I decided against...

I decided against doing all of my nails with different patterns just for the sake of posting my patterns. I posted the first 10 already, so now I think I'll just use one each for the next 32. That way, I have to challenge myself to come up with a way to use the rest of them that looks nice. Or in this case, is inspired by something. When I saw this pattern, it made me think of something familiar. What do you think?

https://www.facebook.com/SarahCavenderMetalworks/photos/a.10150591554628079/10150591560988079/

I'm not into the whole New Year's BS.

I'm not into the whole New Year's BS.  I don't party over it, and I don't make resolutions and pretend that a different number on the calendar affects whether I will stick to them or not.  Every day is a new day, and that's just how I roll.  In any case, all of you out celebrating, please be safe.  One of Shadow's friends lost his dad to drunk driving.  It happens, but it doesn't have to.  ❤

So I was bringing in my dogs...

So I was bringing in my dogs and noticed Faith was missing.  She's usually right up under me.  I went and opened the door, and she was trying her hardest to climb a tree!  Running leaps and scrambling once she makes contact - she ended up going higher than my head.  I saw a squirrel tail sticking out of a hole in the tree.  I imagine that's who she was after.  Had to bring her in and let him have some peace.  😂😂😂

Got home to lovely...

Got home to lovely, delicious red velvet cupcakes, and plastic NON-DISPOSABLE forks.  Janet really knows how to make my day.  😃  Girl, you might as well marry me now 'cause I love you forever!  ❤  (She totally loves me despite my aversion to spoons and metal utensils.  And we share a love for red velvet.  We're a match made in heaven!)  😃  Can't wait to see you Sunday!  😃

Aaand, the cops are across the street.

Aaand, the cops are across the street.  Yelling and chasing with lights flashing.  Ghetto life is so exciting.  🙁

Let's try this "get some sleep" thing once more, shall we?

Stamped my nails again.

Stamped my nails again.  This time they are all purples, but I used 10 more of my images.  I did these at Shaun's house (in his dark man cave) so some of them aren't great, but you can tell what they are.  Might post pictures tomorrow.  I've got two or three new favorite patterns so far!  😃  And on that note - I'm off to sleep.  Gonna snuggle the kitties again.  ❤

Loving my new boy, Balthazar, but...

Loving my new boy, Balthazar, but dang - I can't tell you how many times I've kicked him and nearly fallen over him.  🙁  I'm not used to the kitties that stay right up under your feet!  Either he loves me, or he wants me to fall down!  😂

'Bout to go get my hairs trimmed and my nails did.

'Bout to go get my hairs trimmed and my nails did.  Between me and Shaun, I'mma be SUPER-FLY!  ❤

Going to bed.

Going to bed.  Probably sleeping on the couch.  I want to snuggle with the kitties!  ❤

Hazel (former foster Olive) at work. 😉

Hazel (former foster Olive) at work.  😉

Well... much to my own surprise...

Well... much to my own surprise I have a new cat.  His name is Balthazar and he looks and acts just like Shaun's baby, Bastian.  We are now are 3 for 3 on matching cats.  Weird.

I just laughed SO HARD.

I just laughed SO HARD.  Faith was butt-herding Tasha and it was hilarious.  I've never seen a dog do such a thing.  Wow.  😃  I'm gonna have to catch that one on video.

Anyone out there have a soft spot for the Chinese Crested breed of dog?

Anyone out there have a soft spot for the Chinese Crested breed of dog?  I've been contacted and we've got a senior girl named Gypsy being bounced around.  🙁  From what I understand she's in pretty good health - just missing some teeth and has a bit of skin irritation on her neck.  I have always wanted one of these gangly looking little dogs, but now is not the time.

I hear that she is good with other dogs if they are not too hyper and are respectful of her space.  I have a feeling she would be happier with another senior or a really mellow companion, if not just her human.  These are the dogs with only a little bit of hair, so she would need to be kept indoors to avoid being cold or getting sunburn.  Please let me know if anyone might want her!

Tash is home and resting.

