Things have been rough.

Things have been rough. I know this because both Shaun and I wake up every animal that doesn't immediately respond when we enter a room. 😥😥😥

Does anyone local...

Does anyone local have a walker they could loan out or sell for cheap?

So... I have a situation and I'm not sure how to proceed.

So... I have a situation and I'm not sure how to proceed.  I've been having some plumbing issues, but when I called a plumber they said it sounded like septic tank issues.  I thought I was on sewer, though, so I called the water works and they came out and said that no - I am probably not on sewer.  I will call a septic tank guy - I can handle that (unless anyone has any recommendations), but um... water works has been charging me sewer charges for 12 years.  Turns out that adds up to not nothing.  I don't think I have copies of bills dating all the way to back when I moved in here, though.

Should I contact the water works?  Should I be cool and try to get copies of my bills first?  Should I contact a lawyer?  I don't know what the smartest thing to do would be.  I also wonder if all of my neighbors are being charged, as well.  Could this be kind of a big deal?

Saved the best (and longest) for last. 😁😁😁

Saved the best (and longest) for last. 😁😁😁

Opening a gift from one of her friends. Her face! ❤️❤️❤️

Opening a gift from one of her friends. Her face! ❤️❤️❤️

Happy Birthday song and Smashing of the face. 😁😁😁

Happy Birthday song and Smashing of the face. 😁😁😁

I didn't get to come on Facebook...

I didn't get to come on Facebook and wish a Happy 18th Birthday to the most amazing girl I know (Kira, duh!) but it's because we had a really busy day. Kira wanted to take a pack of friends to Dave and Busters in Atlanta to celebrate so we rented a car large enough to hold us all and went out. It was a great time!

I drove a huge Dodge Durango packed full of people. That is probably the nicest thing I've ever driven in my life. My arthritis is flaring up, but the heated seat and steering wheel helped it to be a far less uncomfortable trip. Since it was a huge SUV the screen that comes on when you back up helped tremendously. It was amazing.

But anyway. Shaun is the one who planned all of this and also the one who navigated us there because the car's GPS lied to me. 😂 We both picked out and wrapped her gifts and also picked out and decorated her cake together. Check out those candle flames. It's not just the lighting - they burn in colors! Science is awesome!

Y'all stay tuned because I have some pretty great video to upload. 😉

Cat Update:

Cat Update:

No one else has spontaneously died so that's nice.

My Gramson Leon was neutered this morning and is doing fine.  We get to bring him home tomorrow.

Midna seems to feel better than when we dropped her off at the vet, but she is rail thin.  I can feel all of her bones.  🙁  Thankfully, she is eating and her poop does look better than when we dropped her off.  I'm still worried about her, but I'm thankful for the progress and she is not scaring me every minute like Bun was.  Hopefully my old lady will be ok.

Midna is home.

Midna is home. She still has diarrhea and is on meds, but the vet said that she's improved from what she was last week.

It is far too early for this kind of heartbreak.

It is far too early for this kind of heartbreak. I got up and wasn't greeted by a Snaga meow. She was one of my most vocal cats and I've been sensing her absence with my ears. She was always the first to run up to you with a meow - requesting her lovings. Ignore that and you'd get the polite but firm claw-pat that let you know it was really more of a demand and that you'd better go ahead and comply. 😂😂😂

Not that we'd ever want our animals to experience pain or suffering, but when they are sick there is usually at least a little time to prepare. With Snaga, she'd never looked healthier. She caught colds easily and often had skin allergies, but she had none of that going on. We're still in shock, but it's hitting me after not hearing her voice in almost 24 hours.  😭😭😭

I've gotta get up the nerve to check on Midna shortly. It was hard going all weekend without hearing anything, but most vets say that no news = good news. I hate to say that I'm avoiding it, though, just in case. I don't know how much more my heart can take.

Shaun just found Snaga...

