I have survived another day without Scooter.

I have survived another day without Scooter.  I am still super sad, though.  We went to Wal-Mart this evening and bringing the bags in without him poking his nose in to see what we brought him really sucked.  🙁

In other news, both of the guys are playing Pokemon Go now, so I guess that means exercise, which would probably help me to feel better in general, but also help get me out of this funk.  While I have no interest in catching Pokemans I'm up for walking my remaining dogs.  It would be good for their health, too, so no complaints here.

Shaun took us to Gadsden today to get me out of the house and try to cheer me up, and also because we both thought that Shadow would like the store Five Below.  I think Shaun is getting tired of my sadness, but I feel like it would be more comfortable if my heart stopped, so I don't really care how anyone else feels right now.  I will be ok when I am ok and not a minute before, I suppose.

We also went to Sally's, which got my attention for a few minutes.  I was kind of tricked by the sales lady into buying more nail polish than I meant to, but I can't really complain.  I got an Ever Glaze color by China Glaze and its topcoat.  They are supposed to be gel-like in that they can last 7 - 10 days, but they don't require a light.  We'll see.  And I also got a Finger Paints One-Step gel which does require a light, but my lamp was delivered today (on a Sunday, what?!), so that's ok.

Found out that the sales lady has a daughter that goes to school with Shadow.  She's a grade ahead.  Seemed weirdly like she was trying to hook them up.  She even showed him a bikini beach pic of her (a guy was also in the photo, but she made sure to tell us that he was only a friend.)  I thought everyone was supposed to be crazy protective of the female children, but maybe Shadow just radiates goodness.  Who knows?

Anyway, I guess this day was as good as could be expected.  Tutoring tomorrow, then meeting Shadow and mom at the Cheaha Creative Arts sign-up.  Shadow's going to be doing some after-school stuff.  Voice, for sure, and maybe trumpet or something else.  I think he enjoyed playing trumpet in band, just not the yelling and super-strictness of his band teacher.  That's definitely not his style, so it makes me happy if he's found a way to get back into that.  I'm thankful that there's a program around that will allow him to explore and develop his musical interests.  Could just be because I'm his mom that I feel this way, but I think he's far too talented to not stretch himself and keep growing.

So... that's it.  I'm off to go... I don't know.  Sit around having feelings.  Or possibly even try out my new stuff.  I have no idea.  I guess I'll let y'all know if I do anything of interest.  ❤

Well, I'm awake. AWAKE awake.

Well, I'm awake.  AWAKE awake.  I wish I could feel this awake and ok about it on the nights I get this little sleep before having something to do.  Of course, that's never the case.

Shaun's coming to see me.  I'm gonna see what Shadow is doing, too.  He was so sleepy earlier that he might have napped and already be back awake, too.  LOL  We're all great.

It's been a weird day.

It's been a weird day.  Scoot's been gone a week and it feels so recent and so far away at the same time.  I am still unbelievably sad, and I think that's why I'm keeping myself busy.  I worked this morning, then came home and cleaned the house.  I keep trying to psych myself up to do something fun, like nails, but I'm super not interested in much of anything.  I'm just in a weird, sad place, and it sucks.

This is also not a great way to cope with things, but I've immersed myself in some retail therapy.  I've done a lot of research on gel nails and the different kinds of gels and how they cure, and since I was basically ALL IN at "chrome" I went ahead and bought a UV lamp.  I did not get one of the crazy expensive ones, but it was a best-seller with great reviews on Amazon.  So, there's that.  Unfortunately, my lamp will be here before my chrome powders, but that's ok.  I really don't need too many distractions before my Biology final.

Lame as it sounds it's barely after 8, but I'm heading to bed.  Most likely I will end up awake in a few hours; that is, if I can even manage to sleep.  Thankfully, it's the weekend, so it doesn't matter too much.

Later, friends.

I don't usually like stormy or rainy weather, but today:

I don't usually like stormy or rainy weather, but today: Bring it on.

Just found a tuft of Scooter in my room.

Just found a tuft of Scooter in my room. I can't move it yet. Even when I do I'm gonna keep it forever.

Glad it's the weekend.

Glad it's the weekend. I went ahead over the last couple of days and completed the remainder of the assignments in my online Ethics class. Now I just have to worry about Biology for a couple more weeks, then I'm free until Fall semester starts. Gotta say it's really interesting, but those Biology classes have been brutal and I will be glad to have them behind me.

I think my biggest worry for my last 3 semesters at GSCC will be the Calculus classes. I can't even remember if I posted this before, but as long as the classes get enough students I'll be taking Cal I in the Fall, Cal II in the Spring, and Cal III next Summer, then it's off to JSU, FINALLY. It's taking a little longer than I wanted, but my adviser thought it would be best for my GPA if I take fewer classes. I'm really not up for being overloaded, so that works for me.

Anyway. Random thoughts for the night I guess because I'm almost done with another semester. I wonder if it's coincidental that the 2 years I've been in college have been the worst of my life. Last year, my health was horrible and I felt bad most of the time, both physically and mentally, and this year, disastrous, hard, bad, heartbreaking things keep happening. Maybe if I wasn't in school I would have more time and energy to deal with stuff and it would all seem less horrible. Or maybe I would have nothing to distract me and I would dwell on the bad. I have no idea. But at least I'm accomplishing things, I guess.

Anyway. I'm exhausted, so I'm off. Catch you later, Internet. Happy Weekend.

Shadow had to open it for me.

Shadow had to open it for me. I wasn't ready yet. /cue the water works

This day. My gosh.

This day. My gosh.

I didn't even make it to work until 5, and I worked for about 2 hours. I felt like crap, woke up late, got my period early, and my lizard had diarrhea.

