Their names are Sammy and Static...

Sammy is an older female (for a ferret)... 4 or 5 years, I think. She has thin-ish fur and her tail is almost bald. That's not due to her age... She fought cancer and won and is just growing her fur back (if I'm not mistaken she went completely bald). She's a sweet little lady and I feel like me and her have sort of bonded. She's smaller than other grown ferrets; possibly something to do with when she was sick. If not, well... perhaps that's just something me and her have in common. 😍

Static is a young male - rambunctious and playful - as most ferrets are. He's been friends with Sammy for most of his life and his preferred means to get from place to place is rolling. 😂  Also, he tends to roll when he's playing with the other ferrets... maybe he's just pretending to be a crocodile, LOL. Either way, he's hilarious to watch. 😁

These are our new family members, from a little girl who cares much about their well being. Today was bittersweet - it was really hard to take them even though the family could no longer keep them and we were very excited to have them. Life sure is crazy sometimes.

Her name is Stella...

and she's a doll. Her and Nick seem to have hit it off and I think she likes me pretty well, too. She likes to give kisses and lovings and she's just sweet as can be. Scooty seems a bit... distressed... since her arrival, but I think after a few days things will smooth out. He's never been around a ferret before and he's acting much the same way as he did when he first met the hedgehog. It must be their strong odor... he doesn't seem at all bothered by anyone else... except the sugar gliders when they started barking last night. (Yes, gliders bark on occasion... little tiny barks - like baby puppies. It's so cute!) 😍 But anyway, here are a few pics of our newest family member. 😁

She'd just woken up...

Here's a few of her and the Nick-Daddy...

She is SO kissing him in this picture!

Goofing off... 😁

"Play with me!"

Looking sweet. 😍

Can you believe someone didn't want her?! She was in two other homes (that we know of) before she came to us. I can't imagine not loving her. *sigh*

Season-related things...

I haven't blogged in a while, but I have a lot to say, so I'll break this one down for ya:

Christmas

That went over pretty well despite how broke we've been. Shadow only got a few presents from me and Nick, (and Santa), but they were good ones. We had no idea this was going to be the case, but he made out like a li'l bandit... my family's not rich or anything, but he really racked up. We were shocked.

We bought Scooty a flavored bone for Christmas and he's been so funny with that thing. He chewed on it for a good solid hour as soon as we gave it to him, then put it down. I picked it up to carry it into another room with us and when I gave it back to him he ran around whimpering (sounding very distraught), looking for a place to hide it. I suppose I shouldn't have picked it up the first time - but for the record it wasn't hidden very well so I didn't know that's what he was trying to do. 😂  He's never been that way with anything we've ever given him so this bone must be special. He's been checking on it for the last few days to make sure it's still where he left it. I know not to touch it this time. He's so funny.

So all in all Christmas was good... the only thing that could've made it any better would have been if Santa had brought me what I asked for - which was a fence and my li'l bro home. (Neither of which I got, btw). I must've been bad this year.

Now... a rant about those bell-ringers...

I know those people don't get paid to ring the bells for the Salvation Army so it must be that they are just crazy-dedicated to what they do (seeing as how they'll stand out in the frickin' cold and junk by their own choice). And I know why they pick the holiday season to get out and do that (which, btw, I think is complete BS - for 1, people are more broke around the holidays, and 2, you should want to help year-round. I'm just saying...) Either way I hate having to walk by them... I don't like the bell sounds, I don't like touching real money to give them, I don't like feeling guilty when I'm truly strapped myself and have nothing to give.

And what about if you go to multiple places in one day and give to the first one? You know those people judge you. You know they're standing out there thinking, "That little bitch is going into Wal-Mart / the mall / insert name of business here. I know she has money; otherwise, she wouldn't be going in." If you say you already gave I'm sure they think that's just an excuse... so you're stuck dodging them again.

I went to the mall a few weeks ago and one of those "jinglers" was outside on my way in... but I didn't see him when I was on my way out... I was so paranoid that guy was going to jump out at me all ninja-style with that bell and scare the hell out of me. I probably would've handed him my purse and ran. I doubt the Salvation Army would approve of those methods... but hey, they let people stand out in the cold to make other people feel guilty so who knows??

Life in General

I'm pretty stressed with this whole school thing and I have a sinus infection. I haven't felt motivated enough to write, either. Oh, and I'm still laid off. On top of that I haven't accomplished anything other than watching almost 3 entire seasons of "Scrubs" with Nick (in about 2 weeks). Our sleep schedule is wayyy off, and there's tons of stuff that needs to be done around here - none of which we've even started on. Well, at least we're getting a nice little vacation. Really, I'm enjoying this while it lasts. Oh, and New Year's isn't a damn holiday... (just had to get that out of my system).

THE END.

My boys...

good :)

Well, today I'm feeling much better. No hurting abdomen, no grumblecakes about missing work, no gripes about a bleeding tongue, no negative here today. I woke up extremely excited about the day. It was my first day volunteering with the animal shelter and I had a blast. I went to PetSmart to help with the Santa pet pictures and it was so much fun. I ended up taking most of the pictures which was fine. I got to pet and play with a lot of cute fuzzies much to my delight. There were a few that I just won't forget.

There was a cat named Cuddlebug and she was precious. She was "kneading" with her little paws all over the place... she seemed wayyy happy. She was pretty too... she had long-ish fur and big bright eyes... I swear she was acting like I've heard that people get when they take ecstasy... I've never seen it, but that's what it make me think of (the stories, that is). Also, there was a black dog named Gizmo... she was adorable in a very off-beat kind of way (in my opinion - the best kind of way...) She had weird fur... where ever you put it it stayed. She took her Santa picture with a mohawk. 😂 It was adorable. There were also a few baby babies... little puppies so fresh that they didn't have names yet. One was a pit bull who was just trying to catch a nap... poor girl - as soon as she drifted off in her owner's arms she was handed to Santa. It made for a very cute picture, though... she stayed however we put her. I guess she was just too tired to move. Ahh... that was big fun for me.