Shaun just found Snaga (one of my cats) dead in the hall. No blood or signs of struggle. She wasn't even super old. Was healthy and normal as far as we could tell. I just gave the cats fresh food and water at 10 and she was fine. I am wondering if she choked or something because this was completely unexpected and so out of left field.

We are in shock. I'm gonna miss her. She was the grossest of my cats - she drooled a ton when you petted her and if she shook her head you got splattered. I loved those wet lovins. 😂 She had a great meow and she was very demanding. She would reach out and grab you when it was time to pet her. She liked playing in my mom's hair when she came over.

Whatever happened - she appears to have gone fast and for that we are grateful. We wouldn't wish pain or suffering on any of our kids.

Rest in Peace, Snaga-baga. ❤️

Y'all, I'm not really ok right now.

Y'all, I'm not really ok right now.  I don't know why.  You would think that I would be SO RELAXED since it was spring break, but my life just doesn't work that way.  I think the post from Tuesday sums a lot of it up, but there is more going on than that.

I've been on spring break since Monday and I haven't done a stitch of studying or schoolwork.  I should have really been taking advantage of this time to get good at Java and Intro to Advanced Math, but I didn't.  I slept a lot, caught up on housework, and have been a lump on the couch with my dogs, but over the last few days I've been avoiding notifications because I just don't want to talk to anyone and today I didn't even want to get out of bed.  I feel like depression and anxiety are getting to me, and I don't know what to do about it.  If nothing else being on break should have been relaxing and good, but nope.

Now thanks to tornadoes jacking up my school I have another week off, so it's almost like I've gotten a second chance to catch up.  I hope I don't waste it.  I am concerned that I will because my motivation is zero, but we'll see.

I'm probably about to take a break from social media because I feel like I just can't deal.  I actually just told Shaun (who is sitting on the couch next to me) not to talk to me because he was like a notification right now - something that wanted attention that I don't have to give.  So it's not personal.  I just need to be left alone right now.

Before I go I'm going to tell y'all what to do if you find small animals.  Best thing is for it's mom to have it, but if that isn't possible look for a vet or licensed rehabber (NOT THE ANNISTON MUSEUM).  I highly recommend Wild Mammal Care of Alabama 205.871.7803 for mammals and Alabama Wildlife Center for birds.  However, if you for some reason have no choice but to nurse a baby animal, do this:

1)  Warm the baby (and keep it warm, but don't cook it - they need space to get away from the heat source in case it is too much).  Never feed a cold baby.  You will likely kill it.

2)  Hydrate the baby with clear Pedialyte.  If they aren't hydrated they can't digest milk, and you will likely kill it.

3)  Feed milk that was MADE FOR THE SPECIES.  Don't feed wildlife kitten or puppy milk.  The FoxValleyNutrition website has formula for wildlife.  Buy it and use it.  Anything else can cause diarrhea and upset stomach, and some young babies are too vulnerable to survive that.

4)  Kitten bottles are shit.  For kittens and small animals, go to www.henryspets.com and buy their excellent syringes and silicon nipples.  For puppies, human bag bottles with premie nipples are amazing.

5)  NURSE THE BABIES FLAT LIKE THEIR PARENTS WOULD.  This seems like common sense to me, but so many humans think it's adorable to feed kittens, puppies, and wildlife like human infants.  It's not cute; it can be life threatening.  Don't do it.

6)  Wipe the butts with something warm after every feeding.

7)  Leave them alone except for feeding time.  Honestly, they are supposed to spend a lot of time sleeping, so don't mess with them.

*  If you find baby rabbits, find a rehabber.  They are especially hard to not kill.  I do not recommend trying to rehab them yourself.

*   Birds cripple easily so try to get them to the bird center, or maybe try Dr. Cooner at AMC.  Also note that many of them are illegal to try to rehab without a special license.

I hope y'all are doing well.  I'll see you when I feel like I have the energy for social media again.  Until then, take no offense if I don't talk to you.  I just can't right now.  ❤

From Denise Atkisson:

From Denise Atkisson:

Happy Tails! Blu Stephens...so many babies have been reunited with their parents thanks to your help. I love Happy Tails more every day!