Tash is home and resting.  Stitches are out, healing nicely.  Dr. Epperson was pleased with how well she's getting around.  Needs more pain management for now.  Aside from the other bad hip (stopped her Kinetic shot before surgery), she's probably still really sore from surgery.  She's been crying when she stands up since she finished her meds.  So, more meds for the next three weeks, weaning her off.  Will see about starting the shot again after that since we don't need to rush into the second surgery.  Stopped and got her a steak biscuit on the way home to hide her pill in.  She was into that!  No wonder she never wants to get out of the car at home.  😂  She has too much fun when we're out!  😛

Anyone like pecans?

Anyone like pecans?  I didn't think I'd have any this year, but it's apparent now that they were just late.  I can't even walk to my car without nearly twisting an ankle on one!

Ok, the main reason I wanted this plate was the puzzle piece image.

Ok, the main reason I wanted this plate was the puzzle piece image.  But I'm really digging, well, most of these, honestly.  It was hard to pick my favorite 10!  Anyway, I am not taking these off today or probably even tomorrow.  I'm having too much fun just looking at them!  Who wants their nails done?  I'm not done playing with my new toy!  I'm off today and tomorrow!  😃

Left hand.

Left hand.  Just trying everything because I was too excited to pick one thing and go with it.  😃  Learned a lot about what polishes I can stamp with (or not!)  Ring and pointer fingers are my favorite, pinky is ok.  Thumb is looking rough, but that was a sheer polish over glitter, so... whatever.  LOL

OMG y'all

OMG y'all - my nails are rocking my face off right now.  Shaun gave me a new stamper... the Konad one was such a bitch to use and I couldn't get it to always pick up the images.  It only worked sometimes no matter what I did, so I quit using it.  But this new one is nothing short of AWESOME.  AND, he gave me a new image plate with over 40 patterns.  I will be posting photos shortly!  😃 😃 😃

Holy cow.

Holy cow. We decided to not wait until Christmas morning to open our gifts to each other.  I gave Shadow a 3DS, and he was speechless.  Shaun gave Shadow a few things he'd heard him talk about, so Shadow was totally thrilled with all of it.  Shaun gave me several awesome things that I wanted / needed, and I've never felt so spoiled.  🙂  Shaun got... a game that he bought for himself.  🙁  I ordered his present several weeks ago, but it didn't arrive in time.  He doesn't seem to mind.  He enjoyed seeing us happy, but it still bums me out a bit.  I guess he will be getting a New Year's gift instead.  😐

Christmas Tree nails!

Christmas Tree nails! I've tried this several times now, and this is the best it's come out. I think it's pretty cute, though. 🙂

Well, I've adopted myself a dog for Christmas.

Well, I've adopted myself a dog for Christmas. Or I've given Lowrider the gift of a forever home.  Either way you want to look at it, Lowrider isn't going anywhere!  ❤ you, shawty.  🙂

Update on Tasha (Nappy):

Update on Tasha (Nappy):  She's getting around pretty great, I think.  Still has to stop and rest a bit, but that's not bad.  I think she got spoiled from all of her pampering - she would really prefer that her food and water be delivered to the couch on demand.  LOL  Done with antibiotics and pain meds.  We're going in on Monday to get her stitches out and to decide if we need to keep up with the joint shots or not.  All this time having her by herself and being still, I've got her all combed out and nice... on one side.  The other side that she sleeps on needs some work, though.  LOL

Well, looks like I've pissed my mother off just in time for Christmas.

Well, looks like I've pissed my mother off just in time for Christmas.

She actually just called me, told me about a situation, and then hung up on me because I didn't agree with her. I wish she could just see what's important regarding my niece.  The child is taken care of, my brother isn't trying to take her back, and everyone is ok - except for her. The family that has my niece extended an invitation for the holidays, and of course mom can't accept it graciously. She has to "finish" a conversation in a rude and hurtful way, thus isolating herself more. Sorry, mom, but if you did that to me every time we spoke, I wouldn't want you around, either. Accept the situation and get to be part of your granddaughter's life, or don't. Oh, and please realize that you probably don't know the whole truth, either. All any of us know is what we saw, and you weren't even there for that part of it. All you got is hear-say. I'm sorry.

Our Halloween pumpkin...

Our Halloween pumpkin that never quite graduated into a Jack-O-Lantern.  Thanks to Mary Beth he still has a purpose!  ❤

Happy Solstice and stuff.