So anyway when I got home we decided we needed to do some Christmas shopping for Shadow. We raided a bit of the money we had saved for various things we needed / wanted and got him a few things. Nothing too major seeing as how we won't be working for two weeks, but I think we made the most of it. Me and Nick are very excited about this... (and don't tell Shadow or I'll kill you...) but Santa's bringing him a Gameboy Micro. Also, we got him a moon for his room... it goes through the cycles like the real moon. I think that's pretty cool... he's very into outer space right now and also that will make a good nightlight for him.

So yeah, today's been pretty good... it was nice to get out and go help the animals... it was time to myself, time doing something I enjoyed, and time spent doing something I cared about. It was also a relief to get most of the Christmas crap out of the way. I was so worried that we wouldn't be able to get him anything good... but I should've known better. Me and Nick always manage to pull something off - in this case he's getting quality - not quantity as far as gifts. I feel pretty good about that. Speaking of... it was really nice to drop Shadow off at Grandmother's and shop with Nick. It wasn't "crazy-rushing-around-in-a-panic" shopping... it was more laid back and it was fun. ... So yep, that was my good day.

So if you thought what I thought...

then guess what:  We're wrong. So I'm not getting those ferrets... after my work friend told me that her friend said I could have them her friend turned right around and gave them to someone else. My work friend seemed more upset than I was... I mean - initially I was bummed out, but I didn't lose sleep over it or anything. I've got enough creatures that I love (and that love me right back) so it's no big deal, really. I pretty much welcome any creature that needs a home (that I can reasonably take care of) with open arms, but I'm not hell bent on having a ferret right now... I was just excited at the thought that I was getting two for free. (I love them, but those things are expensive, you know.)

So yeah - I think I've thought of something I'd rather do (if ferrets do not fall into my lap before then.) I found a ferret shelter in Georgia and I wouldn't mind helping out a ferret or two. The adoption fees you end up paying go toward taking care of the ferrets that are not adopted yet and I like the idea of that. Of course since I'm broke-ass this endeavor must wait until sometime (hopefully in the beginning) of the coming year. That'll give me something to look forward to (and motivation to not run up more debt lest I can't afford to adopt anyone.)

Also (this is completely un-related) I need to tell you about this:  (^_^) ← You see that? Anyone who checks Shadow's page regularly knows that I don't let him on the Internet much... he's usually got homework to do or is grounded for whatever reason. But anyway he brought home a paper that he'd made a 100 on and instead of "☺" he has "(^_^)" drawn on his paper. ?!?!?! Alrighty then. So begins the myspace-ization of Saks Elementary. That did not take long. Be afraid. Be VERY afraid. 👀😂

Me and Thing 1

I love...

my little opossum girl. She is the sweetest thing, EVAR. I love it when I pick her up and she makes her little happy chirpy sounds. I love it when she curls up in my hand and washes her little face. I love it when she chews her back toes... her back feet look like hands (did you know opossums have two opposable toes?) I like feeding her baby banana food with a spoon. I love how she creeps around all the time, regardless. Naming her "The Sneak" was so appropriate. I love it when she looks up at me and sniffs towards my face. I love it when she curls up and looks comfy in my hands and yawns really big. I love the way, (when she walks around on me), she grabs my finger with her tail. She has wrapped it around my heart, also. I am totally smitten with a opossum. 😍

grumblecakes

So I'm just sitting here typing away and listening to Scooter rip up paper in my bedroom floor. I have a bag of paper I'm just gonna recycle anyway and so when he's in here with me and bored he shreds it all up for me (in quite a ferocious manner). He does his job well - he makes it a point to tear it into teeny tiny little pieces. 😂 ... He's such a good boy. On his break time he stops to chew the tags on his collar. Just stop for a moment and imagine how stupid that looks. Truly - he makes it look more dumber. Not to mention he seems to be able to chase his tail indefinitely. That thing is always following him. *shrugs* Go figure.

So yesterday when I got up I realized that one of the hermit crabs was missing. One of the large ones. Me and Nick searched and searched for him before we had to go to work, but could not find him. We looked for him later that afternoon, too, to no avail. This morning when I got up to make my rounds taking care of all my sweet-sweets I decided to glance over the floor just in case. Well, there he sat. Guess where. You'll never guess. He was under the Christmas tree of all places. I guess it's about time someone around here besides Shadow gets into the Christmas spirit. 😁

Well, this blog is pretty pointless I guess. I'm only writing to relieve some stress, I think. Yeah, I'm pretty stressed out. I'm broke-ass which is no good considering Christmas is upon us. Not that I really ever go out of my way to do anything other than get Shadow presents from me, (and Santa, of course), but I'm just saying. I do have money put back for two pretty important things and I'd be doing good if I could (in good conscious) let myself use it, but I can't. 😕 I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be in this situation if work would stop shutting down for a week at a time, but hey, on the flip side I really enjoy my time off.

On top of that we DESPERATELY need a fence around our yard. That wouldn't really be a problem if my income tax money wasn't already spent, but unfortunately it is. But about the fence... did I mention we need one BAD? There are some un-used railroad tracks behind my house which are being converted into a walking trail (as if enough people don't walk down them already). Anyway, when people walk down these tracks they usually just walk all through my yard as a shortcut to wherever they happen to be going (whether we're outside or not). It sucks. I don't like the idea of letting Shadow out to play with strangers helping themselves to my yard... that just doesn't seem safe.

Also, I need to let Scooty out to play sometimes... he just has so much energy, but we live so close to the road that I don't feel safe letting him off his leash out there. AND... people are just helping themselves to my yard work and pecans... that's just not cool. I know it's obvious someone lives here. ... I got an estimate on a fence today... the guy told me $5000.00. I'm going to see if I can get a lower estimate from somewhere else, but I dunno how all this works, really. Either way I don't have that kind of money now nor do I see it happening in the near future. Maybe I should just ask Santa to bring me a fence. I've been good this year. 😟

Anyhoo, yeah, so there's more stressing me out. I found this thing that I really, REALLY want to do, but I don't know if I can. I want to go back to school... but I'm afraid the program I want to get into won't accept me. I have no idea when I'll find out, either. I've considered going into this on and off for years and have just now got the balls to go for it. I really hope I don't fall flat on my face. I would be so sad and not for my face. 😕 Oh, and did I mention we have no heat in the car? Yay for shit because it happens.

