandy and I cannot find one that is tall enough to save my life.  It's like the ones I have are unicorns, never to be purchased again.  #RAGE

This is a serious problem because I spilled water all over the counter and myself and floor the other day trying to set the water bowl on the counter so I could use that stand for Sandy's bowl.

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After Sandy's boots didn't work out, Teh German and I fashioned some "boots" for her.  He gave me a pair of his tall socks and I reinforced the foot/toe with duct tape and then we used electric tape around a higher part of her leg to keep them from falling.  They actually worked rather well.  Way better than the boots which slipped off within 10 steps from our front door..... siiiiigh.  I'm curious if we can find some velcro strips to hold the socks up instead of electrical tape so we don't end up going through roll after roll of tape.

She gave zero fucks about me putting her boots on.

Sexyyy homemade boots.

When we got home, Sandy laid down and I reinforced the toes more where she'd rubbed through the tape while walking and then I cut the electrical tape (super easy when I lifted it away from the sock so I made sure she wouldn't get cut) and slipped the sock off.

I think Sandy would do best at a dog park where she can run free, but I really don't love dog parks as a general rule, so I'm skeptical.  Also, it's rained this week, so the closest dog park would be rather muddy and I'm not sure I'd love a fuzzy dog + mud situation in my car.

Duct tape and tall black socks.  I can't imagine Teh Dad being more proud.

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Cooking things:

Did you know that you should use like 1390582 bags of spinach to make creamed spinach?  That shit wilts down to practically nothing and so you'll be left with too much cream and barely any spinach if you think that 18 oz is "enough".  IT AIN'T.


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Could I bring Meri to the groomer?  Of course.
Would I rather pay a mobile groomer to come park in my driveway and do it?  Of course.

This is something I am currently researching and hope to get done soon.  Poor Monkey-Doodle has her hairs pulled every time we go on a walk because her harness is now rolling up her fuzz.  It's a hard knock life for fuzzy beasts.

This applies to Sandy, too, who's new hair brush recently arrived and so we get to play that game this weekend.  FUN!

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We took the bitches to the beach yesterday. 
1- Everyone fit in the car.
2- No one grumbled or got sassy. (all the praise hands emojis!)
3- Yes, Sandy pooped in the car again.  Ugh.  We were less than a mile from home and the smell lingered too long to be a fart.  I cleaned it up as best I could when I got gas and pulled the blanket over itself and we still went on adventures.










It was a good trip.  Not sure if we'd make it a regular thing (as I hate the beach and the sand and the heat), but it was a good way to spend a vacation day.

All the dogs passed the fuck out after we got home and they had been rinsed/bathed.

Obvs XL Slumber Balls were made for BIGGG dogs.

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I set an unofficial goal when I noticed my mileage creepin' up this month: 50 miles.

DUN.
Thanks to my accountability partner(s)!



ZWEI - Money Shit

-Boots for Sandy (that will be returned since they didn't work)
-cabinet organization for the water bottles/to go coffee cups.
-hair brush for Sandy
-Dog food.  All the dog food for dayzzzz.  We go through a 30 pound bag in 10 days with Sandy eating 8 cups a day, soooo she's about to get put on a diet, lol.  PS. 8 cups a day is DOUBLE what she would be getting as a normally nourished dog.
-Beach parking.
-Dairy Queen dessert
-Gas.
-.......WoW subscription.  Lawd help me.


DREI - From My Phone Shit


I could open myself up like Luke Skywalker did that Tauntuan and that would not be close enough for these beasts.



MOTHER FUCKING FINALLLLLLYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!
My diploma finalllllly arrived!!!!
/squuuuuueeeeeeee

I ordered a less shitty faucet for the laundry room sink (it had a cheapo bathroom faucet on it before).
Husband installed it yesterday.  LOOOOOOVVVEEEEEE.

My supervisor likes to look over my shoulder.

But she also gives kisses, soooo trade offs???


VIER - From the Internet Shit

You are allowed to be open and honest about what you feel.
This is how you grow.
This is how you heal.
-MHN

You have known midnight so well,
and you have also known morning light.
-MHN

There is no shame in being proud of the smallest amount of progress.
-MHN


About a fucking no?






