Five on Friday #235

EINS - Random Shit

There are 2 types of people.  Those who view their email in an individual view, where each email is it's own line, and those who view them as threads when they have the same subject line.  It is often VERY easy to see who uses which by who replies all and who doesn't.

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Sooo, I'm not the queen of keeping work/personal life separate, but when a coworker posted this in our work chat,

"Not a good day.  My Dad would have been 90yo today.  He passed away last year on July 25th.  Sure do miss him terribly."

I was like, wuuuuttttt?  Of course, in another channel, I started shooting off messages like WTTTFFF??  This is NOT your therapist's couch.  There had been no other chatter that morning, so that was the ONLY message in chat as people started signing on.

This individual and I have had several interactions and almost none of them overwhelmingly positive.  I blame this on generational communication differences.  You see, they are an older person and I am less old.  As a Comm major, I do try to be receptive to different communication styles and this person's style feels very much like, "You are young, you are a woman, and you obviously need to be kept on top of to do your job."  Anddd wellllllllll, I do NOT do well with that.

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Teh Ginger posted on FB (ages ago now) about how if you fly a Confederate flag, you are not supporting your heritage, you are supporting racism... and I 100% agree.

FOR EXAMPLE.
South Carolina flew a Confederate flag at the Statehouse from 1961 (put up for the Civil War Centennial and then left up the following year to PROTEST the Civil Rights Movement) until 2015, when it was taken down after the SC Emanuel AME shooting and moved to a museum.

If you're telling me that the Confederate flag doesn't support racism, you need to read some history books (like well researched ones, not the ones that you had to read aloud in middle school that were written by people who want to gloss over the nasty things (which is called whitewashing, look that up too)).

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Being told the way we have been doing documentation for over a year and a half is probably going to be going away and we'll start using a new method which has been available all along that we refused to use because we had our own way is incredibly demoralizing.

Same for doing a job that isn't actually your job.

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It's hard coming back to this space and deciding what to say and what not to say after saying nothing at all for so long.

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Bestie: I've still been kinda looking at places for you...  

Me: Oh, I know you have.

Bestie: ...Hoping that nothing comes up too soon.

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On MWF, Teh German and I work out.  Teh German goes to the gym and I do my run and then we meet back up at home.  On days when Teh German works (all days except when he is on unpaid COVID leave), I manage walking the beasts... But when Teh German is home, he walks with me on my rounds (plural because Big Booty Judy walks like a white-girl-wasted sorority sister who also had a hit of crack, so she has to be walked on her own, then I/we go with the other 2).

Big Booty Judy pooped while we were walking and I picked it up.  In our neighborhood, trash pick up is on Tuesday.  I feel that if your trashcan is still at the curb on Wednesday morning, it's fair game, so I tossed the bag of poop into an unsuspecting trash can, rather than waiting to get to a construction plot bin.

Teh German: Why would you do that?

Me: They should have brought their trash can in.  That's the way it works.

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Sandra Dee decided that she's too good for kibble because she's an asshole.  I tried another type of kibble and it was still a no.  Then I tried cooked chicken and rice.  She ate the chicken and refused the rice.  Pax and Meri have enjoyed her rejections.  Then I was giving her cooked chicken + freeze dry raw patties from her SHUG Godmother.

Because I hate the smell of cooking meat, I finally just decided that Sandy will be going on a raw diet.  Fortunately, Teh Sister is all over that shit since she feeds her wiener army raw.  She mathed out the ounces of food that Sandy would need and now I just need to find the different types of meats she needs (muscle, bones, organs) and chop it all up (ugh) for her.

So now I'm that lady.  I'm trying to decide if I just want to move all the beasts to raw or not, but I'm just not sure.  Such a hugeeee commitment when they don't have any issues eating kibble.  So they probably won't move to raw because I'm lazy AF.  But everyone should know, I considered it.

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I wore jeans yesterday without the intention of leaving my house.  Granted, I did leave to go out and hunt for Sandy food, buttttt I just felt BETTER which meant that leaving for any reason wasn't an impossible goal.

It took me a few weeks to get into a COVID groove with the teleworking/working out/showering/etc.  That sounds silly, but it's true.  When this all started, I'd get up and go downstairs and feed the dogs and never go back upstairs so I'd be in my PJs all day lookin' dumpy without even brushing my teeth and I felt gross.  Did not like.