Well, I suppose that is all for this time. Until later...

ROBO HAMSTERS: Meet Smurf and Smurfette

ALSO... we got these little guys, too. They are Roborovski Hamsters, called "Robo" for short. They are the smallest in the hamster family and also the friendliest. They're as big as they're going to get except for maybe a little fatter. They are EXTREMELY fast... it's like they fricken' teleport or something. We lost one shortly after we got him home... but we found him (thank goodness). They are just darling... I want to eat them like candy! I let Shadow name them, hence the weird names... but at least Smurf and Smurfette kind of fit because they are so tiny... (though we have no idea the sex of either... no one could tell us.) *shrugs* Anyhoo, here they are. 😍

Yes, her name is "The Sneak"

So if you've been paying attention at all you know I got new fuzzies today. This blog is about The Sneak, our new little short-tailed opossum. She's four weeks old and SOOO precious. Some of my pics are blurry... I don't know if I've lost my touch with a camera or what, but some of them turned out good. Here you go!

This is her (from underneath), in the carrier we brought her home in.

This is her in her new home; she found the toilet, LOL...

Cuddling with me. 😍

She's barely a handful.

I'm SO in love!

We didn't notice until we went to pick her up today, but she was the only one with a pink tip on her tail! What a doll! 😍

Andy

Andy. That's what she called herself when talking to herself. Andy... yes, Andy. That was a good name. No one else called her by that name. Truly, it didn't matter to her what she was called; as long as she knew that she was being addressed, she'd answer. What's in a name, anyway? Eh, what does it matter?

Different names suited her at different times... sometimes she looked or felt like another name would suit her better than what she was given at birth. Why must she remain one person all the time? When she was a child she was called many things. One thing in particular that stuck in her mind was "Beautiful." Yes, she was Beautiful at one point in her life. So much so that she wouldn't answer to anything else

Long ago she grew out of that. It's sad, really. She wouldn't answer to Beautiful now if you yelled it in her face. Who has she become??

Me

I'm falling in love with the trees...

So yesterday was the Fall Festival at Shadow's school... it was pretty fun. I forgot to bring my camera in with me so I missed a few good shots - such as Shadow and his teacher climbing up and then sliding down a GINORMOUS blow-up slide together, or him pitifully attempting to play golf. Yeah, I can promise you that kid is no Tiger Woods... 😂

Lately I'm finding myself attracted to trees. Not like I'm becoming a tree-humper or anything; I just absolutely love the way they look. I don't know if it's the season or what, but I see so many that I think are positively gorgeous - whether they've changed colors, lost their leaves, or not. Maybe I'm just now beginning to pay attention to them...

Scooter's been doing a weird / funny thing lately... he chases his tail A LOT... it's funny and stuff, but he's pulling all the hair out of the end of his tail. It doesn't look very good... it makes my butt cringe. 😬 Also, he's turning into a little man-dog... he's all picking up his leg on the occasion when he pees... it's so cute, but I don't even know why he bothers. He's so short he can't reach anything other than the ground anyway. Oh well; I feel him. I don't let my height stop me from doing whatever I want to do, either.

Anyway, well, I've gotten lazy... no, that's not it at all - rather, my attention has shifted temporarily from my writing to finding a new fucking job. (No worries, though - there WILL be more to come). I've been saying for the longest time that I was leaving the place I currently work... but I never have. There were a few reasons for that, but here are the main two.

1) I have thought on and off that the company was going to actually be successful somehow and that I should stick it out, and 2) I wanted to get my two years of experience in since this was my first job out of college. No one seems to really want to hire people without experience, (not in my field, anyway). Well I've got my experience and I'm dead serious this time. I've been looking hella-hardcore (yeah, I made that phrase up; you can use it if you pay me 😝) and I'm not stopping until something comes of it. I hate to admit it, but I'm completely miserable working at that place and life's too short to be spent being miserable. There are a LOT of things that factor into that, but I'm not going into it right now.

SO... what's going on will all of you peoples? A small percentage of my friends blog so I don't have a clue what's going on with yas. Speak up, damnit! I love you! (But not as much as trees.)  😉

😁

Nothing un-special.

Saturday we sold the washer and dryer so that we could go to Douglasville on Sunday to pre-order a Nintendo Wii. To the delight of anyone who is not a true friend they ran out before we got one. That's fine, though... we still have the money saved for when the next opportunity arises.

Also, my mom and some other family was over on Saturday picking up pecans (because we have three massive pecan trees in the yard that like to drop limbs as often as pecans - sometimes on the house, even). Anyway, I was helping with the pecans. And then I found it. A SNAIL. It was soooo tiny it didn't look possible, but it was. I took a picture of it, but it just looked like a dot. Seriously - it would have fit in this "O" - it was so tiny. I let it go (not that it was trying very hard to get away, but I just felt like that was the right thing to do). That made me wonder, though, how snails are born and if they come with shells. From the look of that one, they do. I'll have to research that some because now I'm curious.

Yesterday we put up a runner outside for Scooty so that we don't have to stand around waiting for him to do his business, and also so that he can have some time to play outside and get some fresh air. Well, we got it put up and I was outside playing with him, and we were running together, and then suddenly, I was rolling on the ground. He ran into my legs and knocked me over while I was running, so that made for quite a tumble. That was fun. I haven't taken a good fall in so long. Then he came over and breathed all in my face with his doggie breath - to make sure I'm ok, of course. 😂

On my way in from work earlier I thought it was quite pretty outside. It was one of those prettyful days with the trees looking all different colors and the sky's up there and some clouds and the light is golden... Yeah, I was admiring it hardcore. By the time I drove up to the school to get Shadow it was pretty dark out. When I got home a few minutes later it was even darker. That's gonna take some getting used to, I guess. So I was heading towards the door and this big monster-thing came from the shadow of my porch and was trying to get me! It was coming straight for me - I swear! I screamed or something. I made a strange, loud sound, at least. Well, that's my side of the story. If you ask Nick, my neighbor Mystic was calmly walking over to our house as she does sometimes. 😂

So all weekend the gliders have been up and playing - even in the daytime. Mostly Yorda. And she's been a little not-so-nice to me, too. I wonder if she's knocked up... that would make me super-happyfied.

