Inspiring

The alarm clock went off at around 6am this morning and the work day officially commenced.  "Time to make the donuts" is what came out of my mouth while walking into the kitchen to feed Riley.  The ho-hum monotony of the daily work day routine setting in.  The drive to work, the phone call at 7:45am from my husband, and pulling into my parking spot at 7:55am... all the same as any other day. 

It's not until lunch that I come to realize just how much I take for granted.  I attended a brown bag luncheon entitled "Overcoming Obstacles" with the ladies in my office.  What an eye opener.  The speaker was John Robinson, President and CEO of Our Ability, Inc.  John is 3 foot 9 inches tall and was born with congenital birth defects.  I hate to use the word defect though after having heard him speak, watched him move about, and learned all that he's working towards.  The word defect does in no way belong associated with him.  

He shared several comical stories about living with his disability: walking through deep snow, attempting to grab the girl scout cookies from on top of the fridge, and devising a way to button his pants.  What really hit home however was when he said "I just wanted to be normal."  Normal, to me, is a terrible word because it brings to mind conformity and assimilation, the opposite of unique and diverse.  He went on to explain though that his idea of normal was the aspiration to have the Monday through Friday job, the mortgage he couldn't afford, a wife and a family.  Simple things.  Things I have and complain about.  

So I'm taking a moment to reflect on just how wonderful my "mundane" life is:  

• The mortgage and taxes that I hate to shell out.  At least I have a roof over my head and a gathering place for family events.  
• The dog that I argue about who's turn it is to walk.  Rain or shine that little guy loves me unconditionally and I cannot see my life without him.
• My husband and his predictable morning phone call.  At least I have a counterpart to go through life with and he's thinking of me, letting me know he got to work safely.
• The Monday-Friday job that promises a hassle at least once a week.  I have income and I did not face nearly the challenges that some do when applying/interviewing for a job.
• My ability to easily grab the girl scout cookies from the cabinet even though I don't need the calories.   God blessed me with a fully capable body (and a little too much free will in the chocolate/sweets department).  For that I should be thankful.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life.  What are you thankful for today?

Long weekend

This weekend was fun filled to the brim.  I cannot recall the last time I went to bed after midnight two straight nights in a row.  I'm certainly feeling it this morning, but it was worth every second.  Well, minus six hours.  Saturday the hubs and I sat through a six hour defensive driving class.  It will lower our insurance costs, but it's six hours of my life I cannot get back.  So let me give you the quick and dirty of the weekend:

Friday night - 

My parents agreed to pick up Riley so he wouldn't have to be crated all day Saturday.  This left us "kid free" so-to-speak which worked out well since a friend of ours is home from the Army and invited us over for a bbq and bonfire.  It was great to catch up and reminisce about growing up together.  We got to chit chatting about what's wrong with the youth of today (because we're so old) and somehow transitioned to our culinary interests.  Before we knew it, it was midnight.  Justin and I hurried home since we had an early morning ahead of us.

Furry Friday: Strange Behavior

Any other day this little guy is the light of my life.  Wednesday evening he was anything but.  We were getting ready for bed, doing our usual routine.  I lift him up to the bed, proceed to plug in our cell phones, turn on his nightlight, and on my way back out of the room to take out my contacts I usually stop to give him a few snuggles before giving him his bed bone.  Unlike any other day though, it's at this point that he snaps.  Growling and snarling, he bites at my hair.  Scary!  Justin grabs him worrying that he was going to bite my face and in the process Justin's thumb gets bitten.  

Furry Friday: Irish Much

 HAPPY SAINT PATTY'S DAY!

May your neighbors respect you, trouble neglect you, angels protect you and heaven accept you.

Furry Friday: Soaking It Up

As you may recall, Justin and I have been renovating the upstairs bathroom.  I have to admit, Justin and my dad have been doing most of the work.  I've helped with the demolition, provided creative vision, selected items for the decor, and of course I'm helping support the project financially.  Justin and my dad kid around that I'm the project manager, but in reality I'm an extra brain to pick and I'm the person they send to the hardware store when they need something.  Whichever way you look at it, our little arrangement works and the bathroom is coming out great.  Looking at it now, it's hard to believe it started out as a plastic pink tile mess with a mismatched tub surround and peeling wallpaper.  We now have fresh drywall and beautiful porcelain tile that mimics the look of natural stone.  The best part is we're just few steps away from the finished product reveal, so stay tuned!

Crocodile Tears

Can I get a show of hands for those of you who suffered through Courtney's crocodile tears on the Bachelor's Women Tell All last night?  Boy, her publicist really has her job cut out for her (or him)!  Courtney was a broken record last night.  "I could have handled things differently."  "I felt uncomfortable." "I was embarrassed by my actions."  I think we've heard these things from previously impeached Presidents, no?  No matter what was said to her, she stuck to her lines.  Must be she and Ben have the same script writer because he has a limited vocabulary as well.  "These are all incredible women." How many times have we heard that over the course of the show?  He's so bland.  Here's what could make the show a little better: if Ben cuts his hair, scales back on the downers, and develops a personality.  Oh, and if he could see Courtney for who she really is (a snotty no-name model riding his coat tails for a boost to her career). 

Furry Friday: No Love for Lola

Seeing as how we were blessed with snow in the great North East this week, I had the luxury of staying home a day and a half due to "inclement weather."  Making exceptional use of this time at home I got caught up on Jersey Shore re-runs, put in four hours of shoveling, and fit in a two hour nap.  In the middle of all of that I somehow managed to feed my two nameless fish, walk the dog, and entertain phone calls from my pal Danielle.  Tough life, I know.