FÜNF - Things that made me happy this week

  1. Going back to the old Blogger layout.  Change is hard, ok.  Also, don't expect people to WANT to make changes if you fuck up a perfectly good, although dated situation, with something that isn't completely functional.  I did see the message that they will be forcing everyone over in the coming months and I'm stabby about it since the new layout didn't work well for inserting photos/etc.  Maybe it works better on a mobile device, but that isn't how I operate. KTHX.
  2. Styling some ghetto ass sock boots for Sandy to be able to go on walks with the fam.  
  3. Beach trip.
  4. MOTHERFUCKIN' DIPLOMA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  5. Going to Commonhouse for Beer Lunch.
  6. Getting this post up before lunch.  Small victories.
  7. Fishing and picking flowers and mining.  As different as everything is in WoW, it felt like home.. ANNNDDD the 3 people that messaged me after a 9 year sabbatical made me feel like they've been waiting on me.
  8. Being on PTO with Husband this week.
  9. Working half days.  Honestly, so much better than all day for my stress levels.  Especially when my half days are before everyone starts working and after everyone finishes working.  #NotFuckingSorry
  10. Slow starts and Rundays. 



Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

Monday, May 11, 2020

Weekend Review {5/11}

FRIDAY

Friday started with a run with Teh Running Advisor.  I did a short run because I had to get back home and get showered and get Pax to the vet for his dental by 0800.  I forgot that if you aren't in line at 0745, you'll spend your entire morning waiting on the vet intake process, so that was a lesson relearned.  I was disappointed to see that the vet's office wasn't doing ANYTHING in relation to sanitation, like we all signed in with the same pen, which made me pretty stabby.  But that could have also been because of the lady that passed 3 people in line to sign in on the form while we were all just standing in line waiting.  RRRRUUUUDDEE.  She didn't ask if we were waiting to sign in, just breezed past us all and put her name down.  Sooo I kinda hope she gets the CV.  It was finally my turn around 0850 to let them take Pax back and confirm my appointment needs (dental, nails trimmed, all necessary extractions, meds, etc).  I have appointments for Meri and Sandy this week and you better believe I'll be early AF so I'm not sitting there all day waiting to drop off the beast.  It's my least favorite thing about this place, their check-in procedures, but they are low cost.. sooo trade offs I guess?

The look of betrayal when he was not allowed to have breakfast almost broke my heart.

Anyways, after dropping off the Moose, I headed to the Citadel to take some Ring selfies.  Honestly, I wanted to see if campus security was letting people on campus since the pre-bootcamp Marines are staging at the Citadel to fulfill a 2 week quarantine period before shipping off to Paris Island for official bootcamp.  I had zero problems.  I took some selfies then headed back home for work things for the afternoon.  

The view from across the parade field.


RING(S)!!

College-y McCollergerson:
Hoodie, sunglasses, ring, sweet tea.

Sandy Dee passed out in the office.

In the evening, I picked up stoner Moose with his 3 missing teeth, and we came back home.  Teh German had passed me on his way home, while I was on my way to get Pax, so I knew he was home when I got back.  



Apparently, Pax had an accident in the crate where he was being kept after the dental, so they tried to wash him off (very poorly) and rinsed off his collars, thus the naked dog.  
My mermaid medal arrived!  A millionty years later.

I don't remember what we did in the evening, but since there were no photos, I imagine it went something like: leftovers for dinner and scrolling time on the back porch.  


SATURDAY

GRADUATION DAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Honestly, the day was bittersweet because there wasn't a real graduation ceremony to attend.  Teh German got up with the beasts and we slept in and had a slow start.  When we did get up, we made a currywurst breakfast bowl, which sounds way weirder than it actually was.  It was actually delicious.  Then for breakfast dessert we had cinnamon rolls.


After breakfast, I scooped poop since I didn't expect that Teh German had planned anything to celebrate my graduation (let me remind you about that birthday incident a few months ago before you go on acting like I'm the asshole) and I figured if the yard was free of poop we could at least invite some neighbors over and "have a measly fire" in the evening.  The ceremony started at 1 and Teh German was telling me at 1240 how he was going to take Pax up and give him a shower and blah blah blah and I was like, are you fucking serious right now?  This thing starts at 1 and you have to shower NOW?!  I couldn't even.  Pax ended up NOT getting a bath, but Timo did get a shower and I brushed my teeth and changed into a Citadel shirt with my pajama pants, because isn't that the dream of every graduate?  To attend their commencement ceremony in pajamas?


Since there was no reading of 400 names, the ceremony only took about 45 minutes.  I did get all teary listening to the speakers, even if the speeches were directed at the Cadets. 