In other news:  I may not be ok. Not willing to talk about it yet, but here's a piece of a conversation I had with a nurse today: (Nurse) "Yeah, none of the symptoms you're having could be caused from that." (Me) "Oh, ok, so the worst that could happen with that is cancer, then? ... Ok."  Well, everyone remain calm. I'll probably go to the doctor here in the next few months and find out what's up. And for the record (in the event I have cancer) I'm not scared of cancer. Fuck cancer.

And yep, that's THE END.

!!!!!!!!!!SUPER HAPPY AWESOME-TASTIC FUN TIMES!!!!!!!!!!

FRIDAY

We went to a football game with some friends and despite it being cold as fuck we had a great time. I think it was more the company than anything... So if you're reading this Shelley - we should hang out again. Shadow and I had a blast.

SATURDAY

Two words: Six Flags. It was freakin' GREAT. The weather was perfect once we got there and started walking around. I'd worried a little about Shadow riding rides, but he ended up LOVING it. He'd scream on just about every ride we got on about how great and awesome and cool it was, and he'd throw up the little "rock" hands, and then scream some more (half the time it was crap I couldn't understand 😂). The only rides he didn't seem to like was "Monster Plantation" and the sky bucket thing, but that's ok (I wasn't all that fond of the sky bucket thing myself, haha). I guess I'm scared of heights... well - more like falling from them. But anywayz...

I rode some rides and really enjoyed them. I finally opened my eyes on a roller coaster for the first time... (I've only ever been to Six Flags one other time in my life and I didn't enjoy that trip at all...) But this time I actually had a lot of fun. Me and Nick rode some things together... he ended up laughing at me a lot. The first coaster we rode I ducked and apparently made a weird face, so... I didn't really think I was going to hear the end of that (and I probably haven't). We ended up on a lot of the smaller rides that Shadow could get on and that was actually more my speed. I really liked those (and wasn't too scared to open my eyes). Not to mention we could all three get on most of those together. The only thing I got on that Shadow couldn't was some thing in Gotham City that swings you around... I liked that thing a LOT. At one point I felt like I was just puking giggles because I was having so much fun.

The only thing that wasn't so great was the driving... the heater in my car isn't working so the ride there was very cold... and we had to ride with our windows cracked a bit because the window kept fogging up. And on the way home I was so tired that I was just plain stoopid. I scared Nick pretty bad a few times... I stopped in the middle of an intersection at a red light and just sat there until he pointed it out, then backed up; and also when we got home I thought I saw someone on the roof and freaked for a moment. (There's more, but I think you've heard enough. I really think I'd gone past tired into something else altogether.)

Anyway, all in all, it was a great day. I was with my two favorite guys and also some friends, which made for some awesome company. Oh, and Shadow won a bunch of stuffed animals... he even won a dinosaur for me! He's such a sweetie. But yeah, good times were had.

SUNDAY

We saw "The Nightmare Before Christmas" in 3D (in a fancy theater in Birmingham that has ice cream and coffee). I love that movie and it was awesome. The 3D effects were really well-done and the glasses weren't the cheap-ass cardboard kind, either. It was pretty cool.

TODAY WE MET THE FUCKING YEAH YEAH YEAHS!!!!!

Today has freakin' ROCKED!!!!! Me and Nick went to ATL today to see a Yeah Yeah Yeah's free acoustic show and it was GREAT! I ended up watching the performance from behind the band which was fine with me because they were so close I could almost touch them. 😍

They were doing this thing where if you dressed up like the band you would have a chance to have your picture made with them. So as I expected there were a LOT of goofy looking girls there. I ended up wearing my default everyday black shoes, some dark blue jeans, and my gray sweater (which is totally not what I'd planned to wear - I changed my mind at the last minute). Anyone happen to notice what Karen-O is wearing in that first pic? The same damn thing! I've told you people - I know things. Shit comes to me. So... I got to get my picture made with her!

(Yes, I'm in that one... my arms were just too short to get us both, LOL. You can see my glasses in the bottom right corner, though). And yes I was all up ons - we were close. I forgot to smell her, though. I've always wondered what she smells like...)

Nick took this one for me... and yes he got one too.

THEN... we had our pictures made with Brian Chase - the drummer (who rocks my socks, btw.) He is AWESOME!!!

He was SOOOOO nice. He said to me, "Hey, I have a band-aid, too."

And then he shows me his.  Yep, got a photo of Brian Chase's band-aid.

(I don't know if that was blood or just a really cool band-aid... he had to leave really fast so I didn't get to ask). But before he left we got his autograph on the back of this face thing that Nick got:

Afterwards, they had cake... so we had some of that and then also we bought their new album, which came with a free remix disc that has remixes done by Peaches, Nick Zinner, and Diplo (which is AWESOME, btw). Today has been AMAZING! 😁😁😁

On a lighter note than this past week's postings...

Yeah, I've had a few bad days this week. But I haven't forgotten all the good that's happened, too. For example:  Not this past Friday, but the one before it I went to Munford's Homecoming football game. I haven't been to even one game since I graduated in 2001 and boy was I overwhelmed when I got there. I started doing this thing where I laugh / cry / gasp for air... it was quite unattractive I'm sure. (To Jill, I'm kind of glad you were late... you might've never wanted to hang out with me again had you been there for that.  😂😂😂)

It was just so weird. When I got there, there were no places to sit except for one right near the band. Well, that suited me fine... for those who don't know I marched percussion in high school. Yes, I was a band nerd... always will be, too. Oh, the memories of being back in those stands, playing the hell out of my instrument, marching on the field. I miss it. Yes, I'm such a dork that on my way to the game (I had a short walk) I could hear the band playing and I found myself falling in step, taking the same path that we took as a band to get into the game. Sitting in the stands, even, I found myself banging my legs to the songs I knew. It was so awesome to just be there... it brought back so much. But then you look around and you see so many unfamiliar faces... like you weren't really back home or something. Then you realize how long it's been. You see teachers and other faces you know, but they're obviously aged. It just made me a little crazy for a minute. Like I said, overwhelmed.