I tried to find a doctor to see because clearly something is going wrong inside me, was on hold with Medicaid for about 30 minutes, and then the woman who spoke to me was a total bitch and hell-bent on misunderstanding me, going so far as to speak about my pregnancy (I'm not pregnant and never said that word once). I just wanted to know what doctors accept Medicaid so that I can get a yearly vagina checkup. She FINALLY gave me the names and numbers of 3 and said that she would mail a list of the rest. 

I went to Munford for the evening after work because the guys had dinner plans and I just wasn't that people-y; however, I did not want to be alone. It was nice hanging with the fam for a bit.

Haven't been home long. The house smells a lot better, so I guess it's about dried out - thank goodness. Now the dehumidifier is in the garage because it got flooded, too. I keep looking for Scooter and that's really damn sad.

Now what? I'm sitting here feeling grumpy and tired and I don't know what will make me feel better. I don't want to do anything or be around anyone. It's no good. Maybe I'll shower soon and try to relax.

I made a 74 on my Lab Practicum...

I made a 74 on my Lab Practicum and a disappointing 90 on my take-home test, somehow.  I really feel like I should have aced that one.  Oh well.

So, I have an 87 in Biology.  I REALLY want an A.  Thankfully, that is not too far from it.  Maybe I can do it.

I'm awake. That's better.

I'm awake.  That's better.

Two things:

1)  Since I noticed Anansi starting to molt last night and we did not sleep, Shadow and I got to watch her do it.  It took hours and it looked like A LOT of work.  Poor baby spider.  I have some cool pictures and videos, but the videos are long and probably boring, so you might as well hit YouTube for some sped-up versions if you're interested.  It's pretty cool.  I might upload a photo or two later, though.

2)  People have been trying FOREVER to get me into gel polish and I have resisted.  LOL  But, CHROME NAILS are now an achievable thing - legit, shiny, mirror-like chrome nails, and you can achieve that with chrome powders and a UV gel topcoat.  I think having silver or gold nails would be cool, but there are some crazy rainbow shifting colors out there, too.  😳  So, I'm in.  It's not like I have tons of time to do my nails lately, anyway, so I can't really view it as a down-side if they last a long time now.

Another bonus is that I think you can still use regular polish and seal it with a gel topcoat, but I'll have to look into that.  If I could still use all of my beautiful colors and stamping plates, etc, that would be awesome.  I love using my current setup and I don't think that will ever change, but I guess I'm finally ok with branching out.  LOL

So... chrome powders and topcoats are on the way.  I just need a UV lamp.  Any suggestions?  I'm not trying to spend a lot, but I don't want a piece of crap, either.

I made it home. I survived this day. I feel sort of accomplished.

I made it home.  I survived this day.  I feel sort of accomplished.

I don't think I did that well on my lab practicum.  I knew SO MUCH STUFF - unfortunately, the teacher didn't seem to think any of that was worth putting on the test.  I guess now I wait and see how bad it is.

I left work early because I was tired and it was quiet.  No sense sitting around looking for things to do when I'm this exhausted.

Would say that I'm glad to be home; however, the house smells AWFUL.  It has not smelled ok since all the water came in last night.  Shadow and I worked on cleaning it up last night, but blegh.  I guess there is more that needs to be done, but I might have to let the dehumidifier work on it for another day.  I'm beyond exhausted.  Maybe I will nap and then see what I feel like I can do.

(Sarcastic) Yay, my life.

Well... it's been a long night... mostly because I haven't been to sleep yet. 🙁

Well... it's been a long night... mostly because I haven't been to sleep yet. 🙁 I've spent the night studying and cleaning up the water in the dog room. I've got the dehumidifier going, but the whole house smells weird. Blegh.

It got so late on me that I was afraid if I went to sleep I wouldn't wake up in time for class. If that happened I would miss my lab practicum and also not be able to turn in my take-home test - and that would be terrible. So... I'm awake and this day is going to be great. 😕

On the bright side if I make it through this day I will crash tonight and hopefully have my schedule back to normal. It has been really messed up since Friday. Maybe utter exhaustion will do the trick.

I think this is why she's not eating.

I think this is why she's not eating. Seems soon, but she was eating like a horse for a while there.

I wish I could just blow raspberries on that cute little tummy! ❤️❤️❤️

Oh yay.

Oh yay.  While I was busy working on my take-home test, my dog room flooded during the downpour.

I sort-of tried having a normal day today.

I sort-of tried having a normal day today.  Missed my early tutoring because I didn't sleep enough, but made it for the later sessions.  I feel like crap and I smell bad and I need and want a shower and I'm hungry and sad.  I just ate too many lemon cookies because it was easy and I don't feel so great about that.

I have a take-home test to complete for Biology.  It's due tomorrow and I'm like, 10 questions out of 100 done.  I also need to study for my Lab Practicum that is also tomorrow, but it's already 6 and I have so much to do.

On the bright side I just got 14 ink pens in the mail from Amazon and some nursing bras.  Nope, not nursing and not pregnant, but my ta-tas have been killing me (to the point of keeping me awake and no, Tylenol and the like doesn't touch it).  This has been going on for months.  🙁  I just need to be able to wear something that doesn't cause immense pain and nursers are the softest ever.

On the ink pens - I have tons of pens because I collect writing utensils.  A waitress recently had a pink one like the ones I ordered, but why buy one when I can have ALL THE COLORS?  EVEN BROWN!!!  I know that seems ridiculous, (and it totally is), but sometimes buying shit feels good.  So.  I did that and I don't care.

Anyway.  I guess I'm off to do something, anything, that I need to do.  I don't know what yet, but definitely probably something.

I guess this came out a million years ago, but...