So I switched it up.  Each day, I insisted on brushing my teeth and putting on non-pj clothes before starting work.  Dress for success or whatever.  Really it was just "when you wear a bra you don't get such horrible under boob sweat, so just do it, ok?"  

Then I started MWF run days with my accountability partners (Teh Bestie and Teh Running Advisor) and those days became hair wash days.  Also, I don't leave my house without brushing my teeth, nor do I appreciate funk breath while I'm huffing and puffing, so I always brush my teeth before a run.  That meant on T/Th, getting up and brushing teeth and showering or not and then going downstairs for work.

All that time though, unless I was leaving the house, or sometimes even if I was leaving the house, I'd put on stretchy waist pants, be that pj pants or gym pants, and a t-shirt.  Within the last week or so, the culmination of that blah feeling had crescendo-ed to the point of lethargy and depression.  Not to say my clothes were making me depressed, but the appeal of putting on stretchy pants had diminished over the last few weeks. Wearing stretchy pants is comfortable, but at the same time I judged myself over it.  Harshly.  For no real reason.  

Just like the day I wore my interview dress for the entire day, I felt BETTER wearing jeans.  I felt like leaving the house wasn't such a monumental event... it wasn't as hard as it was in days prior wearing stretchy pants. 

ZWEI - Money Shit

-Groceries

-Food scale for #SandyProblems

-Sandy food, ugh.

-Burger King for lunch, because if I leave the house, that's what I do, pick up food.

-Mooosage

DREI - From My Phone Shit

I have repaired the bunny 2x now.
Once more and bunny goes to heaven.

DA MOOOOOOOSE

Melted dogs are melty.

Solar charging and grazing....

VIER - From the Internet Shit

FÜNF - Things that made me happy this week

1. The children hanging out (aka napping) in the office with me during the work day.  Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.  I never mind unless there is licking.
2. Sandy being still while I cut out her mats.  I'm not really sure how they got there, but they were in sensitive places that I knew she wouldn't tolerate detangling, so I just cut them out.  Goes well with the massive shaved zone on her back... Siiiigh.
3. Light work load.  I focused on tolerating stupidity this week instead of trying to do it all.
4. Scheduling a head/scalp add-on to my massage.
5. Jeans.  Whoda thunk?
6. Accepting that it may be the end of August before I hear anything about final offer.
7. Teh German applying for jobs.
8. Rain.
9. Afternoon naps.
10. Sandy playtime where she does her wobbly zoomies in the loft and sticks her entire head in the toy box in search of the perfect toy.

Happy Friday, Gentle Readers.

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

Weekend Review {10/14}

FRIDAY

After lunch on Friday, I got the sleepy tireds and could NOT shake it.  So much so that I skipped a workout and went straight home after work.  Yolo.

The dogs don't understand that when I get home, I'd really prefer NOT to be harassed, jumped at, and generally annoyed as soon as I walk in the door.. so I kicked them out because they were being annoying and I was exhausted.  Teh German let them in as I was preparing to lay down the couch and this fuzzy turd bucket laid down in my spot because she's a needy asshole.

I mean, I kinda also thought it was hilarious, so I took a few pics after I laid down on her.. and she didn't seem to mind, which was weird, and then I made her move because I needed a damn nap.

I didn't get in a good nap, but enough sleeps were had to be functional again.  When I woke up, I asked Teh German if he wanted to go see an NC comedian named Jon Reep (check the end of the 1st section) and explained the backstory to him and Teh German agreed to go.

We grabbed dinner at a place across the street from the theater and then headed to the theater to buy tickets and grab seats.

No photos were allowed.. buttttt here we are because #blogging.

There were 3 comedians + the MC.  2 of the 3 comedians were hilarious, the other guy just talked about doing drugs and partying and he had the wrong suburban middle class crowd for that.  The MC was also hilarious and made me want to start going to comedy shows around Charleston.  One day... when school is no longer making me drown in life.

Teh German agreed that it was totally worth going and that the show was awesome and we should check out local comedians.

After the show, we came home, dealt with the beasts, and I went to bed while Teh German did whatever he does when I'm not around.  IDK, I knew I had to get up and get moving on Saturday, so staying up super late was not on my agenda.