Well, don't get me wrong. I love feeling. And I had a blast - especially once Jill and Misty got there. They were fun. And it was super-nice to be out with some girls just hanging out. I don't do that nearly enough. (HINT HINT)

Anyway, more good stuffs:  I went to Target yesterday and I was shopping on the clearance rack ('cause that's about the only time you can get me to shop) and found a shirt for $5.00 that I really liked so I got it. Then I found a sweater on the clearance rack that I wanted, but I found out it was $15.00. I was a little bummed out. I was thinking about that one... I didn't really want to spend that much money on a sweater. But then I resigned myself to getting it. I got to the register and just mentioned that I was bummed when I found out the sweater wasn't on clearance and the lady asked me the price I initially thought it was. I told her $4.98 because that's what everything else on the rack was going for. So she just gave it to me for that. THAT freakin' made my day. It was nice.

Also, this past week Jack (my boss) gave me some pens. One was really fancy and pretty, another was not so much (but kind of sparkly), and then two of them had highlighter's on one end. I was pretty happy over that, too.

This Friday we hung out with Santos and that was fun. He always make me laugh. Also, Nick's been a sweetheart, (or maybe it's all in my head, who knows?), but I've rather enjoyed more than usual all the time I've spent with him lately.

And recently I've bought myself a few girly things (like the clothes at Target and some make-uppy things)... something I've gotten out of the habit of doing over the past few years. I've gotta say, I've sort of made myself feel a little special by doing that. So FYI (ladies, especially): When you're busy taking care of everyone else try not to forget yourself. It's sort of refreshing.

And, well... that's all the good stuffs I can think of right now. So...

THE END.

I hate my baby momma.

I can think of two great guys right off the top of my head who have every right to say that, but they don't. Why? Because they are great, DECENT guys. Guys that don't deserve to be walked on. Guys who deserve to see their children. Guys who would do anything to take care of and be there for the ones they love. But they are not even given the option because of stupid baby's mommas.

Guy #1's Story: His girlfriend of (at least) two years left him. Then she wanted to come back and he took her back. Then she was pregnant. They were both excited and happy, they got married, and finally the baby was born. Guy #1 joined the military in order to support and provide a better life for his family and what did his wife do? Took the baby (while he was in boot camp and didn't know what was going on), went to another state, gave the baby away (luckily to a family member of the guy), and disappeared. Now Guy #1 is in the military, doesn't get to see his child, and is having to deal with the stress of that plus a divorce. 

Guy #2's Story: He and his girlfriend both wanted a baby and they made one. They bought a house together and things were good. He SO wanted to be there for her... go to doctor appointments, hear the baby's heart beat, really be there for it all. Long story short, she moved out, started avoiding him, and despite his many efforts he doesn't get to see his child until it's almost six months old... and then only every other weekend by an order of the court.

WHAT GIVES? When I was pregnant I would've given anything to have my child's father there with me - trying his best to take care of us and wanting to be a family. These girls obviously didn't know what they had. Even if you don't want a relationship with a person you don't have to completely screw them over. WTF.

All I can say is that these two girls gave up a lot - whether by making bad choices or just not knowing what the hell they wanted before it was too late to turn back. For example, the wife of Guy #1 could be living it up in Hawaii this very moment with her husband and her daughter by her side. The girlfriend of Guy #2 could be living on her own, in her own house, with him. Not with her parents (which I know from experience doesn't work for long. Mama's tend to bump heads over babies and grand-babies).

I hope both of these stupid females are happy with the situations they've created for themselves - and more importantly - their children. Not only could these kids have everything they need, but they could have their fathers in their lives - fathers that WANT to be there, which not all children are lucky enough to have. If you don't believe me I know a kid you could ask.

The games people play.

Take me, for instance. I have this game I play every time I go to a drive-through lane at a bank. I try to guess which lane will have a pen left in the thing that gets sucked through the tubes... and if I'm right I WIN THE PEN.

Yes, I take it. EVERY TIME.

So far my score (in pens) is 12. 😂

Blondie

Well... more sad news. I can't believe I'm doing this twice in one day. *sigh* So I was cleaning the gerbils' cage today and noticed that Blondie was missing. We freaked out thinking that she'd escaped and looked for her for a few minutes. Well, I had to finish cleaning the cage so I got back to it thinking I'd see her scurrying about in the room before long. *sigh* Had she gotten out that would've been a better alternative than what happened next. I found her buried in the cage - not moving. I'm not sure how long she'd been that way, but it had to be a day or two, at least.

We're not sure what happened to her... we were thinking she might have been preggers again so she may have had complications with that or something. Her bottom half was kind of red so maybe that's what it was. I didn't see any babies, though. Honestly I'm just pretty baffled. I hadn't paid attention to the fact that I haven't seen her out playing lately because they tend to rest and not come out so much before they give birth. I figured if I hadn't seen her that's what was going on. Also, she looked a lot like Toad so I may have just thought I'd seen her out but really didn't.

Well, the saddest part is that Shadow was right there when I found her and those gerbils are like his babies. He cried and I felt terrible. I'd been thinking I was going to give Blondie's first litter away, but I told Shadow we'd keep them all since they were a part of her. Speaking of - I also told him we'd find a way to keep her. *sigh* I wonder if the crematorium offers a two-for-one deal. (Sadly, that was not a joke).