Happy Solstice and stuff. Shaun is forcing me to go have fun now. ❤

Praise be to Jesus!

Praise be to Jesus!

Ok, Saks, keep an eye out..

Ok, Saks, keep an eye out for someone looking for a place to hide.  The Salvation Army was just robbed and some skinny motherfucker was in my yard looking for a place to go.  (Cops said that was most likely who that was.  It's not like I have anything to take).  

I hate this neighborhood.

NOW... I need to chill the hell out and try to get some sleep.

I just bribed Shaun to come over here with cookies!

😃😃😃  I just bribed Shaun to come over here with cookies!  I'm gonna be so happy to see his face!  ❤❤❤

I think my Nappy girl...

I think my Nappy girl is doing well enough that she can handle herself while I'm at work tomorrow.  I will just crate Emma to make sure there are no incidents while I'm gone.  Those two have been doing great since Nappy has been on shots for her joints so I'm hoping that the previous altercations had something to do with Nappy feeling bad.

I think that they will do great together again, but Em's a little jealous of Nappy's special treatment right now.  However, I remember spending the night last Christmas Eve in the living room floor with Emma because she wasn't feeling well.  Too bad she doesn't remember!  There are none of them that I wouldn't go out of my way to take care of.  I hope it's a great long while before they all get to know that, though!

Well, I am a little sore this morning.

Well, I am a little sore this morning.

I've been making Tasha sleep in the floor at night because she moves around trying to make circles and I'm afraid that she'll fall off the couch and hurt herself.  During the day when I can watch her, though, I've let her have the couch.  Well, she woke me up about 7 this morning and didn't want anything that I offered her.  She then went to an empty spot on the couch (near my feet because I can't take the whole thing up 😂) and started getting up there.  I just let her.

Before I knew it I was in the way of her getting comfortable, so I ended up on her pallet in the floor while she stretched out on the couch.  I'm beginning to think someone is milking her surgery for all the special treatment she can get!

Just looked in the mirror...

Just looked in the mirror... my black eye is turning all sorts of colors and moving to the crease of my eyelid.  It's starting to look like a fancy make-up job!  😂😂😂

This morning...

This morning Nappy is eating pretty well, and getting up a lot more on her own, and with less trouble.  I woke up to a big slobbery face in my face - she got up to tell me she was thirsty!  That's a first!  Seems like she is on the right track!  I am so happy!

Woohoo!

Woohoo!  Nappy just got up in a hurry and made way to the door.  I opened it and let her out, and she peed!  I think we BOTH feel much better now!  😃

Ok, just talked to Dr. Epperson.

Ok, just talked to Dr. Epperson.  She said that Tash is probably fine - might be a little dehydrated, so keep the fluids coming.  We're both sure it hurts to squat right now anyway, so if she hasn't peed by tomorrow night, we'll have her checked out again.  I feel better!

Ok, home with Tash still.

Ok, home with Tash still. She can get around a little bit, even better with help. She got off the couch and pooped a little earlier, but hasn't peed in over 24 hours, despite drinking plenty.  I'm getting pretty worried.  Feel like expressing her bladder isn't the answer - if something is wrong, that doesn't exactly fix it.  Any suggestions?

I've slept off and on since about 10...

I've slept off and on since about 10, and so has Tasha.  She hasn't peed since about 6 pm yesterday, but she's been drinking.  I'm sure she has to go, but she could barely hold a squat yesterday so I think she's just holding it.  She's grunting and crying right now, and I can't tell what she wants to do.  She weighs almost as much as me so I can't just pick her up.  Not sure what to do.  🙁

Tash is home and doing ok.

Tash is home and doing ok.  It is going to be a looong weekend, though.  I couldn't get her out of the car by myself and she can barely stand from sitting or lying down.  She just needs a little help with the back end.  When she walks, she does put some pressure on that back leg, but she hobbles around so I feel like it still hurts.  🙁

After I gave her some pain meds, she napped.  But she's mostly restless and uncomfortable, maybe in outright pain still.  I feel terrible for her.  I also had her ears plucked while she was under so she's shaking her head a lot, but I guess that's keeping her from being able to chew at her stitches, so...