SATURDAY

Tattoo Saturdays have been deemed "Stabbing Saturday"... and that's what this Saturday was.  I left a little after 9 to head to Charlotte.  I saw some old Crossfit friends while driving down 26, which was awesome because we got excited and waved at each other and went about our business.  I made it to Charlotte slightly early, thank you traffic from Charleston to Columbia that was going 90+mph.

I talked with Noel about the design and while he traced, I went and grabbed lunch at the same BBQ place from last time.  When I got back, we sized the stencil and estimated the placement then Noel got everything set up.  He placed the stencil and then we got down to business by 2.

We took a 20 minute break at one point for Noel to eat and for me to put my arm down and then we got back to it.

Noel finished up right around 7:30 and I took my photo, paid, and headed out.
That would be about 5 and a half hours of being stabbed, in case you were wondering.
#LikeABoss

By 11, I was home.. thank you traffic from Rock Hill to Columbia getting the fuck out of my way and then those awesome drivers who were willing to go 85+mph from Columbia back to Charleston.  Teh German was watching hockey when I got home and I was absolutely exhausted, so I went straight to bed.  Did not pass Go, did not collect $200.  STRAIGHT TO BED.

SUNDAY

Sunday there were zero photos.. but Sunday was also full of activities.  I made Teh German disgruntled by making him get up with the dogs, after Meri had ensured that I was a-fucking-wake by jumping on me/the bed, as she does.  I wasn't really able to go back to sleep, but I dozed on and off for a little bit and then did some scrolling before finally getting up and taking a shower.  Mostly, I showered to rinse off my arm of the tattoo goo that forms overnight when I leave the nonstick pads on (which I only do the day of getting the tattoo so that way the ink doesn't bleed all over the sheets, which was actually a fail this time...).

Teh German made bacon and toast and I made scrambled eggs for breakfast.  After we ate, I headed to the office to do homework things and Teh German did Teh German things (Teh German Time, fish tank stuff, scrolling).  He eventually left and ran some errands and I had SILENT time for homework.  It was rather glorious, to be honest.  Those headphones better be on sale by Black Friday.. because well.. a month is a long time to wait when you have this much homework between now and then.

At 2, we headed over to Teh PT House for a Sunday Funday gathering.  We even brought Pax and Meri, because I'm always in the hopes that something will eventually drain Meri's batteries.  Going to Teh PT House was NOT it.  I tried, Gentle Readers, I tried.  Siiiiiigh.

We had dinner and socialized and Teh German brought the dogs home after we ate.  A little while later, I went and fetched them to see if they would play with Remy, a 150 Great Dane, who was a Sunday Funday guest.  Meri was terrified of a dog so much bigger than her and her bitch ass hid behind Teh German or I, depending on who was closest.  Pax played and chased some, but nothing really energy draining.  When there was some drama that also happened to be around doggy dinner time, I took the beasts home to feed them dinner and continue working on homework things. 

I was exhausted, ugh again, and managed to get to a solid stopping point on my homework by 7:30.  I was packing up my computer and things to load in the car when Teh German came home.  I headed upstairs to get ready for bed and, surprisingly, Teh German also came upstairs to get ready for bed.  We were in bed by 9 and it was glorious!

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An extremely productive weekend!  Socializing, tattoo, homework, spontaneous date night!

Despite unfinished homework things, I managed to get my questions asked and assignments completed and printed out prior to the class they were due for, so I consider everything a win.  I know that last week's stress-almost-meltdown was due to it being midterm time and teachers needing grades so they can calculate our midterm grades, but Jesusfuck, I do not appreciate the unbearableness that was all those assignments being due to close together.  My body definitely did not appreciate it, as my BJB is angry, I started to get a herpaderp on my lip, but then it decided to relocate to inside my nostril.. so I mean, I'm an absolute mess.  This is on the tail of being sick.. so I'm over it all.

Thankfully, I'm finally over the homework hump and I might even consider myself ahead of the game.. again.

