I'm taking off in a few hours for the weekend. Yes, I only worked three full days this week. I'm headed to the lake again since it'll be three weeks before I go again.
This past weekend was good. Unfortunately I forgot the camera, so no photos of the dogs. Lulu was actually rather comfortable in her life jacket and Tramp hated every minute of it as usual. I had taken Lulu down to the water and put her in just to see if she would freak out. Not so much. That was good since not more than 10 minutes later she was hurled into the water by a rogue boat cover edge. The boat cover swept her into the water and the life jacket popped her up to the top as she was flailing. Poor puppy. Not the way I wanted her to be introduced to swimming. Turns out it didn't bother her and she was raring to go seconds after being fished out. Each of the dogs got their ride on the jet skis and loved it. This weekend we'll take the pontoon out since it's easier to get them on that rather than the speed boat. Audrey will get to do what she loves best and swim, swim, swim.
Hopefully I will remember the camera this time (I have a note) and will post pix next week.
Have a good weekend.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
This and That
THERE ARE TWO POSTS TODAY
It's been 14 months since I started this adoption process and 11 months since I was put on the waiting list for a child from Vietnam. There have been MANY ups and downs and so many things are still unknown. I hope you got a chance to read yesterday's post on what the Joint Council on International Child's Services has planned to "help" the US sign an agreement with Vietnam so there won't be a moratorium on adoptions. Please contact your local representatives and help with this effort on behalf of all the children waiting for a "forever family," waiting famlies, families yet to come.
Today begins the Memorial Day holiday weekend. What does everyone have planned? I'm heading to lake about 1pm today. It should be a good time. I hope to take some pictures of Miss Lulu since I haven't taken many in the 3½ weeks she's been a part of the family. I bought her a life vest this week as I'm pretty sure she will need it.
It's been a crazy 3½ weeks with Lulu. She's getting better at the house training. I was wondering there for a while with as many accidents, but the accidents come few and far between now. We'll start working on commands next. I wanted to wait until she was practically potty trained and knew her name. Occasionally she will sit when asked, but I think it's more of a coincidence thing than her actually knowing what I was asking. Lulu and Audrey love to play together. They go at it for hours and Lulu is so quick. Tramp is warming up to Lulu, but still isn't that impressed even though she tries so hard for him to like her as much as she likes him. I've let her sleep in bed with me a few times and I've been pretty lucky with no accidents. Lulu was doing pretty well in sleeping through the night until the past two nights. I hope she goes back to sleeping peacefully, so I can too.
I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend. Take care and be safe.
It's been 14 months since I started this adoption process and 11 months since I was put on the waiting list for a child from Vietnam. There have been MANY ups and downs and so many things are still unknown. I hope you got a chance to read yesterday's post on what the Joint Council on International Child's Services has planned to "help" the US sign an agreement with Vietnam so there won't be a moratorium on adoptions. Please contact your local representatives and help with this effort on behalf of all the children waiting for a "forever family," waiting famlies, families yet to come.
Today begins the Memorial Day holiday weekend. What does everyone have planned? I'm heading to lake about 1pm today. It should be a good time. I hope to take some pictures of Miss Lulu since I haven't taken many in the 3½ weeks she's been a part of the family. I bought her a life vest this week as I'm pretty sure she will need it.
It's been a crazy 3½ weeks with Lulu. She's getting better at the house training. I was wondering there for a while with as many accidents, but the accidents come few and far between now. We'll start working on commands next. I wanted to wait until she was practically potty trained and knew her name. Occasionally she will sit when asked, but I think it's more of a coincidence thing than her actually knowing what I was asking. Lulu and Audrey love to play together. They go at it for hours and Lulu is so quick. Tramp is warming up to Lulu, but still isn't that impressed even though she tries so hard for him to like her as much as she likes him. I've let her sleep in bed with me a few times and I've been pretty lucky with no accidents. Lulu was doing pretty well in sleeping through the night until the past two nights. I hope she goes back to sleeping peacefully, so I can too.
I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend. Take care and be safe.
Bit O' Funny
I mentioned that I did a triathlon last weekend and that the team dresses in a theme, so I thought I would share some photos of the Semi-Pro Team.
Part of the team pre swim
Some coming out of the water
Dexter on his studly bike
Finishing the run. There are two members behind the group one being me, thankfully. LOL! I felt pretty silly in tighty-whities.
Part of the team pre swim
Some coming out of the water
Dexter on his studly bike
Finishing the run. There are two members behind the group one being me, thankfully. LOL! I felt pretty silly in tighty-whities.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
ANNOUNCEMENT
Finally an announcement was made regarding a campaign to urge the Department of State to sign a new agreement with Vietnam before September 1st.