Midna is staying in the hospital for a few days.

Midna is staying in the hospital for a few days. We were planning to say goodbye this morning because she looked so rough, but the vet thinks they can help her out. She ate for them already. She hasn't eaten for us in several days. The emotional roller-coaster continues. 😥

I didn't sleep enough last night. Currently, I'm on the couch with dogs. Faith always tries to prevent Booka from getting on the couch, but I guess once he's up here and covered in a blanket he makes a good pillow. 😂😂😂 How she can sleep on someone who's snoring that loud - I'll never know. I need these clowns in my life forever. ❤️

Over the last few days my sanity has taken a hit.

Over the last few days my sanity has taken a hit.

We frankened a working pet gate from two older pet gates.  The one that was taller is the one we ended up using.  Unfortunately, it was covered in Nappy's "nose art" and had to be cleaned.  I felt like I just washed the last piece of her out of my life.  🙁

Midna (my 10 year old cat) is very sick.  She's had runny poop for years, but no one could find anything wrong with her.  She was otherwise healthy; the only real downside is that she sometimes didn't make it to the litter box.  Over the last few days she lost her appetite and was just leaking diarrhea constantly and I assumed that she was having a final downturn.  I took her to the vet fully expecting that they would tell me there is nothing left to be done for her, but she's on medication and now my hopes are up.  I guess I don't get a break from rollercoaster emotions right now.

I had a salad with pickles last night.  I realized as I cut the pickle skins off that Emma wasn't there to eat them for me.  She always loved pickle skins.  That was a punch to the heart, as well.

I've been lazy for days and just finally loaded the dishwasher.  Among all of our used dishes were the dishes we used to try to nurse Bun back to health.  Ouch.

Of course the weather was stressful and I'm just now realizing the extent of the damage at JSU.  I am in panic mode.  I don't mean to sound selfish, but what does this mean for us - the students?  Will my degree be delayed?  Will we finish this semester?  I am positively petrified.

And of course my Facebook is blowing up with Happy Tails Lost & Found Pets of Calhoun County requests and posts needing approval.  It is such a sad day.  I hope everyone finds their loved ones safe and sound.

I hope you all are doing well.  I have been mostly ok, but today I am not.  I'm off to clean my house and immerse myself in homework so that I can feel I have a semblance of control over something.

Frank Fleming! Nooo! 😭😭😭

Frank Fleming! Nooo! 😭😭😭

https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2018/03/renowned_alabama_artist_frank.html

Kiddos dressed up for prom. 😍

Kiddos dressed up for prom. 😍

Bun is free of her illness now.

Bun is free of her illness now. I'm gonna miss her sassy little nub butt. 😭 Rest in Peace, sweet girl. ❤️

Bun is walking around and drinking water.

Bun is walking around and drinking water.  Why is it that every time I say "It's time." she suddenly seems a bit improved the next day?  Then we wait and she seems worse again.  I feel like life is playing a cruel joke on us.

I think my only option right now is to judge her by the quality of her life.  Even on the best day she's had all week I wouldn't want to keep her in that state.  She had enough energy a little bit ago to walk around and see all of the cats she knows since she's been in my bedroom so she can have special care.  We feel like she was saying goodbye.  I would rather she go out on a high note, anyway.

Y'all, it's been a week.

Y'all, it's been a week.  Bun had some improvement and gave us hope, but she is getting weak again.  It has felt terrible putting her through all of this; the original plan was to do fluids over last weekend and a round of antibiotics.  We've been doing fluids all week because she was improving but was still dehydrated; it made my day when she tried to eat on her own.  But she's slowly losing the ground she gained health-wise and I don't know why.

Unless by some miracle she is doing a ton better in the morning we're going to have to say goodbye to our kitten.  We have tried, and she has tried.  I can't bear to put her through anymore.  Sometimes I hate myself for trying; she could have been spared a terrible week.