This week holds:
-a midterm exam in a class that has been 95% lecture and 5% programming assignments that the instructor has had to debug each time. FML
-that group project that I still need to go talk to the professor about because I'm really not sure what I'm doing and my partner doesn't either and I cannot rely on them.
-Going to see RENT with Teh PT Wife.  Yall, I really don't like musicals, but I'm a good friend.  We'll see what level of good friend I am after the fact.
-Dog toes are getting chopped off on Friday!  (Megan translation: I'm taking the dogs to the vet to get their nails trimmed.)
-Weekend Goals = writing that 8-10 page paper!!!  It's ok to be super jealous.

Countdowns (because I need some guiding lights while I'm wading through homework hell):

18 days until our anniversary and our trip to the unknown!
21 days until I get to register for my LAST semester of college!!!!
62 days until this semester ends!
89 days until the Charleston Half Marathon with Teh Running Bestie and Matilda andd mayyybee Teh PT Wife if I can talk her into it... or ya know, anyone else.
131 days until the Charlotte Hot Chocolate 15k with Teh Running Bestie and Matilda!
207 days until GRADUATION!!!

Weekend Review {11/12}

FRIDAY

School, work, gym on Friday, then I headed home and Teh German and I opted to go out for dinner (I know, surprise).  We opted to go to Olive Garden since we've had a gift certificate sitting in the bowl on the island for idk how long.  Additionally, we had something to celebrate!  Our immigration interview has finally been scheduled!! WOOOOO!!!

Meri and I snuggled while I waited on Teh German to finish getting pretty.

Lemoncello beverage, stuffed chicken marsala with mashed potatoes, with a side of fettuccine alfredo (since it cost about the same for a side as it would to sub the mashed potatoes.

I haven't been to Olive Garden in a long timeeee (like since Teh PT Wife and I went last year or earlier this year?  IDK, but I was craving some breadsticks.. And I will not lie.. That side of alfredo was worth every.single.penny.  As in.. I'd do it again soon.. and I'm very anti-chain restaurant in Charleston where we have so many options to choose from, so I'm semi-ashamed, but I had forgotten how good Olive Garden is.

After dinner, we came home, watched 2 episodes of Shameless, then it was bedtime.

SATURDAY

Saturday was a slow start, then homework for me.  Teh German went out on the bike to meet up with some other bikers and then ended up at the Rockabillique Festival in Park Circle.  When I finally emerged from homework hell around 1:30/2, I called Teh German to tell him I was going to ride down to James Island to try a burger for Burger Week.  There were food trucks at the event he was at, so he said he was going to stay there.  NBD, I ain't afraid to eat alone.

The Mack Burger
I thought it was going to be like a Big Mac, but there wasn't enough "mack" sauce on it to overpower the pickle flavor...
Oh well.

I headed home after my late lunch, where Teh German had already arrived.  We were generally lazy (Teh German watching his videos, me finishing up a book), but did eventually shower and get ready for a neighborhood gathering.  While I was taking a bath (because riding makes me cold in my bones), Teh German came in and handed me a very official US government document.  I had no idea what I was looking at and then I started at the top and saw the header...

TEH GERMAN RECEIVED THE LETTER THAT HIS WORK AUTHORIZATION CARD IS INCOMING!!!!!!!! YYYYYYAAAYYYY!!! This is the document that makes the biggest difference for us since it means he can get a job in the US without the company sponsoring his visa.  It means he can work for any company in the US and it doesn't cost them money for his visa.  For real, ALLLLLL the praise hands emojis should go here.

At the neighborhood gathering, the resident doggy and I hung out, one of my favorite habits.
This is Cooper (not Copper, as I want to call him).  He's fuzzy and soft and I think a golden doodle or something, but he's the mini version. 

We headed home around 1015 because we tired and promptly went to bed.

SUNDAY

Sunday, run-day!  Teh German got up with the beasts, who then decided that it was snuggle with Mahm time.  I tried to go back to sleep, but was mostly unsuccessful.

Part of my sleeping in was hoping that the temp would raise a little since it was in the 40s.  It did, but barely..  So I finally rolled out of the bed, much to Meri's dismay (boo, my pillow!) and Pax's delight (yay more space!).  They both thought they were going with me.  They were quite disappointed when they did not get to come with me, but Teh German and I arranged to go on a family walk after my miles were completed.

 Mahm, you gonna take me wifs you??

Lady, I'm ready for my collar.  Here's my nose.
Let's do dis.