After the ceremony, it had been agreed on that we would go on a motorcycle ride as an excuse to get out of the house.  First, Teh German checked the mail and my first graduation present arrived; a 2020 Willow Tree figurine, to mark my graduation as an official event, from Teh Sister.  I don't collect many trinkets or things like that, because I hate dust collectors.  Willow Tree figurines are one of the exceptions to that rule.  The other exceptions are photo frames and memorabilia items from vacations with Husband (glass balls from Italy, etc).


I was slightly annoyed about going on a ride on graduation day.  I knew that Teh German was trying to help me be in a better mood by getting me out of the house, but we were doing something that would make HIM feel better, not me.  Not that I had any idea what WOULD make me feel better, which is why I agreed to go on a ride.  We had agreed to ride down to Metto just as a reason to get out of the house.  Since we didn't have any plans, I also told Teh German we should go take some ring selfies.  Look, I missed out on 2 months worth of ring selfies walking to class, so I needed to make up for that deficiency.  



After selfies, we headed across town to Metto for beverages.  We spent some time scrolling and drinking.  Then, Teh German finished his beverage and was like, "Ok, let's go."  I wasn't even halfway done with my drink.  So Teh German waited a little bit longer for me to finish and then was like ok, let's go.  Ya'll, I still hadn't finished my beverage, but I was like, hrm, he must need to poop or something, so I sucked down what I could (that's what she said) and we got on the bikes and headed home.  We were stopped at a light close to the house when Teh German pulled off his glove to respond to a text message on this phone (it's on a holder attached to the bike, so he can use it for navigation/etc) and I was confused, because that doesn't happen.  We were almost home when Teh German left me behind, but it wasn't weird since he does that sometimes to get the garage to open on it's own (because the sensor doesn't like it when 2 phones approach at the same time).  While I moseyed home, I decided that even if his peculiar behavior wasn't actually indicative of anything, I would be in a better mood, no matter what.  It was still graduation day and I had plenty to be happy about and grateful for.  

Gentle Readers, I turned the corner to our house a minute or so later and saw an out of place red tent in our front yard and the GL Cool Kids standing on both sides of the driveway to welcome me home with cheers and applause.  Teh German was already parked in the garage.  I'm not actually sure how I didn't run anyone over when I was pulling into the driveway because my vision was so blurry from the laughter and the tears.  I was COMPLETELY surprised.  Even with my asshole-ary texts in the AM to Teh PT Wife and Teh Bestie, neither of them gave it away.. and everyone admitted later that they had all laughed at my woe because they knew what was coming.

What had started out as a joke a few weeks ago came to complete fruition.  The GLCK built a stage for me to "cross", borrowed a cap and gown for me to wear, Teh English Seamstress made an honors sash for me, Teh PT Kid was the announcer, Husband presented my GLCK certified diploma, and other neighbors presented my Veteran Student awards.  It was hilarious and awesome and it was impossible NOT to feel loved.  Yes, maybe we broke some social distancing rules, but I think for everyone present, it was worth it just because I cried so much!

 


In addition to the driveway celebration, Teh PT Wife and Teh German had arranged for people who couldn't be present for the gathering to send a video that would be played during the party.  Queue: even more tears.  Videos from NY relatives, a former HS teacher, running friends, German family and friends.  Yall know that I've always got the words to describe things, but really, I don't.  I was speechless other than "thank yous" and "awwwws" through sobs.  

When everyone started heading home to feed their beasts, we moved the party to the backyard for whoever wanted to stay, after I did another last minute yard sweep for poopies.  


Did I expect to spend the day of my graduation un-showered and in my motorcycle boots lookin' like the hot mess express?  Absolutely not.  Did I?  100% Yes.  This graduation day was everything I never imagined and it was absolutely perfect.  Even if I didn't get to finish my drink.  Since Saturday, I haven't stopped replaying the laughter and giggles and tears and feelings of love and contentedness in my mind.  It will probably be a while before I do. 


SUNDAY

Sunday was NOT a runday, despite the alarm going off.  I woke up early with the beasts and went back to bed, ignored the run alarm after verifying with Teh PT Wife that we were not running, and went back to sleep.  Teh German and I ended up staying in the bed until almost noon, for no particular reason than, we could.


We got up and started the day with leftover pizza for breakfast/lunch.  I made the menu for the week and piddled around the house.  Teh German did Teh German things.  During the afternoon, Teh PT Wife messaged me to invite us over to hang out and after brushing my teeth and taking care of my business, we headed over.  I decided that Sunday was a good day to obtain my 2020 base tan... 