I would like to wish...

I would like to wish a very happy birthday to my Man-Cub, Shadow.  It's hard to believe that he is 18 YEARS OLD already.

Obviously I am never done, but I have to say that it has been amazing getting to be his mom so far.  From the start he was the happiest and funniest kid.  He was rarely any trouble for me.  He was content to fight invisible ninjas or dance or sing or just play in general by himself.  By 4th grade he was setting an alarm and catching the bus for school, screaming "Bye mom, I love you!" as he went.  If nothing else, I think he got my independent streak.

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching him grow and develop into the wonderful person he is today.  He is good-looking, smart, funny, kind, and talented - and he still has his whole life in front of him!  I can't wait to see what he does out in the world.  I am so proud of him already that I don't even have words.

Happy Birthday, kiddo.  I love you like the world.  ❤

Shaun is with Blu

Shaun is with Blu

Laurel made it so.

Laurel made it so.

Now maybe one of these days we'll live in the same house. 😂😂😂

Doing our thing today. 😃

Doing our thing today.  😃

Bun is eating small amounts...

Bun is eating small amounts and drinking on her own. She mostly licks at chicken baby food. She gets more into drinking water - going as far as kneading around her dish like she's nursing. Her skin indicates that she is much less dehydrated than she was.

I put her on a super soft hoodie of mine and she started kneading it and purring. That's the happiest she's looked in what seems like ages. I really hope she'll end up being ok.

This is what MS 300 looks like.

This is what MS 300 looks like - a mash-up of English and Math. It's pretty neat. But look at the circled bit. Each one of those letters / symbols "E" means something different. 😂😂😂

I am feeling a bit more optimistic about Bun this morning.

I am feeling a bit more optimistic about Bun this morning.  When Shaun offered her baby food she ate a very small amount on her own.  Shaun ended up feeding her by syringe again (which we both hate being a part of), but she's not throwing up right now; she just doesn't want to eat for whatever reason.  Her mouth looks ok so it could just be no appetite.  Anyway.  I'm thankful that she's keeping food down.

Her posture looks more relaxed and her eyes aren't glazed and her paws aren't as cold.  That last one might be because I moved her to my bedroom and while I am almost never hot - I do have a heater on in here so much that I'm wearing shorts and a t-shirt with no hoodie.  She also slept last night instead of crying and I'm not sure what that is due to, but I'm grateful that we were both able to rest.

Before Shaun went to work he offered her a cat treat and she did chew it up and ingest at least part of it on her own.  She is currently resting but I heard her moving around and looked at her to find her grooming her paws so I'm hoping that our little BunBun is on the mend.  I hate what I have seen her go through over the last few days and have come really close to calling it quits because I can't handle the thought of her suffering.  I don't want to be too overly optimistic because I don't think she is totally out of the woods yet, but I'm so very relieved that she at least seems to be feeling improved.

I'm staying home with her again today and studying math.  I should be going to classes, but when I have an average of 100 in two classes and am struggling in two others I think it's perfectly acceptable to skip the easy stuff and put that time and energy into the more difficult stuff - so that is what I'm doing.  I really appreciate this kind of freedom in college.  Wish me luck in math and Java.  ❤

I took Bun back to the vet because she wasn't eating.

I took Bun back to the vet because she wasn't eating. They gave her an injection that was supposed to help with nausea within 30 minutes and last for 24 hours. I've been trying all day to get her to eat the food they gave me (or anything at all) - with no success. 🙁

Then Shaun arrives here and I'm prepared to have the euthanasia talk with him. But then he offers her the same thing I've been trying to give her all day AND SHE ATE A LITTLE BIT OF IT. I am happy about that and grateful for the fact that she hasn't thrown it up as of yet, but even small progress makes me want to give her more time as bad as she seems to feel. I really hate deciding when "it's time" worse than anything in the world.