I guess this came out a million years ago, but it's been one of my favorite songs since I heard it.  I always listen to this when I'm not so ok.  It soothes me.

I went on the porch maybe an hour ago?

I went on the porch maybe an hour ago?  And I walked into a spider web.  Whatever.

Well my hair was tickling just now, so I brushed my hand over it and a spider fell out onto my clothes.  I'm about to take him back outside.  We're cool.  But what is it with me and having spiders in my hair?  This is not the first time.  LOL

Maybe they just know that I like them.  😃

I woke up maybe an hour ago...

I woke up maybe an hour ago, which for me on a weekend is great.  But I didn't sleep well despite being exhausted.  I can't seem to shut my brain off, kind of ever.  🙁

If I'm watching TV on the couch or something I can get drowsy and nap.  Too bad I don't sleep well on the couch.  🙁  If I actually get ready and put myself in bed, even if I'm exhausted my brain will go some really dark places since I have no distractions and I will not sleep.  If I dare get on my phone and surf the internet as a distraction the screen will wake me up and I will just be awake.  Surfing the internet is more active than passive, anyway.

I might need some bedtime stories saved to my phone.  Or something.  I don't know.  But pretty much every night since it happened I have thought about Lowrider and all of my regrets with how I handled the end of her life.  And now I worry that I let Scooter hurt for too long - maybe his random barking wasn't so random.  🙁  He started throwing up on Tuesday.  I prolonged his pain and / or discomfort until SATURDAY because I was hopeful that his nausea meds would help.  Hope is a terrible thing to have sometimes.  If it wasn't for that I would have let them both go sooner and spared them some pain.

I just want to be dead so I can rest and never hurt anyone I love again.

Look at this goofy child.

Look at this goofy child. Head in her cave, butt hanging out. LOL

My guys are taking me to Waffle House. I think everyone is trying to make me smile. ❤

I just woke up. Was kind of hoping it was all just a bad nightmare.

I just woke up. Was kind of hoping it was all just a bad nightmare.

It's not. 🙁

We had to let him go.

We had to let him go.  He was so tired.  He declined so rapidly.  The vet said that anything the diagnostics turned up would not be easy to treat, and given his condition it was not very likely that his quality of life would improve.  We were looking at the cancer having spread or possibly some organ failure.

He fought so hard after that surgery. He tried.  We all tried.  But it just wasn't enough.

I am so proud of him and thankful that I got a couple of good weeks in with him before this happened.  He was the most bizarre dog, both in looks and personality.  He had the best tail ever.  I loved all of his little tufty places, and I loved it when we played and he'd bark and growl like he was killing me.  He was short and quirky and feisty, just like his mama.  🙂

I don't even know what else to say.  We haven't been to sleep yet.  I'm really tired and really sad, but I'm grateful that he is not in pain anymore.  We stayed with him when they gave him the shots and petted him until he was gone.  He's now resting in peace next to his old buddy, Lowrider.

None of us have been to sleep yet.

None of us have been to sleep yet.  About to head to AMC and cross our paws that they can get us in early.  Scoot isn't looking so good.  🙁  I'm hoping that whatever is wrong with him is an easy fix, but if not I'm gonna let my old boy rest.  He's fought hard and I just can't ask any more of him.

We're not having a great night.

We're not having a great night. Scooter is drinking, but hasn't been eating. The only thing I could get him to eat was leftover chicken from Dad's BBQ. I guess I got too excited about that and gave him too much, because he threw it up not long after he ate it. 🙁 Seeing as how he's on 2 anti-nausea / anti-vomiting meds I wasn't expecting that.

We didn't get any special instructions with his meds, but I'm going to try to feed him closer to when he takes them. I've noticed that his tummy gets all grumbly and noisy shortly after he takes them, so maybe that means it's trying to digest. I'm getting pretty desperate for him to eat and keep something down. If that doesn't work I'm gonna have to get him to AMC this weekend or something. I can't have him going on like this until Monday.

Scooter is being weird. 😕

Scooter is being weird.  😕

I guess him being weird is not unusual, technically, but since he's had so much going on with him it is pretty worrisome.  🙁

So for the last few days he'll be just all chilled out in the floor, but then he'll grumble and / or bark.  It's not just isolated - he'll do it for a little while.  He really reminds me of a senile old man who's just sitting on the porch and shouting at people.  LOL

He isn't yelping like he's in pain and he doesn't get up or move like he's trying to get comfortable or get away from anything, but it's just so bizarre.  Yes, this is coming from the dog who would only walk backwards in the kitchen for years, and who would bark at the wall for I don't know what reason, but still.  He made it over such a big hurdle simply by surviving that surgery and I just really don't want for him to have made it through that only to continue feeling bad or something for the rest of his life.  I wish I knew what he was doing and whether or not to be worried about it.  😕

It's been a pretty good day. 🙂

It's been a pretty good day.  🙂

When I went to put gas in my car at the gas station near my house I asked them what all of the construction was about.  They told me that there was going to be a Domino's Pizza in there!  WOOO!  I'm gonna be eating some thin crust pizza ALL THE TIMES!  😃

After work I had a surprise dinner date with my guy.  It was a long day for both of us and I have a test to study for, so I'm not even great company right now even when I'm not at work.  😕  It was really nice to just see his face and talk and eat.  ❤

Also, it sounds like it's about to storm, but I made it home first.  I hate being caught out in bad weather!  Or even rain.  LOL

Anyway, I guess I'm off to make a study guide (which to me, is part of studying because I'm still looking at and thinking about the information).  I hope that I kick ass on my lab practicum Tuesday.  I am super glad that this semester is finally nearing it's end!

Scooter got his staples out and also some meds for nausea.