After 5 miles, I came home and Teh German had the beasts ready to go.  We did the long (1 mile) loop and both dogs were pleased.  When we got home, I showered and started the laundry and got to add a "things I thought I'd never say" to my list.

I was sorting the laundry and Pax came over the dark pile, picked out a pair of my underwear and started to walk off with them.  I said, "Don't take my underwear, you dirty old man!"  He dropped them, but then didn't even look a little ashamed when I called him a panty-snatcher.  This is my life, People.

I made a meal plan for the week after getting laundry started.  I also went into the office to do computer things and finish up my audiobook while Teh German put together the fish tank stand and remove all the stuff we've received from the boxes.  My dinner idea hadn't thawed, so we ended up going to Texas Roadhouse in search of a veteran's meal, but turns out they only due lunch.  Ugh.  Oh well.

Since we were home from dinner by 6pm, we opted to watch movies to entertain ourselves for the evening.  First we watched Elder Millennial, suggested by Teh PT Wife, which we both laughed out loud at, at least once each, although I laughed more than Teh German did.  I want to love Iliza, but I only kinda like her.  I struggled with her belly shirt this time, like... it was distracting me.  Well really, her outfit in general distracted me...  I did, of course, like the points she made about women's body image, so I mean.. easy home run there.

After that, we agreed to watch a movie and when I saw Fantastic Beasts on the Plex, that was the decision.  Teh German tried to keep scrolling and I'm like, "Uhh, no.  I just made a decision.  It's not even animated." 

Pretty good movie.  Also, Muggle > No-Mag errday.  Ugh, stupid Americans.  When the movie was finished, it was 9:30, which is when I need to be IN the bed.  I still had to do some laundry and then brush my teefs, etc.  By 10:10, I had made it into the bed.  As I was falling asleep, I told Teh German, "I'm tired of being a Muggle."  He laughed and then we fell asleep.  But for real, where do I get my house elf?

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It felt like this weekend flew by.  I'm certain that it was just the calm before the storm that will be next weekend (Route 66 race weekend).  I did as much homework as I could without bringing myself to frustrated tears and then I had Megan time.  It was nice.

This week looks quiet, but I feel that's a deception. 

Wednesday, I'll be doing a German essay early since I won't be in class on Friday since my flight to Tulsa departs at 11:30.  As I was considering my Friday situation, it's going to be a time crunch to go to my computer science class to take my quiz, but maybe if I get there early, the instructor will let me take it so I can head out to the airport and not interrupt class with my leaving after the quiz?  IDK, I'm sure it will sort itself out.

BTW.
IT IS HOODIE WEATHER, FINALLY!!!!!
I am in my element people. 

All summer, I suffered, silently, while I was melting, about how hot it was, very seldom/when prompted, mentioning that fall/winter are the best seasons ever.  Now all these people who love summer won't STFU about how cold it is and how much they miss summer and I want to get on my soap box and scream, STFU! I suffered through your favorite season (that went on for like half my life this year), so if you could stop counting down the days until my favorite season ends, I'd appreciate it.  Just call me the Queen of Bitterness.  Also, yes, I know I live in the "wrong" place.  There are reasons for that.  I.e.: Teh German.

Weekend Review {10/01}

FRIDAY

First test of the semester and I got a 78 with a 10 point curve.  Fantastic.  FML.  Also 48 points for matching terms to definitions really seems excessive when you are aware that if you mix up one you usually mix up another and that causes a loss of even more points.  Annnddd picking terms that are commonly confused?  You, sir, are an asshole.

German class, then work for the afternoon.  I left in time to make it to the gym, but fucking Waze rerouted me around traffic and I went right by my house and after sitting at a stop light for over 10 minutes, I ended up turning around and going home.  FUCK IT.

For dinner, we ended up going to Neighborhood Tap House with Teh PT Husband and Wife.  While the old men Husbands played shuffleboard, Teh PT Wife and I judged the shit out of the classy bar patrons.  We could tell when it hit 10pm, then 11pm.  There are just some places I shouldn't be after a certain hour.  That is one of them.  Like when your momma tells you, "Ain't nothing good that happens after (certain time)"?  She's exactly right.

Why would you get this as a tattoo?
Please help me understand.