Octavious the Midnight Cowboy

I have sad news. Octavious the Midnight Cowboy passed away last night. He'd been sick for a week or so and we tried our best to get him well. I didn't realize it until lots of reading over the last few days, but hedgehogs are prone to SO many illnesses. At first we thought he may have had a bacterial infection so we washed him. That didn't work. Then we thought maybe he was having a food allergy and switched his food, but that did no good, either. Over the weekend we gave him Pedialyte (recommendation from a vet), but his condition got much worse, very fast - despite our best efforts. I found a vet over the weekend who'd seen hedgehogs before and was planning to take him for a visit today, but he didn't make it. I'm really sad and it's in the back of my mind that somehow I should've done more for him. Hedgies can get sick in so many ways... from mild things like allergies and sinus infections to tumors, cancer, and the wobbly disease.

*sigh* I hate to say it, but it's almost a relief that he's gone. He looked SO miserable and pitiful and I really don't think a vet could've helped him by the time I found one that could see him. I hate to see an animal suffer. For anyone who's curious we're keeping him... he's off to be cremated today and after that he'll have his very own spot above our fireplace. I don't know what more to say other than that he will be missed. Rest in peace, Tavi. You were a sweet fella.

I just got lotion in my eye and it hurts.

Also, it hurts A LOT to get toothpaste in your vagina. I would suggest not doing those things.

Anyway, I haven't written in a while and the urge has hit me to do so and... well - here I am. It will probably just be random crap that's on my mind so you've been warned.

SO... tax class isn't what I expected. It's taking up all my time - even on the days I don't have class because it isn't run very efficiently. It ticks me off a little... why do I spend 6 hours a week in class doing nothing and that much time PLUS some at home doing work? It just doesn't make any damn sense. I didn't sign up for that class to sit around, eat donuts, and gossip. I think I'm going to stop putting so much effort into it. I'm sure I can still do well regardless. On the bright side, though, Nick is turning out to be quite the Mr. Mommy for Shadow while I'm gone / busy. I knew he would. I'm a lucky girl. Yeah, I love the Nick. He's the bestest. It's OK to be jealous... I would, too.

I saw Amanda the other day... gosh, she was pretty as ever. It put a smile in my heart to hang with her for a while. It really felt like we'd never even missed a beat. I love that. She's turned into such a beautiful young woman.  To be around her the other day was interesting - I could picture her the way I remember and see her the way she is now. It's like she's the same, but different. (Yeah, I know I just stated the obvious). I can tell she's busted her ass since our time apart to get where she is... it's a weird thing to process when our last memories seemed so care-free. But I know the feeling... I've gone through a lot and worked very hard to get my life in order, too. I wonder if she sees the same thing when she looks at me... a grown-up version of someone you used to play with. It's kind of bizarre... it's had my mind all twisted for the last few days. I can't wait to see her again. 😊

So yeah I feel so friendly lately. I've gotta be honest - I'm not even sure of what I mean by that, but I feel it. I feel more accepting, I guess... more open. Whatever. It's there. People aren't getting to me like they used to... "Bring me the bitches, bring me the psycho's, bring me the ugly, bring me the just plain stoopid..." Those are the people I don't usually tolerate very well, but I've decided that they just need a hug. (Yes - my hugs cure ugly). Well, I have plenty to give. There's room for one more. Maybe I've been listening to too much Matisyahu lately...

"Let go, release, you hold the keys

Time we evaporate into the breeze

We are nothing, we are something

Let go, release, you hold the keys

It's time we evaporate into the breeze

We are nothing, we'll be something

Welcome to the desert of my soul

You can stay if you like

There's room for one more

There's room for one more"

Anyway, Shadow's doing well. He's looking all "Bugs Bunny" with all his new teeth and stuff. It's cute. He's growing up so fast. He's reading and spelling really well. He's been emailing Jajuan a lot... I can tell he misses him. We all do. 😞

You know I think it's time I learn to enjoy life more. I'm wayyy looking forward to the football game with Jill this weekend... also the prospect of seeing Amanda at some point. Nearer to Halloween us and some friends are going to Six Flags... and that is what I'm talkin' bout. Usually, I'm just too damn tired to bother having fun, but I think it's time for other things to take the back burner. I'm too young to not have a good time. Not that I'm miserable all the time or anything... Hell, I can clean my house and have a blast. But I can't build a friendship with my kitchen floor. At least I don't think I can. I haven't really tried I have to admit.

Plan to take me dancing in the near future. I've never been and I want to go. But don't get drunk and leave me stranded / scared. I'll never forgive you.

❤

Me, September 2006

*coughs* I'm Blu', and I like puppy breath.

ramble>

So I don't know if it's just the season or what, but I feel damn good lately despite the cough I'm getting and my never-ending sleepiness. I always feel kind of new - so refreshed this time of year - and I love it. I feel more like myself during the fall. I feel "in my element" you know?

Well, anyway, this blog will probably not be anything more than rambling about things going on in my life lately, but read it if you must. Today I was so caught up in my daydreaming while driving that I passed the place I was supposed to be going.  It's nice to know that I can still let myself wander like that occasionally... I have to try to be so on top of things all the time that I never do just relax and drift. Speaking of - I'm having the urge to walk. Just take myself and my mp3 player and go walking around the lake or something and enjoy the weather. It would probably be nice to have Scooter along for protection because I don't like to be alone, really.  No human company for this trip... it's too hard not to talk to a person and talking would defeat the purpose.

Lately I'm feeling kind of creative, or free, or productive... something good, anyway. I'm ready for a change in my life. I never really knew what I wanted out of life... I always thought it was so dumb in high school for the teachers and everyone to pressure the students into figuring out what they wanted to go to college for. I always felt really dumb, too - because of that. I really had no idea what I wanted to do with myself and am still not quite sure. My mom had pretty much ground it in me that I was going to Auburn upon graduation of high school to become a veterinarian. While I loved animals (and still do to this day) I don't think I'm quite cut out for that. Thank goodness for Shadow's arrival or I actually might have gone along with that. But, I stray.

I've been thinking of things I enjoy doing and I think I'd like to do more of that. There are a few websites that will pay you for articles that you write and I've always liked to write. I may not be great, but it's worth a shot. Also, I'm planning to become USDA licensed to breed animals - which I know I would greatly enjoy. And - just because I'm that big a dork - IF things fall into place I'll be taking a tax preparation course very soon so then I can do taxes this coming up season. That last one is kind of iffy because I'm not going way out of my way to do it. Another thing that's crossed my mind before that I haven't acted on is online classes. I need to check way more into that (help me, Jill), but it's a definite possibility, too. So yeah, I think if any of that works out that would mix things up a little. I'm so tired of feeling stagnate. So, I quit.