We came home at doggy dinner time to feed the beasts.  I took care of some chores, but was mostly exhausted so I headed upstairs by 8/830 to get ready for bed and shower.. finally, a sweet sweet shower.  I was in bed by 9, with zero regrets.

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There are not words to accurately describe how fucking fantastic this weekend was.  Teh PT Wife and Roux's Humom put on a shindig that I will never forget... at least I'm attributing the credit to them because it was their idea to begin with.  I'm sure there was a LOT of help to make it happen, so all my GLCK deserve thanks and appreciation.  And I also need to give poor Husband a shoutout for having to keep this a secret from me and dealing with my mopey ass all week.  He did admit during a quiet moment on Saturday that he'd been so stressed all week because he'd receive a video from a German and he'd want to tell me they asked about me or something but then he didn't want me to get suspicious, so he wouldn't tell me.. Or the one time he accidentally slipped up and said something about talking to an aunt and how I didn't even question it, thankfully.  Honestly, this is a testament to the level of trust in my marriage.  On Saturday morning before the ceremony, Teh German said to me, "I need to go over to Teh PT Husband's house to help him with something."  I didn't even question it then or when he returned.  Just said ok and went back to whatever I was doing.  Also, it's not unusual for Teh PT Husband to request Teh German's help with things, sooooo unless I over-thought about it, I had no reason to be suspicious and because I had expectations that nothing would be happening, I didn't even ask.

I will admit, that even though she told me she wasn't going to be in CHS, I still checked Google Maps to see if Teh Bestie's location was 1- still turned on to me, 2- wasn't somewhere between her house and mine.  I was disappointed to see that she was still at home, but it wasn't like she hadn't told me, lol.  A girl can wish.

And if you remember how much irrational rage it gave me for our across the street neighbor to be putting balloons on his mailbox for every minor celebration that occurred in their household (honestly, it wasn't the balloons themselves, it was the droopy balloons and strings that never got removed from the post that irritated me, mkay), I left my balloons on the mailbox until Sunday evening when I finally brought them inside.  Also, I made sure that all the strings were removed from the mailbox post and there was no debris in the yard.


So, yeah.. I'm a Citadel Alumna now.  /mindblown

Friday, December 13, 2019

Five on Friday #218

EINS - Random Shit


I had an appointment at the VA to re-access my back disability rating and add my neck to it so I've not been to the Chiro since right before Thanksgiving.  I wanted to be at my worst for my VA appointment.  As someone who usually goes at least 2x per month, it's been rough going.

I went on Thursday after class and I felt like I was walking on clouds.  My pops were so thorough my nose was running.  I tell myself that nose running = everything is no longer backed up and stuff is back in alignment.

I told Chiro that I'll be running Kiawah this weekend and he said, "You're going to undo all our work!"  I said, don't worry, I'll be back on Monday for a massage AND to see you again."  He was satisfied with that... but I knew I could NOT run 13 miles being as out of whack as I was.

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Teh PT Wife expressed how impressed she was with seeing Lion King on Broadway and that was enough to talk me into going.  I conned Teh German into going with me after telling him that Teh PT Kid would go with us if we went and "Uncle" Teh German would do almost anything for Teh PT Kid, so away we went.

There was some ticket strife after I bought tickets and we thought there was a conflict, but it ended up working out.

Yoouuuu guuuuyyyysss... Lion King on Broadway was phenomenal.  SOOOO GOOOOD.  I think most of the original songs were performed, plus some not from the movie.  Also, the lady that plays Rafiki?  #HERO


I know we weren't supposed to take photos, but I had to send Teh Sister something!
I picked a scene from Be Prepared by Scar.

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Due to Hurrication, the last day of class was pushed to Thursday instead of Tuesday.  I only have 2 final exams (hallelujah) since 3 of 5 classes had final projects in lieu of final exams.  Unfortunately, one on Sunday afternoon and the other on Monday morning.  Siiiiiigh.  My field of fucks is completely barren and truthfully, I just want better than Cs in all my classes and I'm satisfied.  Truthfully.  No self guilt.  Cs are acceptable after this semester of hell.