Whew Nukes.
Killin' it with their sense of fashion.
Nothing screams, "just needed to cross the quarterdeck" like some of the outfits we saw.

After we closed out the tabs, we headed home and it was bedtime.

SATURDAY

Saturday was designated homework day.  I got up and released the hounds and had breakfast then sat in the office for 6 hours.  All the while, Teh German worked on the bobber bike.

All this efficiency.

I managed to get all my homework done with only one meltdown.  But, having talked to other students in the class this morning, I was not having an unreasonable meltdown.  The instructions for the project were incomplete and knowledge that was assumed was definitely not knowledge I had.

After homework, I took a nap.  Then I woke up and showered and got "fancy" for Teh PT Wife/Husband's Bourbon and Cigars event they were holding for the neighborhood.  I partook of neither bourbon or cigars and I had suggested we hookah, but we stayed inside and it didn't happen, which was fine.  I ended up leaving Teh German there and heading home by 11.

I wasn't asleep yet when Teh German arrived home, but I know it was after midnight when he arrived home since I was able to get my Duolingo credit for Saturday AND Sunday.. #LikeABoss.

SUNDAY

Sunday was miles day.  I refused to get out of the bed until Teh German got up to handle the dogs.  Since his announcement of our schedule that I never agreed to, I've made sure not to go above and beyond too often.  After the dogs has been extracted from the situation, I got up and got ready and headed out to do 9 miles.

10 miles later, I came home and cooled down and rehydrated.  Eventually, I headed upstairs and showered.  We met Teh PT Wife and Teh PT Kid at The Grill at Windmill Station for brunch.

They had scotch eggs.
NOOOMMM

After brunch.  Teh German and I headed to Sam's and Bilo to pick up grocery things, then back home.  Teh PT Wife and I hit up the last pool day of the season.

This was unenjoyable because:
1- I had a headache that I couldn't shake (which isn't abnormal when I do a lot of miles when it's more than 70°F outside)
2- Screaming children
3- #2 deterred me from taking the nap that I had wanted to take.
4- FUCKING LOVEBUGS
5- The scotch eggs decided that they wanted to be re-eaten and I had the worst indigestion.

After being at the pool for a few hours, we headed home.  I had planned on making spaghetti, but due to the indigestion I was already having, I didn't want anything acidic.  I really wanted some Olive Garden bread sticks and suggested we go there for dinner.  Teh German agreed and we put on "people" clothes and headed out.  There was a 45 minute wait because it's the stupid unlimited pasta bowl time right now and I didn't realize.  Instead, we ended up eating dinner at Sushi 101 because I was still going for something that wasn't very acidic and sushi seemed like a logical choice after bread sticks and alfredo sauce.

When we got back home, Meri had commandeered her own birthday treat, a half full gallon ziplock bag of peanut butter cookies from the island that I was supposed to bring to work.  Thankfully, she hadn't gotten into the 2nd bag she's drug down, which was full of chocolate oriented snacks.  This really just means that I didn't make her puke up her treats.  If she'd eaten the chocolate snacks, I'd have had to administer peroxide to make her puke it all up and that's unpleasant for everyone.

Asshole dog.

After 2 episodes of Shameless, which were super depressing, the weekend was over and we headed to bed.

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This week includes:
-homework (of course)
-running
-punching shit
-I have a company coming to clean the carpet and rugs on Thurs.  Hopefully this will get rid of the pee spots from PHIL on the runner.  (please, Sweet Baby Jesus, please).
-a group project on Thurs for my circuits class.
-2 tests on Friday
-evening classes on Friday (/rage) as hurricane make up days.
-scheduling a hair cut for shaggy dog.  I cannot take Meri's hair anymore.  Can't do it.  It's getting cut.

Also, for those of you who have enjoyed "fall" already.. I hate you, I want to be you.  I'm over this endless Charleston summer.  I'm sweaty and miserable and I want to wear long sleeves without being judged.  I want to go on a run before the sun comes up and NOT have to deal with elbow/eyelid/calf sweat before completing half a mile.  I'm over this shit, Leute.  (Leute = people)

I still really want some Olive Garden bread sticks dipped in alfredo sauce.  But I refuse to wait 45 minutes for dinner at a chain restaurant.  Charleston has made me a snob.  I've accepted this life.