Scooter got his staples out and also some meds for nausea. Maybe he will feel all better soon. 

Dr. Long said that even though he's been throwing up the last few days he's gaining weight. The tumor they removed was 3 - 4 lbs, and he's already back up to his pre-surgery weight.

I've medicated the boy and he's resting. I guess it's time to get started with my day!

Someone says it's time for a cuddle break.

Someone says it's time for a cuddle break. LOL I guess my brain is too tired to learn anything else tonight, anyway. ❤

I want this week to simultaneously be over with AND slow down.

Blegh.  I want this week to simultaneously be over with AND slow down.  I've got a Biology test on Tuesday that is going to be hard so I would like more time to study, but this first week back at SCM is kicking my ass because we've been playing catch-up from being closed for 2 weeks.

Looks like there is no drama in Happy Tails Lost & Found Pets of Calhoun County for once this week, so I'm off to study.  As my mom would say, "If you need me, holler."  ❤

Scooter doesn't have a great appetite the last few days. 🙁

Scooter doesn't have a great appetite the last few days. 🙁 Called the vet this morning and was told to put him back on his Prednisone. Shadow called me about 5 hours later and said that Scoot threw up. 🙁 I hope that he's ok. He gets his staples out Thursday, so he'll see the vet then.

Heading to bed. All in all, it's been a good day. 🙂

Heading to bed.  All in all, it's been a good day.  🙂

Some bro in Happy Tails Lost & Found Pets of Calhoun County did try to ruin it for me, but he failed.  He jumped in on a comment where I reminded the Original Poster that re-homing animals wasn't allowed and proceeded to tell me that he didn't see where the OP was trying to re-home.  I quoted the lines to him and then he got all mad, said he was leaving my group (boohoo!  LOL), and then blocked me.

I assume he blocked me so that he could tell the rest of Facebook how horrible I am for having the nerve to correct him - without me being able to see it.  LOL  I don't know if it's because I am female or because I'm matter of fact or what, but a lot of people can't seem to handle me keeping my group on task (this is the 2nd person in about a 10 day span and it is not unusual, unfortunately).

All I can say is:  Sorry, not sorry.  If you don't like it, get out.  We're 5000 strong at this point and doing great things for the lost animals in Calhoun County.  In fact, just a couple of hours after that post was posted the found dog was reunited with her family.  It is truly a group effort and I really can't thank the members enough who follow the guidelines and keep an eye out for lost pets.  ❤❤❤

For the last two nights...

For the last two nights when I have gone to tuck in Nappy and Faith I have found Faith in a crate with the door shut.  Not locked, but definitely shut.  It's a big, rusty crate, so I don't think the door swings easily.  Nappy is either running into it, or Faith is closing it herself somehow.

Last night she pushed it open and came out when I entered the room to get the lights.  Tonight, she just stayed in her bed and waited for me to turn the lights off.  LOL

My dogs are so weird - and I wouldn't change a thing!  ❤

Well... it's been a pretty good Monday so far!

Well... it's been a pretty good Monday so far!

I was really productive today.  I tutored and in between students I did my Ethics work for the week.  I have to study for my Lab Praticum for Biology, so that was a good move.  I'll be able to focus more on Biology instead of worrying that I'm going to slip up and forget to do Ethics at all.  Online classes stress me out because I'm always afraid I will forget to do them.  LOL

ASIDE FROM THAT I came home to nail mail AND a gift.  I got my cat vinyls from Twinkled T, so super yay for that!  AND Shaun got me a shirt that I've been wanting for ages.  Y'all know I'll help any little creature I find, so this t-shirt that says "I kissed a squirrel and I liked it" IS PERFECT.  That was really unexpected and so sweet and it made my freaking day!  😃

Anyway, I'm off to clean a bit and study.  Maybe I'll even sit down and do my nails later, though the thought of taking off my caterpillar nails makes me sad.  Maybe y'all aren't as into bugs as I am.  Those barely got any likes, but I thought they were the best I've done in a while.  Oh well.  LOL  I will probably still do more bugs in the future.  😛😃

I am pretty bummed that vacation is coming to an end.

I am pretty bummed that vacation is coming to an end.  It didn't feel like a complete break because it wasn't.  Still had to tutor and still had class. Was woken up too early and from too many naps too many times because I'm too nice to let people go without.  Also, the Scooter stress wasn't very relaxing, although his incision is looking good now and I am grateful for that.

On the bright side I really enjoyed being home with my family (Shaun, Shadow, and the ani-pals), and I also had fun doing nails.  The day trip to GA was also pretty cool.  I enjoyed the aquarium, but it always stresses me out to go that far away.  I'm a serious homebody, but in my defense - most of my favorite earthlings are here!  ❤

Anyway.  Heading into Monday with my caterpillar nails on.  I'm still excited about those.  😃  Now I'm off to make dinner and get ready for the week ahead.  A week of doing things that I don't necessarily want to do.  Boo!  But it's not so bad.  I suppose that I am grateful for having opportunities.  Gotta get my attitude right.  LOL

Later, friends.  ❤

I feel like I found my creativity, thankfully, but

I feel like I found my creativity, thankfully, but just in time to go back to work and be too tired to put something like this together again.  🙁  Boo!

So I know this is totally spring and not summer, but I don't care.  I felt inspired by a plate and I went with it.  I'm happier with these nails than I've been with any of them over the last few months, but with as much other stuff as I have to do I guess I should be glad I have time to paint my nails at all.  Putting the same design on every finger can look really nice, but it's just not me.  Unfortunately, having so many options can be overwhelming, so it usually takes longer for me to decide what to do than to actually do it.  😕

Anyway, I did this the other day and it was ok, but I had stamped the caterpillar down in just black outlines and I really ended up being disappointed that I didn't do a decal instead.  SO... I took that finger off and started again.  😛  Originally I was going to make the caterpillar a cute little pink one, but, well... it made her look kind of phallic, so Shaun picked a blue and we went with that instead.  She's got green leaves and vines around her, as well as pink bow on her head and a yellow flower beside her.  That is much better than trying to discern what you're looking at with no color definition at all!