Please vist the JCICS website to read the entire May 21, 2008 announcement and see how you can help us (adoptive & pre-adoptive families) contact Members of Congress and urge them to join the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Co-Chairs and sign their letter to Secretary Condoleezza Rice in support of the recommendations found in "A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam.”
The gist of the announcement is this:
End Corruption, Not a Child’s Right to a Family
While Joint Council shares in many of the Department of State’s concerns, we believe the solution is not the termination of adoption and elimination of a child’s right to a family. Joint Council, its Member Organizations, NGO’s including Ethica—a leading voice for ethical adoption, the Vietnamese government and Members of the United States Congress firmly believe that the solution is a rational child-centered approach designed to strengthen services, regulate providers and prosecute violators.
A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam
In response to the looming crisis facing the children of Vietnam, Joint Council today--May 21, 2008—initiates A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam. A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam proposes a series of rational recommendations that address the issues of abuse, protect the integrity of Vietnamese families and ensure the right of every child to a permanent, safe and loving family. The overriding goal of this campaign is very simple: to end corruption, but not a child’s right to a family.
The JCICS encourages people to send an email of support to them by May 30, 2008 and participate in a phone-a-thon, if you will, on June 2, 3 or 4, 2008 asking your local representatives to support A Child's Right Campaign for Vietnam then follow that up with an email to them as well. In the announcement you will find instructions on how to find your local representatives and what to say to them.
I will be taking part in this campaign as it effects me directly and so many others that I know and I hope that those families who follow behind me will not have as many issues. I ask that, if you have the time, please participate in this.
Please vist the JCICS website to read the entire May 21, 2008 announcement and see how you can help us (adoptive & pre-adoptive families) contact Members of Congress and urge them to join the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Co-Chairs and sign their letter to Secretary Condoleezza Rice in support of the recommendations found in "A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam.”
The gist of the announcement is this:
End Corruption, Not a Child’s Right to a Family
While Joint Council shares in many of the Department of State’s concerns, we believe the solution is not the termination of adoption and elimination of a child’s right to a family. Joint Council, its Member Organizations, NGO’s including Ethica—a leading voice for ethical adoption, the Vietnamese government and Members of the United States Congress firmly believe that the solution is a rational child-centered approach designed to strengthen services, regulate providers and prosecute violators.
A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam
In response to the looming crisis facing the children of Vietnam, Joint Council today--May 21, 2008—initiates A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam. A Child’s Right Campaign for Vietnam proposes a series of rational recommendations that address the issues of abuse, protect the integrity of Vietnamese families and ensure the right of every child to a permanent, safe and loving family. The overriding goal of this campaign is very simple: to end corruption, but not a child’s right to a family.
The JCICS encourages people to send an email of support to them by May 30, 2008 and participate in a phone-a-thon, if you will, on June 2, 3 or 4, 2008 asking your local representatives to support A Child's Right Campaign for Vietnam then follow that up with an email to them as well. In the announcement you will find instructions on how to find your local representatives and what to say to them.
I will be taking part in this campaign as it effects me directly and so many others that I know and I hope that those families who follow behind me will not have as many issues. I ask that, if you have the time, please participate in this.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Weekly Quip
Rather than a mass email I thought I would post today. My fav's are in blue.
40 THINGS YOU'D LOVE TO SAY OUT LOUD AT WORK.............
1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of crap.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a dang word you're saying.
10. Ahhh...I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?
24. Do I look like a people person?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic, & disorder-my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