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Matilda talked me into doing the Kiawah Half Marathon and I definitely didn't train enough.  I know it will be fine, but it's going to be a struggle.. also if it's raining and 40°F I'm going to be disgruntled.  But the medal is pretty cute and I've not earned a medal since May... so fineeee.  Additionally, the shirt is Christmas-y but also from a race, so technically I can wear it year round.  Technically.

Matilda will arrive on Friday evening and it's bittersweet, but it means that we'll leave my company holiday party early/when it ends and won't be post-gaming with my coworkers, like we have done in years past.  But, it's also ok because Teh German is currently taking it easy and I won't be going crazy since I have to run on Saturday morning.

Also, what does it mean that the thing I'm most looking forward to about doing the Kiawah race is the pre-race nap where I make a Megan-rito and sleep on the floor before the race?  This excludes my excitement about getting to hang out with Matilda.

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I got a new phone on cyber Monday.  It wasn't really planned, but I'm not overly surprised.  My Pixel 2 had started doing weird freezing.  When I checked, my phone was worth $97 (which was a disappointment, but understandable) and that value will only go down in the coming year, so rather than have to spend full price later, I took the 50% off and the $97 from Google to upgrade to the Pixel 4 XL.  XL because when Cadet Spouse* compared his Pixel 2 XL with my Pixel 2 and I realized just how much more screen there was, I was sold.

*Ya know how sometimes there are people that are always associated with each other?  That's me and my Cadet Project Partner.  Remember the Cadet I bitched about last year during my Circuits class who drove me absolutely bonkers and I had to yell at him in front of other people that one time?  Well, anyways, that all happened and he's a CS major who happens to be one of the most responsible Cadets I've come across (other than that first semester when I was considering killing him) so we decided after that rough start that, whenever possible, we would be each other's partner for assignments.  We're so much associated with each other that PITA Professor asked me where Cadet Spouse was in a class Cadet Spouse wasn't even in.  I had to explain the concept of "work spouse" to the Cadets after making a joke that Cadet Spouse was my "school spouse".  Then they were all, "Yeahhhh, that totally makes sense," and started making their own school spouse associations.

100% will miss Cadet Spouse next semester because he's graduating this semester and I'll have to be partners with other CS majors and that brings me pain in my brain.  Siiiiigh.

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A new phone meant new screen protectors and phone case.  I'm always #TeamOtterbox and the only colors they had for the Pixel 4XL (at the time) were black, navy blue, and yellow.  Of course, of those options, I went with yellow and now my phone is known as Big Bird.

When discussing this new name with a Cadet who asked if I got a new phone, she informed me that the guy that had played Big Bird on Sesame Street had recently died.  I was super sad, but then I had to judge the shit out of her millennial ass when she said, "He played Big Bird and that Grouch character... I can't remember his name."

I dead-eyed her and said, "HOW CAN YOU NOT REMEMBER OSCAR THE GROUCH'S NAME?!?! HEATHEN!"  Then we laughed.  But really, how do you not remember Oscar's name?  He's one of my personal heroes.

Also, does doing a factory reset on any device give anyone else crippling anxiety like it does me?  Because resetting my Pixel 2 was almost debilitating.

Can you hear my heart palpitations from this photo?

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Despite having shit to do, I did paint swatches anyways.  It brought me great joy until I realized now I have to live with my entire house covered in paint sample swatches until we make a decision and get some painters out.  #JesusTakeTheWheel.




Unfortunately, the colors in the photo are not the true colors.  Despite editing the photo to be as close as possible, the colors are still a bit off.  I can't describe the colors accurately to explain the difference but these are the colors we're looking at.  There are more swatches in the bedrooms.

I was originally thinking green in the bathrooms and blues for the bedrooms and a fun blue color for the office, but decisions are hard.  So I spend my teeth brushing time now staring at the wall trying to decide which colors I love the most for what rooms.

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My Web Development class that I wanted to take is going to get cancelled because there are only 5 people enrolled in the class and The Citadel requires 10 people be in the class to not cancel it and there's no way I can make that happen.  I've already registered for a German class to replace it and keep myself at full time status.  I could take another, easier/less work class, but I've really missed my German class.

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Speaking of German things, I did a loose interpretation of Krampus for last Friday's Christmas parties and like 2% of people got it.  I didn't get a photo with my full branches, but I was carrying sticks around and someone asked me if they were Charlie Brown's Christmas tree.  SMDH, fucking Americans.