The background for all of the nails was done using plastic wrap - it's a lime green base with two other greens dabbed on top for texture (probably most visible on my thumb).  If you don't remember what I'm talking about since it's been so long since I've done it, you just crumple up some plastic wrap, dab it in some polish, and then lightly dab your nails until it looks how you want.  Super easy!  It's great for getting a marbled appearance and things like that.

The rest of the nails I explain on Polish All the Things if anyone is interested.  I wasn't planning to make a long post about these nails, but it looks like I did it twice.  LOL  Oh well.  My brain feels all swimmy from lack of sleep.  I think I am rambling.  Ok, done.

Any questions on methods or products, let me know!  ❤❤❤

Home from the vet, AGAIN.

Home from the vet, AGAIN.  I'm REALLY hoping we don't have to go back for a while.  Scooter feels the same!  He didn't mind being put into the car for an outing, but when we got to the vet he passively protested going inside in the form of getting all floppy and not moving.  😃

I can't tell you how much that tickled me.  He's done that ever since he was a puppy.  If he didn't want to come in from being outside he'd do whatever he was doing in the yard until I got near him, at which point, he'd melt and become a limp noodle with his legs in the air.  LOL  Attempts to pick him up failed because he was a 40 lb piece of flop and would scream and cry like you were murdering him if you tried to lift him.  Best bet to get him would be to SOMEHOW maneuver him back onto his feet and have a leash clipped on him when you do.  He's my stubborn, spoiled little weirdo and I wouldn't change a thing.  😃

Anyway.  Dr. Long said to keep cleaning his incision and putting ointment on it.  He said it looks just fine.  So, that sounds like a good plan for the weekend.  Unfortunately for Scooter he's got the towel wrapped around his neck again.  It does a pretty good job of deterring him from licking and it also doesn't cost $20.  If he becomes persistent I'll go to Wal-Mart and buy some things to make an e-collar.  Or either get off my butt and actually look for the last one that I remember having.

For now I am exhausted.  I didn't get in my bed until 6 this morning, then I was up at 10, napped for an hour, then took my boy to the vet.  I think I'm going to take it easy today.  The house is mostly clean and it's my last official day of vacation.  I think I'm just gonna flop around in PJ's until I feel like doing something else.  LOL  Happy Friday, friends!  ❤

Back to the vet at 2.

Back to the vet at 2.  Either my towel collar didn't work, or Scoot popped a stitch from moving around.  I have no idea.  🙁

Well. We've had a long day.

Well. We've had a long day.

We'd been planning to take a day trip to GA at some point while we were off of work. Since we go back Tuesday we were running out of time and went today. We went to the aquarium and then Dave & Busters for dinner (and of course so the boys could play games). Got back home around 1 this morning. We didn't leave until afternoon, though.

Since Scooter had been doing so well I wasn't too worried about leaving him here unsupervised. I guess I should have thought a little bit harder about that. When we got back his incision looked slightly open, even though it had plenty of staples left in it. I guess he decided to mess with it despite his ointment that was supposed to make him feel better and deter him from licking. 🙁

So... I probably have a cone of shame around here somewhere, but I have no idea where. The last one I remember was pretty chewed up by a former foster, so I really don't know. Anyway, I read on the Internet (I freaking love Google) about wrapping a towel around their neck and securing it with tape. So, that's what I've done.

I'm going to stay up a bit longer to observe him and then I'm going to get some sleep. So far, he's had no breathing or licking issues, thank goodness. I guess I will check his incision in the morning and decide if I need to call the vet. Thankfully, the damage didn't look serious, but it was enough that I definitely don't want him messing with it anymore.

He looks so hilariously pitiful right now. He's just lucky it's not a real cone. He's so short that he has trouble walking with those on. 😛

Just got back from the vet.

Just got back from the vet.  Scooter got about half of his staples removed.  That was such a long incision that the vet isn't comfortable taking them all out just yet.

Also, he's got some irritation at the staples closest to his penis (I think urine has been getting on them), so Dr. Long recommended that we put Desitin on there to keep it protected and to keep him from licking.  Scoot has been surprisingly good about not licking most of his incision, but he goes after that one little area so I'm sure it has been bothering him.  We go back next Thursday to see about having the rest removed.

I didn't see him when I picked Scooter up last week and we didn't get to talk much today (he had an emergency, sadly), but he did tell me that Scoot's cancer could come back anytime.  🙁  I just need to keep a close eye on him and bring him in if anything changes.  I hate the thought of that, but he's doing really well so far.  He's gaining weight and strength and looking better than he has in a couple of months, honestly.  So, I'm staying optimistic and we're just going to try to enjoy life together for a while.  🙂

My handsome man resting under my nail art table.

My handsome man resting under my nail art table. I'm so grateful that he's still here with me. ❤

I guess I went from light and bright to dark.

I guess I went from light and bright to dark.  LOL  These again, are not super fancy - just basic stamping, but I love this polish so much!  It is Tails of Love by FingerPaints.  The polish looks chrome, but it's got small round pieces of something (clear glitter?) in it to give it texture.  I know that a lot of people hate textured polish, but sometimes it's just what I need!  I love how deep it looks!

I used one coat of topcoat over the polish itself and then another over the stamping to seal it in.  This is a very hungry polish because I can still feel the texture on my nails, but I don't mind that.  If you wanted it to feel smooth, it would probably need 3 or 4 layers of a thick topcoat.