Anyway, I'm sleeping on the couch in the room with her tonight... who knows, maybe all weekend.  She's eating and drinking (as long as I bring it right to her 😂) so that's much better than how things went with her spay.  She wouldn't even eat or drink when I offered food or water to her after that.

So far, it looks like I'm sticking close to home this weekend, but that's ok with me because I want to be here for my girl. ❤ So if you need me, you know where to find me!

Nappy after her first hip surgery.  She is not a happy camper right now, but I think the couch service will make it a little better.  I hope!

I called and checked on Nappy...

I called and checked on Nappy; she seems to be doing fine.  I'll know when I can bring her home after 10:30.  So, I guess I'm gonna head to work and check back later.

Well... I don't know anything specific...

Well... I don't know anything specific about how things went with my Nappy girl today.  🙁  I called the vet a couple of times and they were only just prepping her for surgery around 4:00.  They said that they would not be done until after hours and that if I didn't hear from them, that was good news.  I haven't heard anything yet, so... I'm guessing she's ok.  I'd really feel better if I could hear it, though.  I am not mad - the vet's office was slammed today - even early this morning, and they said that an Alpaca needing a blood transfusion came in and held them up even more.  I totally understand, but I'm gonna be on edge until I talk to them in the morning.  So... this is what it is.  😐

Well, I'm heading out with Nappy.

Well, I'm heading out with Nappy. I don't know if I'm ready! 🙁 I'm so nervous!

First fancy nails I've done in a while.

First fancy nails I've done in a while. Can't tell because the snowflake one is iridescent, but it actually matches the polish pretty well. 🙂 I'm tired and have a hard day tomorrow, so I'll deal with the edge clean-up later. ❤

Off to eat dinner and wash Nappy...

Off to eat dinner and wash Nappy up so she's all clean for tomorrow.  Big day - my baby girl is having surgery!  This is the first time any of my animals have had any procedure done other than a spay or neuter.  I am having feelings about it.  😐

Little black eye, thankyouverymuch, Faith.

Little black eye, thankyouverymuch, Faith.

I am feeling drained and sad.

I am feeling drained and sad.  I think I am just gonna go to bed early.  I need to do my nails (which is more like a chore when I don't feel up to it), do something with Oogy's tank, and wash Nappy in preparation for surgery.  Maybe if I get some rest I'll feel up to dealing with all of that tomorrow.  I just don't have it in me today.  🙁

I am sad.

I am sad - Oogy is dead.  🙁  I don't know what I did wrong, but I guess she was better off in her tiny tank.  ❤ my little roomie.  🙁

Shadow's concert was great.

Shadow's concert was great.  I really enjoyed watching him play. He wasn't as mechanical as some of the other kids - he would close his eyes and feel the music.  💜💜💜 that! There was this one senior kid on snare - OMFG - the little dude rocked my face off. Looking forward to more concerts!  😃

OUCH!

OUCH!  I was bent over filling the water bowls for the doggies and Faith jumped skull-first into my eyebrow area.  No shit - I felt my brain jar.  It knocked my glasses off my face and now I have a large lump forming right under my left eyebrow.  I bet it's gonna turn colors.  😂  And as bad as it hurt, I'm sure it hurt her, too.  I couldn't even be mad.  I might have to post a picture of it later.  😳

To anyone who feels like coming:

To anyone who feels like coming:  Shadow will be in a band concert at the First Baptist Church of Saks on Saks Road tomorrow at 6:30.  It's free - they just ask for donations.

To all of my friends who have heard about the horrible shelter abuse:

TRIGGER WARNING:  Animal Abuse
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

To all of my friends who have heard about the horrible shelter abuse, please be aware that I know about it (and don't need reminding of the torture that has been inflicted upon those poor souls).  More importantly, I would like to point out that it is NOT the shelter I have volunteered for.  They would NEVER treat an animal inhumanely.  I know many of the workers personally and they all stretch and give more than their job duties call for.  Their hearts are in their work and it shows.  Please do not confuse them with the House of Horrors on Morrisville Road.

Hell yes!

Hell yes!  You CAN NOT beat $20 to fix a female cat!  If you have an unfixed female - DO THIS!