40. Oh I get it... like humor... but different
40 THINGS YOU'D LOVE TO SAY OUT LOUD AT WORK.............
1. I can see your point, but I still think you're full of crap.
2. I don't know what your problem is, but I'll bet it's hard to pronounce.
3. How about never? Is never good for you?
4. I see you've set aside this special time to humiliate yourself in public.
5. I'm really easy to get along with once you people learn to see it my way.
6. I'll try being nicer if you'll try being smarter.
7. I'm out of my mind, but feel free to leave a message.
8. I don't work here. I'm a consultant.
9. It sounds like English, but I can't understand a dang word you're saying.
10. Ahhh...I see the screw-up fairy has visited us again.
11. I like you. You remind me of myself when I was young and stupid.
12. You are validating my inherent mistrust of strangers.
13. I have plenty of talent and vision; I just don't give a damn.
14. I'm already visualizing the duct tape over your mouth.
15. I will always cherish the initial misconceptions I had about you.
16. Thank you. We're all refreshed and challenged by your unique point of view.
17. The fact that no one understands you doesn't mean you're an artist.
18. Any connection between your reality and mine is purely coincidental.
19. What am I? Flypaper for freaks!?
20. I'm not being rude. You're just insignificant.
21. It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off.
22. Yes, I am an agent of Satan, but my duties are largely ceremonial.
23. And your crybaby whiny-assed opinion would be...?
24. Do I look like a people person?
25. This isn't an office. It's Hell with fluorescent lighting.
26. I started out with nothing & still have most of it left.
27. Sarcasm is just one more service we offer.
28. If I throw a stick, will you leave?
29. Errors have been made. Others will be blamed.
30. Whatever kind of look you were going for, you missed.
31. I'm trying to imagine you with a personality.
32. A cubicle is just a padded cell without a door.
33. Can I trade this job for what's behind door #1?
34. Too many freaks, not enough circuses.
35. Nice perfume. Must you marinate in it?
36. Chaos, panic, & disorder-my work here is done.
37. How do I set a laser printer to stun?
38. I thought I wanted a career; turns out I just wanted a salary.
39. Who lit the fuse on your tampon?
40. Oh I get it... like humor... but different
Friday, May 16, 2008
Big Weekend
Yes, that is what I have planned. A college friend is coming in town and we are going to do the whole alumni weekend. It should be a good time if for no other reason than I get to see Denise for the first time in a year and a half or maybe it's two and half. Time flies. We're going to dinner at the Doubletree Hotel here in town on Friday night and have lunch and dinner on campus Saturday.
Thankfully campus is only 30 minutes from my house, so I have time between lunch and dinner to stop by my house to let the dogs out then get to my cousins sons 1 year birthday party which is another 30 minutes the opposite direction.
I'm doing a triathlon on Sunday morning that I'm looking forward to, but not. I'm not looking forward to swimming in the cesspool they call a lake. It's actually a large pond, IMO, that is filled with goose poop. Doesn't that sound like fun! Normally I do this race as a duathlon (run, bike, run), but I'm joining some tri friends as a sort of team therefore I must swim. The team theme this year is Semi Pro. Yes, like the Will Ferrel movie. I'm to dress up like Will. We're even getting b-ball jersey's with nicknames and numbers. In years past they have had the theme of Captain Underpants (click for wikipedia).
I love Captain Underpants (click for online adventures). Have you ever read the books? Too funny! My favorite is the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopy Pants. The titles of the books crack me up. Wicked Wedgie Women, Bionic Booger Boy, who wouldn't think these are hilarious. Dav Pilkey, the author, is great. He also has Super Diaper Baby books and a few new ones that I haven't read FrankenFart vs. The Bionic Barf Bunnies from Diarrhea Land, the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers, and The Brainy Bamboozle of Black Cheetah Man. I don't have them all (only 6), but plan on getting what I don't have (5 more). He also has "fun" books (games) that go with them.
Then the rest of Sunday I get to do yardwork. YIPPEE!! Eventually I'll get to RR.
Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend.
Thankfully campus is only 30 minutes from my house, so I have time between lunch and dinner to stop by my house to let the dogs out then get to my cousins sons 1 year birthday party which is another 30 minutes the opposite direction.
I'm doing a triathlon on Sunday morning that I'm looking forward to, but not. I'm not looking forward to swimming in the cesspool they call a lake. It's actually a large pond, IMO, that is filled with goose poop. Doesn't that sound like fun! Normally I do this race as a duathlon (run, bike, run), but I'm joining some tri friends as a sort of team therefore I must swim. The team theme this year is Semi Pro. Yes, like the Will Ferrel movie. I'm to dress up like Will. We're even getting b-ball jersey's with nicknames and numbers. In years past they have had the theme of Captain Underpants (click for wikipedia).
I love Captain Underpants (click for online adventures). Have you ever read the books? Too funny! My favorite is the Perilous Plot of Professor Poopy Pants. The titles of the books crack me up. Wicked Wedgie Women, Bionic Booger Boy, who wouldn't think these are hilarious. Dav Pilkey, the author, is great. He also has Super Diaper Baby books and a few new ones that I haven't read FrankenFart vs. The Bionic Barf Bunnies from Diarrhea Land, the Terrifying Return of Tippy Tinkletrousers, and The Brainy Bamboozle of Black Cheetah Man. I don't have them all (only 6), but plan on getting what I don't have (5 more). He also has "fun" books (games) that go with them.
Then the rest of Sunday I get to do yardwork. YIPPEE!! Eventually I'll get to RR.
Anyway, I hope you all have a great weekend.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
The Hap's
Yes, I went there.