Sadly, I'm about to take these off.  I've been meaning to post them for days, but just didn't get around to doing it.  LOL  But my left hand is chipping like crazy, so it's time.  🙁  The chipping is the only downside (for me) of wearing super - thick polish.  Also, my right thumb is bugging me.  The stamping image actually wasn't wide enough to cover my whole nail and while I COULD have gone back in with another stamping of the image and tried to line it up I was just like "Nah." and went to bed.  I'm being super lazy right now.  LOL

Scoot finished his antibiotics and pain pills yesterday.

Scoot finished his antibiotics and pain pills yesterday. He gets his staples out tomorrow morning. We're all ready. LOL He's mostly good, but sometimes we have to stop him from licking. Thankfully, we've been home and able to watch him. 

He seems to be doing really well. Gaining strength every day!

I made a 97 on the Biology test I took on no sleep the day that Scooter had surgery. 😳

I made a 97 on the Biology test I took on no sleep the day that Scooter had surgery. 😳

Just walked Scooter and he not only lifted his leg to pee, but...

Just walked Scooter and he not only lifted his leg to pee, but nearly took my fingers off when I gave him his treat.  That's about right.  😃❤

For some reason this is not a great picture, but it makes me happy nonetheless.

For some reason this is not a great picture, but it makes me happy nonetheless. My old man is chewing a bone and he has even gone up the step to get in the kitchen a few times. Yay, Scooter! Every little thing he does that brings him a bit closer to his old self just makes my day! ❤❤❤

They can also be exceptionally goofy. LOL

They can also be exceptionally goofy.  LOL

Last night we changed out Bruce's bedding from just coconut dirt to a mix of that with cypress mulch.  I also changed his heater from one of those stick-ons to heat tape with a thermostat.  While he was out roaming my bedroom he went to check out my box of recycle paper.  I don't know why every animal is into that, but Scooter used to shred it for me when he was a puppy.  LOL  So Bruce just slithered around in all the paper for a while before he went exploring elsewhere.

We finally finished up his house and put him back in it and the next thing we know he's burrowing under the bedding and comes up with a pile of dirt on his head.  How anyone can fear an animal who is so curious about the world and who's first defense is to ROLL UP IN A BALL is beyond me.  Yes, I was raised to fear snakes and yes, old Bruce-y did give me the jeeblies the first few months he was here, but I am a firm believer that getting to know someone who is different than you - no matter what you've been taught about them - is the best way to get over fear and to find something to love.

I cannot even tell you how happy it makes me that this lesson comes from a SNAKE - one of the generally most hated and feared animals I've ever met.  Open your hearts and minds, people.  You might be surprised by just how much being open can enrich your life.  ❤

I went through tons of nail pics over the last few days

I went through tons of nail pics over the last few days looking for inspiration.  I was like "Ooh, I'm on vacation.  I should do something crazy and elaborate!"  And then I realized that I wasn't having fun, so I quit putting pressure on myself.  I went with something goofy and colorful.  I recently got these neon dots in from the Born Pretty Store, so they were out on my nail art table and I just went for it.

I'm planning on playing in reptile dirt today and as cute as I think these are I hate wearing white nail polish.  It's more about the way it feels than anything.  Chalky or something.  So, my feelings won't be hurt if I mess these up.  LOL

This is a monster bag clip that a friend gave me.  I didn't have the best lighting setup today, so I needed something in my hand and a white bottle of polish wasn't cutting it.  Goofy all around!  PERFECTION!

Scoot's still doing ok.

Scoot's still doing ok.  He's still a little weak, so when he needs to potty we go out the back door down the little stairs, then around the house to the front door because he has a hard time getting back up the little back stairs.  My yard isn't huge, but he still has to take a rest before he makes that one step up on the front porch.  Even though he's on pain meds I'm sure he's still sore.  🙁  Poor old guy.

So when we come through the front door all the cats greet him, which he doesn't care for.  Balthazar, who is almost Scoot's size, wanted to love all over him today.  Of course, Scooter's not in the mood for that.  Balthi lightly touched Scooter on his big, fluffy tail, and all Scooter could do was stand there and bark.  LOL  Poor old man.  He's too crotchety and he doesn't have the energy to deal with a dang old cat touching on his tail.  😛

By the time we make it back through the house into the "No Cat Zone", Scoot's ready for a drink of water and a nap.  I am so happy that he's getting up when he needs to, though.  A few days ago he would just bark until we got up to go with him, so this is definite improvement!  🙂

So... I slept for 12 hours. 😳

So... I slept for 12 hours.  😳  I guess I needed it.  I feel almost normal today!

Scoot's doing ok, aside from being supremely disappointed that he's out of wet dog food.  We are making a food run shortly.  LOL

Also, I got nail mail today!  😃  I've been reading for ages about how great stamping polishes by Mundo de Unas are, so I ordered some last month.  They finally arrived!

Since I am on vacation I am gonna be playing with my new stuff later.  I am so excited!  So far, I am having a pretty good day!  😃

House is clean. I'm clean. My home is as full as it's supposed to be. Yay! ❤❤❤

House is clean.  I'm clean.  My home is as full as it's supposed to be.  Yay!  ❤❤❤

The Old Man is doing well.

The Old Man is doing well.  I am sure that he is sore and very tired.  Healing is hard work!  His incision is long, but seriously - what they took out of him was HUGE (maybe comparable to the size of two softballs, and he is not a large dog).  But he looks happy to be home.  He's eating, drinking, using the bathroom (though it looks like it pains him with the incision, but he's doing it) and even chewing a bone.  But mostly he's napping, which is great because he needs his rest.