My friend Amanda took this photo of me...

One of Shadow's friends posted this gem:

One of Shadow's friends posted this gem:

I feel...

I feel... like I have an octopus inside me.  A very smart one.  And she is a girl.  Her name is Isabella.

She is also light purple, but most definitely NOT lavender.

When I am slow to respond or make a weird face it is because she is still learning the controls.

This, my friends, is what happens when I try to meditate. I just chill, concentrate on my breath, try to think of nothing, and then my brain apparently freaks out. I don't know. 😂

Aww!

Aww - Oogy is sleeping by her heater! She LIKES it! 😃

I've been sitting on this for months, but...

I've been sitting on this for months, but I've decided I'm gonna be a friend and share it.  Pooh (Shadow's father) made a music video.  He's got some songs around the web, too, but he sounds much different in those (more like his usual self - he's mustering up some country boy for this one.  😂)

Anyone knowing about fish (bettas in particular) up?

Anyone knowing about fish (bettas in particular) up?  I have some questions.  Can't decide what I'm gonna do!

Just a thought...

Just a thought - (one I wish I'd had much sooner) - if you like animals, please buy products that don't test on them.  If I pick something up and see that they do not test, that always makes me happy.  I never actually thought to specifically look for that before now, but I definitely will.  Here is a site that can help you find out which companies are cruelty-free.  (And yeah, I know it's PETA, who can be really out there, but I do trust their list).

https://crueltyfree.peta.org/

Lots of inter-species love happening tonight.

Lots of inter-species love happening tonight - Midna was so happy to see Booka's little stinky butt that she pulled his hair and then rolled on the floor from... I don't know, joy?  Snaga is, by her own choice, hanging out with Niq, the lone g-pig.  I love it when everyone gets along so great.  🙂  And on that happy, sweet note, I'm taking myself to bed.  Goodnight, all!

OMG

OMG - just busted in on Shadow playing in his room to tell him to get ready for bed. He's in the floor with toys all around him - totally normal, right? Well, he's got his mouth gagged with a black strap tied around his head.

I tried asking him what the hell he was doing, but OBVIOUSLY, his mouth was gagged so he couldn't say. 😂😂😂

I don't even want to know what kind of kinky shit I'm going to catch him doing in a few years.  😳 Wow.

To my dearest Shaun:

To my dearest Shaun:  If you order anything else from Think Geek before Christmas, I will kill you.  Out of love, of course.  Save something for me to buy you!  😳

Got home and had to clean up doggie messes.

Got home and had to clean up doggie messes. Spoiled mutts don't wanna get their feet wet. Funny thing, though - when I'm cleaning up I tend to push the dogs away with my butt while I'm bent over and using my hands to clean so that they don't step in the mess. Most of them won't, but I've got one in particular who will. Anyway, while I was butt-deflecting Nappy, I looked over to see Faith backing up to her and pushing as well. She was also looking at me with big brown eyes, like, "This is how we do it, right?" Faith is still the goofiest dog I've ever met, but maybe she's smarter than I thought. 😂😂😂

This weekend:

This weekend:  I bought a box of owls for $4, sunburned my face, went to my cousin's baby shower, spilled half a gallon of punch in the back of my car, slept only 2 hours one night, and took my temp foster pup to his new foster mom.  I guess it's been like, 50/50 good and not good.  It definitely could have been worse!  I am so exhausted, though.  Gonna make some easy dinner and call it a night.  😳

1) It's Friday.

1)  It's Friday.

2)  My super-cool BigRuby nail tattoos came in the mail today. 😃

3)  Went to Walgreens, spent a whopping $3.38 and got 2 super-sparkly nail polishes, 120 nail stickers, and bottle of lotion for my purse.  Coupons RULE!

4)  Got a wonderfully-timed reimbursement on a former foster, so with that + the saving I've been doing I've got all the money for Nappy's surgery in hand.  Phew!

I am having a good day!  😃😃😃  I hope you are, too!  ❤

Well, I took Nappy to the vet today.

Well, I took Nappy to the vet today.  Gotta say:  I LOVE Dr. Epperson.  Anyway, Nappy's all set to have her surgery done.  It is scheduled for the 12th of December.