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IDK why the home improvement bug bit me in the ass, but I also signed the contract with Lowe's to contract out someone coming to put up a backsplash in our kitchen.  With the backsplash and paint situations going on, Teh German decided to put motion sensor light strip in the pantry and now it's lit up like daylight in there and it's something I didn't know I needed.  Now he will remove the awkward chandiler from the kitchen and cap the space and then the kitchen will be done.

The next big project will be the dining room ceiling molding.  It will get painted at the same time as the rest of the house, then Teh German will mount it.  In the end, we wanted to put Hue lightstrips in the molding, but I've been waiting to see if the lightstrips would go on sale and so far they haven't.


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After Meri's new jammies came in from Australia, I HAD to order some for Paximoose.  They came and then it got hot, because fucking Charleston, so I had to wait to put them on.. but I finally did.

IT IS GLORIOUS!

Awkward dog is awkward.

EARS FOR DAYS.
If there wasn't already an abundance of personality in Teh Ville, the personality of these ears alone would alert people what they are in store for.
Please also note that Pax's ears match which is odd.

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0/10 would NOT recommend going to the Charleston VA hospital.  It's not the service that's the problem it's the fucking parking.  It took me 6 minutes to get to the VA hospital from school for my appt on Tuesday.  Then I spent 35 fucking minutes circling the parking lot looking for parking/waiting on the free valet to come for me.  I managed to get a spot before the free valet came available.  HHHAAATTTEEEEEEEE.

This is not a single occurrence.  It has happened to me before.  Next time, I will make the 35 minute drive to another clinic and then be 35 minutes closer to work/home.

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I've had my end-of-semester massage scheduled since October at my Chiro office.  It was extremely convenient that the appointment fell after the Kiawah half.  YAY for recovery assistance.

I also went ahead and scheduled my pre-semester massage for after the Charleston half marathon.

I've come to terms with my massage habit.  Some people get their nails done regularly or get Starbucks.  I get massages.  #NotSorry  Also, my body is ALWAYS tight as a rubber band and monthly massages is not actually enough for my body to be relaxed... but multiple massages per month is not in my budget, so I'll stick with my current schedule.

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Life has been so overwhelming lately that when I get in the car, I don't turn on my audiobook or music.. I just let it be silent.  I love/hate it.  Love because my brain feels better, hate because my road rage is worse without the book to distract me.

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We had this stupid optional bonus credit assignment in my operating system class and I selected the Super Nintendo to write the paper and presentation on and the fact that I could understand the assembly language instructions and the circuit diagrams meant that I learned something in college!

It was so surprising to me how much I was enjoying understanding the memory maps and circuitry diagrams that I made sure to stop by and tell my Circuits professor that he had actually taught me something.. and maybe if we had been building a SNES instead of a microwave for our final project, I'd have been more motivated, loooool.  JK.

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The company holiday party is tonight and the dress code is 1920s or holiday themed.  My only possibly 1920 wear would be the same dress I wore last year.  Also, it's supposed to be chilly and rainy and I don't want to be traipsing around downtown in heels, cold and wet, so it's looking like "holiday themed" for this fam.  #NotSorry

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Test anxiety inducing situation:
"All answers have a 200 word limit, and brevity is encouraged."

WUT?
My answers were all brerite (that is not a word, I just made it up to be funny and it wasn't even that funny.  Don't be like me = lesson of the day).

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Ok, I'm going to confess something now that the non-dedicated Gentle Readers have scrolled to the bottom to see the images and funny things...  In my mind, wearing camo anything means you're a redneck.  Now, I'm aware, as an adult, that is stereotyping and I need to not project my personal beliefs (right or wrong) onto others.  That goes hand-in-hand with the fact that I never owned anything that was camo.. like ever.  My NC family is more the farmer type than the hunting type... sooo more overalls than camo (and yes, I wore the shit out of some overalls).

Now being a redneck isn't something to be embarrassed about per say (unless you are an ignorant fuck who chooses ignorance over intelligence because you're lazy and would rather not be worldly out of self-convenience), but I was always kinda embarrassed to potentially be considered a redneck because it held such a negative connotation, even in my Podunk hometown of mostly rednecks...

All that to say, I never owned anything camo because it would mean I'm a redneck and I'm not a redneck because I'm college educated (x2) and well-traveled and worldly and shit.  Side note: I'm sure there are college educated rednecks and in reality, those are probably my spirit animals... and here's why.