I really believe that the timing of his surgery couldn't have been more perfect.  By yesterday, there was no longer a doubt in my mind that something more than Myositis was getting him down.  I called the clinic at 7, they said to have him there at 8, and the surgery was done and over with around 9.  Dr. Long was willing to work on him right then and I very much appreciate that.  I am convinced that him not scheduling us some other time for surgery is a big part of why my Scoot is still here.

Since Scooter's home I assume that I will sleep tonight.  For now I think I'm going to get started on some housework.  Since my boy wasn't doing well and I had a test coming up I mostly felt petrified, but I did manage to study a bit (still don't know how that test went, but hopefully I will soon).  But yeah, that's all.  Everything else was just not important.  Thankfully, I'm off work at SCM this week, so I'm going to be here to keep a close eye on my man.  Like I said, great timing!

So yeah - vacation started out in a panic, but I'm hoping that my buddy has a smooth and speedy recovery and that I can also get some rest.  This summer semester hasn't been nearly as bad as last semester was, but it has been far from easy.  At this point I feel like I am just tripping and stumbling through my life and barely making it from one thing to another.  That is not a great feeling, but barely making it is still making it, I suppose.

Thank you to everyone who wrote to me while I was going through this.  I hit a point where I was not ok.  It really screws with my head when my life hurts so bad, yet I can still think about it and know that so many would be lucky to be us and have what we have.  There is just no way for me to reconcile that.  Not to sound morbid, but I think about death a lot these days - especially as my dogs age.  I know that the thought of an afterlife or reincarnation comforts a lot of people, but it haunts me.  Shaun had to come over and assure me that once I died I was dead - never to return.  That sounds like the definition of true peace to me.  Thankfully, I'm not too big on making decisions that I can't change my mind about, so... I have no tattoos and I'm still here.  😛  Anyway, thank you for being a friend.  ❤

Back to business.

Back to business. Ate part of a can of wet food, and now he's chewing a bone. He honestly seems to feel better than he did before the surgery. I am so happy to see improvement! ❤❤❤

Riding home in a laundry basket.

Riding home in a laundry basket. He can walk, but tires fast. Wanted him to be as comfy as possible.

Scooter is doing great and I can pick him up anytime!

Scooter is doing great and I can pick him up anytime! I am SO happy!

I only slept maybe an hour after after my 3 hour nap last night, and that was after my 3 hours of sleep the night before. I've been a wreck. I think I am going to nap before I get him, so that my brain won't be mush if he needs me. I feel like this room is spinning right now. I don't think I have a choice. 😕 Hearing that he was doing great was SUCH A RELIEF!

I was so exhausted that I fell asleep on the couch.

I was so exhausted that I fell asleep on the couch. Woke up hoping it was 6 or 7. No such luck. 🙁 I am going to bum around on here and hopefully get drowsy again. I have a very hard time not letting my brain run away with me - especially when things are going on with my family. The house has been too quiet without Scoot here. 😕 I can't wait to have his noisy butt back home.

Even though Scooter was doing well earlier...

Even though Scooter was doing well earlier you know that I'm going to worry until I get him back home. The first 24 hours after surgery are critical, so... I am optimistic, but I know he's not out of the woods yet. 

Does anyone happen to know if Dr. Long has a tech that stays there or checks in over night? I didn't think of asking before they closed, but it sure would ease my mind if they did.

THE VET SAID THAT SCOOTER IS DOING WELL!!!

THE VET SAID THAT SCOOTER IS DOING WELL!!! They are keeping him overnight, of course, and that's ok. I just ugly cried happy tears so hard!

I can't even tell you how much I love my stubborn little bad dog. ❤❤❤❤❤

I'm home.

I'm home.  I think I did ok on my test, but even if I failed it... well, I forgive myself.  I'm running on less than 3 hours of sleep and all I can think about is Scooter.  I have a migraine coming and I am terrified that I might get bad news.

I'm supposed to call the vet at 3.  I'm about to take some Excedrin and see if I can feel a little less like hell right now.  Thanks to everyone who's wished us well.  I really appreciate the comfort.  This has been one of those days where driving off a cliff sounds like a form of being kind to myself.

I will share news as soon as I have it.  ❤

I am so pressed for time...

I am so pressed for time (my class starts at 10!) so I apologize for not responding to comments individually.  I'll be off the air while in class (runs from 10 - 2), so unfortunately I won't know anything else to share after this update until this afternoon.  🙁

Scooter made it through surgery, but his prognosis is guarded, at best.  He lost his spleen and a lot of blood.  The tumor was HUGE.  It must have been growing fast because the vet examined him pretty thoroughly just two months ago.  I started feeling it over the weekend so I don't think it was always there.  Shaun got a photo.  Maybe he'll post it in the comments so as not to spam people who are sensitive to things like that - I don't know.  You can always just message him if you want to see it.

Anyway.  Scoot's old, he was very underweight, and just all around not doing so well, so we have no idea if he's going to pull through or not.  I'm rooting for my old man, of course.  I love him so much and I have no idea how I'm supposed to concentrate on anything but him today, but worrying accomplishes nothing, so maybe class will keep me distracted.

And with that, I'm off.  Send some good vibes to my old man, please.  I didn't get the feeling that he was ready to give up yet, so if he's fighting then I am, too.  ❤❤❤

Scoot's in surgery.

Scoot's in surgery. He's got a tumor. We're waiting to find out what it's attached to. We loved him up in case he doesn't wake up. The vet said that he was in pain and I can't have that. We stayed with him until he was sedated. I didn't want him to feel abandoned.

I feel really overwhelmed and sad.