Anyway, another thing I'm feeling really good about is Amanda. I'm hoping to see her soon. That would be SO awesome. Whoa, and her birthday is coming up. And then, the day after that is the day that I met Nick 5 years ago (who, btw, just had a birthday). Wow. Those freakin' Virgos. Notoriously (if you follow astrology) Sags and Virgos are pretty opposite and don't often build lasting relationships. It's possible, but not without work. Well, I've always heard that if you don't have to work for it it's not worth having and I believe that. Truthfully, those have been (in my short little lifetime) the two most rewarding relationships I've ever had. Yes, they are WAY challenging at times, but I wouldn't give either of them up without a fight. To Nick (and Amanda although you don't have a myspace page that I know of) I love you. I really love you. A lot. 😊

And that being said, I think that is all I have to say. 😀

/ramble>

WOW... life is full of surprises.

But (at least in this case) not one of the bad ones. It's more like one of those that makes you stop and all you can think is "Whoa." That's pretty awesome. So let me fill you in.

For as long as I can remember I've had a friend named Amanda. I think I was in first grade and she was in second when we met. We lived in the same town (down the street from each other, in fact) and knew each other through our parents. (She went to a different school than I did). We didn't get to see each other all that much despite living rather close to one another. But we talked on the phone a lot and saw each other when we could. We stayed friends like that until she went off to college.

The summer before she went to college I remember us sitting together on my mom's daybed and crying our eyes out because she would be leaving. That was a very sad day for me... I just didn't want her to go away. Well, the summer went on and I found out some life-changing news of my own - I'm pregnant. Of course I called my BFF (she hadn't left yet) and let her know what's going on. I was so shocked / scared that I didn't know what to do and she just let me ramble on and on until I felt better.

Seeing as how our lives were going in very different directions at this point I should've known that we'd lose touch. I hoped like hell that we wouldn't, but we did. She became busy with college and work and I was struggling with problems of my own - trying to finish high school and trying hard to figure out how I was going to raise a child.

That's not to say that I never thought of her. In fact, she was on my mind a good bit. I always thought of her on her birthday and sometimes she'd just pop in my head from time to time for no apparent reason. I always wondered what she was up to and how she'd been all this time. I missed her. I missed the days when her dad would take us to Pizza Hut and Baskin Robbins and to a movie. I missed nearly drowning in her pool and having to be saved by her. I missed talking about getting our periods and boys we liked. I missed hiding in her closet because I didn't want to go home. I missed doing nothing in Munford with her. I missed the goofy way she always smiled and watching her laugh until she peed...

One day my dad told me that she'd moved back. I was stoked, but it had been so long since we'd talked that I didn't have a clue how to get in touch with her. Really, I didn't know if she'd even want to hear from me so I never even tried. I guess it didn't matter because it wasn't too long before I bumped into her at Wal-Mart one day. I couldn't just walk away from that. She was on the phone and I didn't want to interrupt her so I just stood there - kind of behind her for a while. When she finally turned around I waved and she looked so shocked. She got off the phone and we briefly caught up. It was crazy. We exchanged numbers and talked a few times.

After that, though, I couldn't get through anymore. I kind of thought maybe she didn't really want that much to do with me after that. Then, out of the blue one Friday she called. Her phone had been giving her a lot of trouble. This happened a few times over the course of a year and it kind of worried me. I was a bit confused, too. Why would she call once and not anymore? Could her phone really be that messed up? It was just so bizarre that I didn't know what to make of it.

Anyway, finally I couldn't take it anymore. I missed her and we'd never really gotten a chance to finish catching up. I HAD to talk to her and let her know how I felt. So after going all STALKER for a moment I got her address and wrote her a letter and put it in the mail. It wasn't terribly long; it just pretty much said that I missed her and was worried and that I wish I'd tried harder to stay in touch, etc. It included ALL of my contact info, too. Also I called her grandmother, who I always freakin' adored. It was nice to talk to Granny. 😊 That was a few weeks ago.

Well last night I got quite a pleasant surprise. She called me! She said that she'd been really busy moving some stuff, but that she'd gotten my letter. We talked for a while and have pseudo made plans to hang out. Also, she told me that she just found out she was pregnant. How cool is that? Seven years later (WOW... I can't believe it's been that long) I could return the favor. She seemed really freaked out and worried about being a good mom. I reassured her and told her that I'd be there for her and help out any way I could - without a doubt. Hopefully, we will keep in touch this time. I feel really optimistic about that.

The End.

So yeah, learning things the hard way...

So lately I've been finding (the hard way, mind you - the hard way being in my bare feet) Scooter's teeth all over the place. That shit really hurts to step on sharp little dog baby teeth. I didn't know dogs lost teeth until now. Common sense would say that they do, but it's never come up before so I've never had a reason to give it any thought until now. (I've never shared quarters with a dog before).

Anyway, and tonight I exploded an egg. Not on purpose, though. It hurt and it was loud. Haha. I won't be doing that again. 😝

The End.

Newest family members (^_^)

Not too much to say... just wanted to post up some pics. Tell me how cute they are. 😁

This is Niq and our newest guinea pig right after having a bath... we haven't named him yet (the black one), though they called him "Big Perm" at the pet store. 😂

This is Testiclees (the proud papa) with two of the babies. I didn't know this until recently, but the dad gerbil will do everything for them (aside from nursing them) that the mom will do, too. So far I think he's been a good helper; I've seen him fluff up the nest to keep them warm and run down to check on them lots of times. I like that... they're a little family. 😍

This is Blondie (the mama), with two of the babies. She's chewing up a toilet paper tube to go in her nest. This morning one of them got too far away from the nest so she picked it up by the leg and carried it back. I know she didn't hurt it, but it was funny to see.