For Halloween Teh German bought a pair of camo house slippers from Walmart.  Like legit, RealTree camo house shoes.  He bought them because they were the cheapest shoes available in his size.  Here's what NO ONE EVER TOLD ME about camo: that shit is comfortable and warm.  There's a reason rednecks wear camo!  It's COMFORTABLE and WARM!

Timo already has Birkenstock house shoes (oh, yes I know how German that is and so does he) so he didn't really need another pair, but since we were going out in our house shoes, he couldn't wear his actual house shoes because they never leave the house (also, I know how German that is (with the rule following and such) and so does he).  Soooo, since he doesn't actually wear the camo shoes, I adopted them.

THEY ARE THE MOST COMFORTABLE SLIPPERS I'VE EVER OWNED AND NOW I'M OFFICIALLY A REDNECK BECAUSE I HAVE CAMO SOMETHING.  I bought a pair of fleece lined Crocs last year to be my house shoes because I always have cold toes.  Those Crocs just manage to get my feet super sweaty, which means I take my feet out of them and because my feet are sweaty, my feet get even colder, then I put them back in the shoes and start the process over again.  NOT WITH MY CAMO SLIPPERS!  They are the perfect balance of warm but not too warm so my feet don't get sweaty.


LONG LIVE THE CAMO SLIPPERS!
PS.  I anticipate that these slippers will be the only camo thing I have unless someone gifts me something camo that I can stomach.

________________________________________


It's a not-secret that I'm the favorite child of my Dad (even if he refuses to say it outloud, we all know it), with the exception of Teh German who knocked me off my high-horse with his accent and engineering background and ability to do things around the house without having a meltdown about it.  But more importantly, I am my Granny's favorite grandchild and she is my favorite elder family member.  Like, if you come at my Mom, fine, she'll take care of you, but if you come at my Granny, I'ma fight you.

So anyways, my Granny has been taking care of people, kinda like unpaid, uncertified home health nurse for years.  This last person has been her former brother-in-law (former because he and Granny's sister got divorced) and he and his family have taken advantage of her for so long and she has let it go on and it makes me so fucking mad that "family" can be this way.

Anyways, I learned that she signed for financial responsibility of this former BIL for something that I'm not sure of and I almost went through the GD roof.  And within 15 minutes of finding that shit out, I also learned that former BIL died.

I'm going to be honest, I was GLAD.  This man had been taking advantage of my Granny for years and I'm not sure why she let it happen, other than the fact that she's too old to be taking care of anyone and she's mentally declining in a way that she refused to acknowledge, that I've been going on about for years.

Soooooo, for the last month or so, Granny has been staying with my Mom since the former BIL was in the hospital for something, idk, idc, not my fucking problem.  Since my Granny has been with Mom, she's called me more and I don't mind.  She's expressed the desire to "move out west" with my Mom and I'm 200% for it... buuuttt I also know that my Granny doesn't do anything she doesn't want to do, so I have to be careful about how I encourage it.

Truthfully, I want my Granny to move out there because I don't think my uncles at Home, Home would take care of her when the time comes and I know my Mom would.  I also know that I would go crazy and my marriage would probably implode if I had to take care of my Granny.. sooooo Mom is the best option.

When I found out about the financial responsibility stuff, I was ready to drive the 4 hours to Home, Home and beat down some motherfucking doors... In all honesty, even after finding out the man died, I was still ready to go beat down some motherfucking doors... but it's probably not worth it.  Also, I don't know where they live, so they are saved.

Buttt, I did admit to Teh German that if my Granny said she would commit to moving to live with my Mom, I would have her fly into CHS, she'd be with us for a few days so she could sit in the Sam's parking lot and watch the planes fly over, and then I'd take her to Home, Home and we'd pack up her necessary things, and we'd drive her car to Mom's.  Like, I'm ready.  Do I have the PTO for this?  100% most definitely NOT, but you guys, I'd do anything for my Granny.

So much so, that despite my boycott of speaking to my Mom since January 2018, which has made my life infinitely less dramatic and less stressful, I considered texting my Mom to tell her that I'd do what it takes to get Granny to live with her.  I haven't done it, but the fact that I even considered it speaks volumes.  After talking to Teh Sister, I was almost ready to call Mom and start planning for Granny's move.. but ya'll, I just can't bite the bullet yet.  I'm not ready.  Part of it is stubbornness, which I mean, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, sooooo that.  But also, I'm still pissed at my Mom for the scenes she made at the wedding and for the Jan 2018 scene that was the final straw to make me stop talking to her altogether.