I feel really overwhelmed and sad. I had plans to visit family in Munford today. Everyone is cooking out and it sounds delicious. But, I have a Biology test tomorrow. And Scooter is still hanging in there. I don't want to be away from him, but I'm also having a very hard time thinking about anything but him so studying has not been productive. So I am having a bad day. 🙁

I'm not leaving. Mom is bringing me food and picking up Shadow. I'm going to try my best to study. And Scooter has a doctor appointment tomorrow after my test. I will get him in earlier if he looks worse. The timing of all of this is horrible.

My chest hurts from laughing...

My chest hurts from laughing at my offspring. We're sitting up watching The Office and he's been playing with a balloon. Well, it popped. I looked over at him because I was shocked by the noise. All he could say (in the most monotone voice) is "Wow. I'm sad." 😂😂😂

Me and the kid are in the floor with a shaking, cowering pile of dogs.

Me and the kid are in the floor with a shaking, cowering pile of dogs.  I'm on Facebook, rapidly approving lost and found posts in Happy Tails Lost & Found Pets of Calhoun County.  This is how we spend Fourth of July.

If you have pets and haven't yet secured them and assured their safety - please do it now if they haven't run away in terror.  If you can't find them, post them ASAP.  We have just shy of 5000 members in the local area so maybe your fur-child can be found before it's run over by a car.  Don't mean to be a damper on everyone's party, but seriously - take care of the innocents in your charge - this evening and always.

Thank you.

I feel like I've been posting a lot today.

I feel like I've been posting a lot today.  I should be studying for my Biology test that is on Tuesday, but I don't think I can concentrate right now.  So, I wanted to talk about the internet.  Cable One as a provider, specifically.

So you might remember last summer when my data usage spiked and I eventually got upgraded from the $50 plan to the $80 plan because we exceeded 300 gigs of data 3 times in a row.  Our plan is now 400 gigs a month, and of course we went over THAT the first month that Shadow was out of school for the summer.

After A LOT of troubleshooting I figured out what was causing our overages.  In a word:  YOUTUBE.

We have Netflix and Hulu and Shadow games online, but since cutting off access to YouTube at the router, we've not even come close to our limit for the month.  We have Netflix set on a lower quality setting.  That didn't change much.  I started turning the internet off for 7 hours a night and that also didn't do much.  Even with YouTube set on standard playback it didn't change it enough.

For now I've got YouTube totally blocked.  I think I'll keep it that way until this billing cycle is up.  Then I will probably allow access (via parental controls at the router) to it for maybe 30 minutes a day.  I'll see how that impacts our usage.  For the record I'm not blaming it all on Shadow.  I love nail art videos, though admittedly I have much less time to sit around watching than he does.

Anyway.  I just thought that anyone out there who is having issues with Cable One might be interested to know how we are handling it.  Of course Cable One is no help because they want money so it took us a lot of trial and error to get this figured out.  Since Corporate Greed really chaps my ass I'm sharing with the world.  Feel free to do the same.  Keep in mind that if they upgraded you and you don't want it, after 3 months of not going over your limit you can tell them to bump you back down to the lower-priced service.  They can't keep charging you for something that you aren't using.

Went to Tractor Supply. Picked out a bone for Scooter.

Went to Tractor Supply. Picked out a bone for Scooter. He wasn't interested. He seems to prefer the kind I bought him before this one so I'll grab more of those later. 

I am not SUPER worried that he didn't want that bone. He felt well enough to snatch Booka's Pupperoni. 😂 That made me happy. My good little bad dog. 🙂

I am having feelings today.

I am having feelings today.  I think my old man isn't going to be with me much longer.  🙁

I've been watching Scooter carefully because I am not gonna have him suffering.  Despite the doctor upping his dose of Prednisone his muscles seem to still be deteriorating.  He has a hard time standing up.  He's tripping and stumbling more and he's also unable to hold himself upright on the kitchen floor anymore (no traction).  The other day he was standing in there and just flopped sideways.  Thank goodness he's so short and didn't have too far to fall.

Several times a day he'll just be laying on his side in the floor, barking.  He's always been weird, but he's never done that.

The doctor said that his condition was probably autoimmune so I was hoping for a turnaround.  Last summer was terrible for me and due to my autoimmune arthritis I was barely able to walk without help.  But now I'm ok.  I was really hoping that the same would happen for him, but there is no way to know if it will or not.

He still enjoys chewing bones and he's still eating and using the bathroom.  I've been spoiling him by giving him whatever food he wants.  He loves pound cake so we've been eating a lot of that together.  But I just really feel that our time together is coming to an end.  I am just wondering if I will know when the time is "right."  I have learned from experience that a little too early would be better than a little too late.  I don't want him to feel bad or unhappy.  But I can tell that he feels like crap so maybe it's time now.  Maybe I've already waited too long.  How do I know?

Kicking off vacation in these goofy things!

Kicking off vacation in these goofy things!  I was trying to be less "the same" on every nail.  I think I did a good job.  Well, except that I think my thumb might accidentally resemble a penis.  😕

So, I'd seen this video online that someone came out with stamping plates for stones - basically a template of a design that you arrange your stones into and then you pick them up and apply them with a stamper.  Sure beats putting them on one at a time!  Well, it's cool and all, but it was kind of expensive for what it was.  So, I tried just lining up some stones on top of the design I used to stamp polish on my nail and then picked them up and put them on with my stamper.

It worked pretty well.  They held formation on a sticky stamper head and since I have a clear stamper, placement was extra-easy.  I'd been wanting to try that out and I'll probably do some more of this in the near future.  I'll just need to keep a better eye on what my shapes come out like.  For the record:  On my thumb I was going for a smaller triangle inside a bigger triangle.  I maybe needed a few more stones on there.  LOL