This is Cleo, (who was Blondie's roommate before they came to live with us, btw - we didn't name either of them... the girl who gave them to us did). Anyway, this is Cleo snoozing on her back with babies piled up on her. *sigh* She looks so comfy I kind of wish I was a gerbil...

And this is Cleo and the babies again... it's really neat how everyone pitches in to help out (they all check on the babies and try to keep them warm and stuff). So as far as we know there are only four... but yesterday we thought there were only three, so... we don't really know how many are in there. Put it this way - four is the most we've seen at one time. 😄 Anyway, there you go. 😊

I'm a manly man...

Shadow and school seem to be going fine - he likes his teacher and so do I... But I'm not very fond of the Saks Elementary School yet because they don't appear to be very concerned with letting parents know what they need (or giving the parents any information, either). I don't dig a lack of communication between myself and the system that is supposed to be educating my kid... and I definitely don't dig being treated as though I'm stupid for not just magically knowing everything. But that's not going to stop me from doing whatever it is that I need to do in regards to Shadow's education and well-being.

Speaking of Shadow:  He got his head pretty much shaved the other day. He's been wanting to look more like his Uncle Cade and Nick. That made him REALLY happy... he got in the shower to wash the hair off of him singing something with the words "I'm a manly man, I'm a manly man now" in it. Haha. He's so funny. I love that kid. I'd like about five more right now. (Was I kidding? You decide.)

Anyhoo, that's it for now. *LOVE*

Ups and downs; some fucked up shit.

As the title implies things are hectic right now. Scooter's doing better... he actually wanted to play a little last night. That made me happy because that means he's feeling a bit better. Unfortunately, as soon as something good happens something bad must balance it out, it seems. Well, things are not THAT bad (I'm in a terrible mood so please pardon my negativity), but I'm pretty stressed and disappointed and frustrated. So here's what's going on now:

• Yesterday, I got pulled over and ticketed for running a stop sign I didn't even know I'd ran. That makes twice in about a week's time that I've been stopped... the other time I was driving too slow. (Thankfully, no ticket for that one.) Oh, and one of the officers was kind enough to point out that my license is expired...

• When we got home from work ants(!) were devouring our crickets.  (We've been attempting to raise our own because some of our animals eat them and that way we don't have to buy so many).

• Our hours being cut at work is super NOT a good thing. I was already stressed about that before Scooter got sick (which was - as you all know - a terribly stressful event in itself).

• And finally, I'm going to have to cancel Scooter's welcome home thing today because due to the situation I'm about to explain I have no time left in my day for it. I am extremely disappointed - as I was really looking forward to the company. I'm really sorry if I've inconvenienced anyone and hopefully we can get together soon.

So here is my next big problem:

School starts tomorrow and Shadow's not even registered. I tried last week on one of my off days to go get that done and the principal gave me a bunch of paperwork to do and a list of documents he needed and told me to bring it all back on Tuesday - the day of orientation. One of those documents was supposed to be an Alabama Power bill with my name on it (for proof of residence). I told him that the bill is not in my name (it is in Nick's) and asked him if any other bill or perhaps my mortgage papers would suffice. He said no. WTF? A mortgage isn't proof of residency? He told me to get a letter from the power company. That just doesn't make any damn sense. I told him that I didn't think I could because what could the power company say about me when I'm not even one of their current customers?

Having done everything BUT get a letter from the power company I (with my hopes up) went to orientation with everything else. Let me just say that those people were complete ASSHOLES to me. They wouldn't give me any information about ANYTHING. Finally, someone came out and gave me these papers to fill out and GET NOTARIZED (in place of getting a letter from the power company) and told me I could go home. They wouldn't even assign Shadow a teacher or anything and let him attend orientation. Those papers should have been given to me the other day so that I could have them done! So Shadow missed orientation and I am angry. But it gets worse.

I got home and started reading over those papers. One is for me to fill out and the other is for Nick to fill out. Mine was called an Affidavit of Residency. The second sentence underneath the title read:

"The information will assist the school in determining if the student meets the definition of homelessness."

WHAT? We are not homeless! I read further and got to question #4, which read:

"The student is currently residing with me at the following type of location:  (check only one)

A. in a shelter

B. in a motel / hotel

C. in a car or at a campsite

D. abandoned building, or another location not intended for residence

E. together with another family because the student's family does not have a place of it's own

F. other."

Skipped down to question #6 and it read:

"Since (date)____, our family has not had a permanent home, but we are currently residing within the school district boundaries."

Ok, so I got Nick's paper and looked at it. His was called an Affidavit of Host Resident and had the same second sentence as mine. His also contained such statements as "The child named above and his parent or legal guardian are living in my home because they do not have a place of their own to live."

😠😠😠  THAT'S SUCH CRAP! We are not signing or notarizing anything stating that we are homeless. Not only is that a lie, but that could potentially cause me problems should anyone try to prove me an unfit parent. So I called the school this morning and they said they won't waive those papers - that they HAVE to be filled out or I have to bring them a POWER BILL in my name. That's the dumbest shit I've ever heard... you can have utilities turned on ANYWHERE as long as you have the money for it. I don't understand why they wouldn't take my mortgage papers. To me that would be more proof of residency than anything else.

Well damn that shit. I called the Board of Education this morning and talked to someone over the damn principals head. He said that they CAN use my mortgage papers and to bring a water bill or something else just to have with it. Also, the man I talked to said that he had to come by my house to make sure I lived there. So he's coming over. And I find that weird. But he's helping me out so I won't complain... much. Also, when he called me back to let me know that he would talk to the principal he said that when I tried to go register Shadow again things should go much more smoothly. I like the sound of that.

Unfortunately, I am pissed that these are the type of people I will have to deal with all year and that we've started out on such a bad note. I guess there's not much I can do to change that at this point. I'm not looking forward to seeing them today, but I WILL have to in order to get Shadow registered. Anyway, that is the main reason I'm canceling Scooter's thing... I've just got too much going on AT THE LAST MINUTE and I'm not sure how long it will take.

Again, I'm very sorry if I inconvenienced anyone... and I really do hope to get to see some of my friends soon. Until next time...