BUT FOR MY GRANNY.....
It might actually happen.

Truthfully, I don't want to deal with it right now.  I was looking forward to my stress-free, no school time... but I also know that this is my ONLY time to take care of a family "emergency" situation like this until June.

BUT FOR MY GRANNY....
I'd do anything.

________________________________________


Circling back to that Mom drama.  I know that it's stupid to be angry about something for so long.  Like, I should just let it go, but Gentle Readers, for over 30 years of dealing with my Mom, I let so much go.  I wouldn't call it forgiveness, but I definitely practiced that whole "offer the other cheek" thing.  There was a lot of mental abuse going on that I didn't recognize because I was a teenager.  Not just from my Mom, but also my Dad (in the sake of calling a Spade a Spade), and there was not a greater day than the day I moved to NC State to live without my family.

People say that you only have one family, one mom, one dad, etc.  I know that I might have regrets about shutting her out, but I also know that the lack of drama and stress, coupled with the marginal guilt about the fact that she is my mother, is more healthy for me than the drama roller coaster I rode for so long.

So like, I get it, but also understand, I've thought about it A LOT before finally shutting that shit show down.. and it's hard to let it back in, knowing how often I've been burned by that fire.



ZWEI - Money Shit

-Groceries
-Gas
-Bojangles
-Christmas leggings
-Phone
-Necessary phone accessories
-At Home trip with Twin Mom
-Hue bulb for the new office lamp
-Backsplash (Merry Christmas, Husband)
-Lion King tickets



DREI - From My Phone Shit


When you go to visit your husband at his office and he's not there!

New phone accessories, sans Big Bird case.

This monster was demanding attention.
He's not usually QUITE this demanding.

If this doesn't make you giggle, you need to lighten up.
Every single time I look at my feet when I'm wearing my Clawz, I giggle.
So much so that Teh German knows EXACTLY what I'm laughing at.

Stuffie DOWN!
Skinny caterpillar went into Dr. Mom's tailoring pile.

This Monkey.
/swoon.

<3 <3 <3 

I think this is going to get printed and framed for future Christmas decorating purposes.

annndddd here she is being ridiculous because I was scratching her butt and she was twerking.

If you're looking for a Christmas gift for our household, any of these awesome toys from Target are accepted.
Or just an empty-handed visit.  Butt scratches (for the dogs, kthx) and socializing with the humans is completely acceptable.

New lamp! LURRVVEEE!

Meri's new office chair bed.
She loves it.
Pax is super jealous.  Sorry buddy, you're too big for chair sleeps.

Point made.
See also: His HEAD is on MY couch pillow and his ASS is on MY couch blanket.
Teh German's dog my ass.  #MamasBoy


Be still my heart.


VIER - From the Internet Shit




The fact that Curve is still a thing blows my mind.
Nothing screams, "Megan's teenage era" quite like Curve.
I didn't wear it, but I know MANY people who did.

#NOTSORRY


Take heart.
Breathe deep.
You are further along than you think.
-MHN

All along,
You were stronger than you were able to see.
MHN

Even here, you are allowed to be proud of your progress.
MHN

I hope you can give yourself a little more credit.
I hope you can remember that this road has not been easy for you.
I hope you can see where you are as progress even though so much is still unknown.
MHN

👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌


FÜNF - Things that made me happy this week


  1. End of classes for the Fall 2019 semester.  ONE.MORE.SEMESTER, Gentle Readers.  One.more.fucking.semester.
  2. Definitely making an A in one of my classes.  It's not a surprise, but still a pleasant certainty.
  3. New phone life.  Truthfully, it doesn't feel like much changed except the size, but it's new and fancy and I love new tech and the camera is on.fucking.point.
  4. Chatting with Teh Sister.
  5. The Lion King on Broadway.  It was more than I could have ever expected.
  6. Dogs in jammies.  My dogs specifically, but I'm not always picky.
  7. The smell of my laundry while I'm not at home actively doing laundry (aka, the reward of my Laundry Fairy efforts).
  8. Company flexibility.  These last 2 weeks have been very school demanding.
  9. Matilda coming to visit!
  10. A new medal for the rack.  As much as I love/hate running, I've missed it.  Also, please, thoughts and prayers for my bad hip as it's been super achy the last 2 weeks.  And yes, I'm still going to go run a half marathon on it this weekend and again in a month.  #JesusTakeTheWheel.



Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.
2019 is almost over.
🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