Highlight of my day:

Highlight of my day:  Shadow got his braces off.  Look at those chompers! ❤❤❤

I'm up far too late on a school night.

I'm up far too late on a school night. Bun isn't doing well. She's stopped eating. I am so sad to think this way, but I know she feels terrible and I can't watch her suffer anymore. If the vet has no other suggestions we will probably have to let her go in the morning. 😭😭😭 Shaun and I have spent all weekend injecting fluids under her skin, medicating her, encouraging her to eat, and loving her. I'd really hoped to see improvement; she is not even 3 years old yet - far too young for this. But she is the runt of her litter and also very unique, which isn't always a good thing. Our hearts are breaking.

I guess I'd better try to get some sleep. I have class in the morning. I'm desperate for a sliver of good news in the morning.

Hi, friends! So... I have news.

Hi, friends!  So... I have news.  I'm marrying Shaun on Wednesday, March 14th.  We know it's weird to do things like this in the middle of the week, but we don't care.  We do what we do.  LOL

I am not a very formal person and also not a big fan of tradition and ceremony, but we will be having a small, quick thing in Talladega at 5:30.  I have only really told the people who are super close to me about it, so if you haven't gotten a personal "Hey, do you want to watch me get married?" from me, then please don't feel offended.  Just shoot me a message and let me know if you'd like the address.

Since I have never done this before and since we live separately with two households worth of stuff, it never crossed my mind to have a registry where people could buy us things.  It's come up a few times, though, so we made a registry at Target (link below).  Admittedly, money is tight with Shaun supporting both households on one income while I finish school, so there are things we could use but that are not urgent enough for us to run out and buy.  I've marked the most important stuff, which you will notice is mainly things for the kids.

Which, speaking of the kids I want to make it clear that this day is not only about me and Shaun.  Yes, we have waited for this for a very long time, but there has always been more than the two of us involved here.  We are planning to do a commitment ceremony to Shadow and Kira, as well, which is why they are included on our registry.  Blood relation or not, we're a family and we want them both to feel that deep in their bones, especially as they are both entering the scary stage of young adulthood.

Anyway, I'm pretty excited to finally get to marry the love of my life.  He is my very best friend and I couldn't imagine my life without him.

Registry Link:  [redacted]

I'm getting married next week.

I'm getting married next week.  I am happy and excited to finally be able to "make it official" with the love of my life.  But my self esteem is taking a real hit with so many of the wonderful women I know pestering me about makeup.  It's really making me sad.

This whole thing is happening in the middle of the week.  We don't currently have the time, money, or energy to "make it fancy."  Not only that, but we're NOT fancy.  I spit in the face of tradition.  I do what I want.  I have a wedding dress, but by chance only; my dad found it while dumpster diving and gave it to me.  I will not be wearing it because that is not me.

Shaun is doing his thing and he's really pumped.  No one is giving him any input on what he "should" be doing.  But it seems like there is a ton coming my way (especially regarding my face), and I'm not a fan.  I don't know if it's a girl thing or what, but I haven't always dreamed of this day, I never had any real thoughts about how I'd like it to go, and I just want to enjoy it.  I care much more about the content of our day than how it looks.

I haven't worn makeup in YEARS.  I don't like it.  My skin hurts often and to be honest I usually straight up like my face.  But for the first time in ages I'm having anxiety about how it looks.  I don't like that and I don't want it, but now it's here and I don't know what to do with it.  So, thank you for that, society.

And to be clear:  This is NOT directed at anyone in particular.  I feel like everyone has come out of the woodwork to tell me I need to cover my face.

This is why I'm marrying Shaun.

This is why I'm marrying Shaun. Bun is sick. The vet suspects a severe kidney infection and she's super dehydrated. She's got oral antibiotics and is on subQ fluids at home. He slept with Bun last night and is helping me care for her today. I couldn't have asked for a better person to share my life with. ❤❤❤

Soon.

Soon.

TFW...

TFW you haven't slept well in 2 days and you wake up having nightmares about your deceased dogs.