A Dog Journey

After about a year and a half, we are ready (we think) for another dog. The kids have been asking forever. We were looking at summer, then Greg capitulated and said we could look now (thanks honey!!). After looking through rescues and talking to friends, we seem to be leaning toward a golden retriever. We just keep coming back to them! We applied a few days ago at a golden rescue. Yes, applied. They have already talked to our vet--and I am actually worried we may not be accepted! The vet tech said they were very ah-hem..."thorough". Code for zealot(?)...anyway. We wait. Ryan helped me fill out the application on-line and we discussed getting a dog that could have puppies (no), getting a puppy (probably not) and had an interesting talk about a 3 legged pooch up for adoption. "I do not want a 3-legged dog" Ryan says. Then we had a talk about whys and why nots. Each kiddo has picked out a dog toy--Ryan is giddy about a toy that helps through a ball for fetching--Reagan has one for her shepherds at the AS and she lets Ryan play with her dogs with it. Charlotte picked out a squeaky squirrel. The kids can't wait to pick out a leash and collar--they have to wait until we get a boy or girl and see how big they are. So we are back in the land of nylabones, treats and dog baggies. I am looking at dog crates, beds and brushes. And yes, I am considering a puppy shower:)

I am excited about a warm furry beast to pet every day. I am anxious to get back in the routine of taking daily walks with a pooch. And I absolutely cannot wait to hear the kids squeal in delight as they play with a new member of the family.

Anniversary

14 years ago, Greg met me at the altar of a pretty church and agreed before God and everyone to love, honor and cherish me until death. Yesterday we celebrated another year of loving, honoring and cherishing. It wasn't a candlelit dinner with roses, glittery jewelry or limo. It was us, the kids, dinner at Fridays (one of the few places the kids will eat that isn't Steak and Shake). It was a busy day followed by chores and outside time since the weather was nice. After dinner I told Ryan I had a treat for him. How many 6 year olds would be excited about a wedding album? Ryan was delighted and we went through and identified everyone. He has always been fascinated with family pictures. We saw Grandpa David and Grandma Pat, GG Sally, GG Christine and others whose names he knows but faces he doesn't.
An anniversary is a good a time as any to look back and see where you have been and what you have done. We have two kids--wonderful, delightful really. I have a lover, a best friend, a tower of strength when I fall--I never knew how much I would need him the day I walked down the aisle. We have memories of good times together. We have the same goals and long for the same adventures. What builds a marriage--I'm sure it's unique to everyone. Ours is happy and strong and happens in quiet moments. I am loved, honored and cherished. And I know it, like when we were driving home from dinner and ice cream and he reaches over, takes my hand, looks into my eyes and say's "I love you."

It must be a recession...

I don't follow finance much. I don't understand it and appreciate that a great deal goes on with an economy booming or crashing. As an adult, this will be my first experience with a recession. I'm not enjoying it. Today I learned I will be losing a few flourishes in my paycheck. Nothing awful. the dollars lost don't bother me as much as the fear the changes within my corporation are engendering. Kettering Health Network is a top notch financially saavy place--at least they try very hard to give that impression. We get bonuses at Christmas--small ones but hey across 5 hospitals it does add up. They're building new stuff and upgrading old stuff. They've laid people off recently. No nurses but the mood is certainly cautious. the holiday dinner is no more. If you have a spouse on your insurance and they are eligible to get insured in their workplace, you have to pay a surcharge to keep them on yours. Who thinks of this stuff? Of course, the DDN published a story about how much the CEOs take home and our network presidents $180,000 housing allowance. That helps:( The executives are not taking a raise this year. While the morale certainly takes a hit when faced with all of that, to be told that the cuts they are making are to save everyone's jobs is scary. Reality but scary all the same. No one is looking to rock the boat anytime soon. This will be the first time in my career that this is starting to hit home. We are all walking around saying "at least we can work". Part of HR is taking a forced day off every week. At any rate, it is sobering.

In better news, Ryan's first new tooth is coming in. He only checks on it about 20 times a day now. He is also the proud new owner of a Nintendo DS Lite. He has a super mario game something. He is learning how to use it and I imagine it will take awhile. It'll be a bit before he can play Lego Indiana Jones which is really what he wants! We're going very slow with it.

Charlotte mastered a headstand with some furniture support. Her trick was to show me she was eating a pepper while upside down. Pretty nifty really. She is so amazing and delightful.

Greg's intinerary has changed. I don't even remember when he's leaving now and when he's coming back. But he won't be leaving March 25!

Time to write a report about radon:)