Tim and I saw 'Wicked' last night. Tim was a good sport since he joined in on a "girls night." The show was good. Unlike most people I know who are freaked out by the flying monkey's in 'The Wizard of Oz' I am freaked out by the Wicked Witch of the West. Yes, the witch. Weird I know. I can deal with flying monkey's all day, but not that darn witch. She just FREAKY. Anyway, this musical puts a new twist on the witch for me and I feel that I can, once again, watch 'The Wizard of Oz.' If any of you get a chance to see 'Wicked' I would go. It is very interesting. The musical is about the witches of Oz. West, East and Glinda and their lives before they became "those" witches.
Actual good news on the adoption front. There was a referral this week of a 3 month old girl and apparently "several" more children waiting for clearance in order to be matched. The hope is by early June we will hear that these children have been matched. Their medical exams are done and they have to wait 60 days for the announcement period to be up. That is when the VN government puts notices out to find possible family members. There is no news on what is really going to happen once September 1st rolls around. Next week sometime there will be an announcement of a letter writing campaign to encourage our government representatives to pressure the DOS into "getting over themselves" and signing another agreement. I'll pass that info on when I receive it.
Tim and I saw 'Wicked' last night. Tim was a good sport since he joined in on a "girls night." The show was good. Unlike most people I know who are freaked out by the flying monkey's in 'The Wizard of Oz' I am freaked out by the Wicked Witch of the West. Yes, the witch. Weird I know. I can deal with flying monkey's all day, but not that darn witch. She just FREAKY. Anyway, this musical puts a new twist on the witch for me and I feel that I can, once again, watch 'The Wizard of Oz.' If any of you get a chance to see 'Wicked' I would go. It is very interesting. The musical is about the witches of Oz. West, East and Glinda and their lives before they became "those" witches.
Actual good news on the adoption front. There was a referral this week of a 3 month old girl and apparently "several" more children waiting for clearance in order to be matched. The hope is by early June we will hear that these children have been matched. Their medical exams are done and they have to wait 60 days for the announcement period to be up. That is when the VN government puts notices out to find possible family members. There is no news on what is really going to happen once September 1st rolls around. Next week sometime there will be an announcement of a letter writing campaign to encourage our government representatives to pressure the DOS into "getting over themselves" and signing another agreement. I'll pass that info on when I receive it.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Thursday, May 8, 2008
TV-aholic
As I've mentioned before that is what I am. Unfortunately there are evenings when I cannot watch TV and therefore must tape/DVR a show or two or three. Lately I haven't had much time to sit down and catch up on what I've taped/DVR'd, so I am SO far behind. Thankfully the shows are starting to come to an end and I won't have to worry about taping/DVR-ing them just trying to watch them all. I do have time at work, occasionally, to watch a show or two online and today should be one of those days, but it doesn't seem to be going that direction. People who shouldn't be here are here and I wish they would just leave. Not necessarily so I can watch my TV shows online, but because I don't want them here period. Yes, they work here, but they need to be out and about not sitting in the office making 100 photos copies. It's just one of those days when I want the office to myself to do my job and whatever else I want to do or catch up on. I'm just really tired and would like to kick back in my chair and take a nap today over lunch and do not want to be disturbed. If they don't leave then I can't nap and lunch is only 40 minutes away.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Howzit?
I've been out of touch for a little while. Sorry about that. There just hasn't been much to say, but here are the highlights:
- Rode 26 miles on Saturday, April 26 - went pretty well
- Ran a 4 mile race on Sunday, April 27 - went really well
- Ran my own 5k on Saturday, May 3 - LOL!
- Rode 30 miles on Sunday, May 4 - didn't got that well
- There were no referrals on Friday, May 2 just more "we know nothing" statements.
- There's been a "restructuring" of my agency which may not be the best sign since my local coordinator now has no job. She will be contracted by the agency which means she won't be working with me as my coordinator just as a social worker.
- I had a massage on Friday, May 2 - yea!
- Busy weekend coming up. I have a friends birthday celebration on Friday, running on Saturday and possibly riding on Saturday or Sunday plus cleaning my house.
- Lulu is doing really well. She's is the cutest little puppy and very smart. She and Audrey have a blast playing together and Lulu often "wins." She's slept through the night since Friday, May 2. I let her sleep in bed with me Sunday night and when she'd get cold she'd snuggle closer and at one point she threw her head over my neck and slept like that, but she always had to be touching me. Most of the time her paw was on my face. She had a rough weekend with the potty training, but so far this week has been pretty good. Only one accident on our way out the door to pee. Stinker! I can't believe she's been with me for a week now. Tramp is getting better. He let me lay her next to him in his bed last night and they both "slept" for about 10 minutes like that. He wants to go to work with me everyday, but it'll get better. I did bring them both to work with me last Wednesday and just Lulu last Thursday. Lulu will come with me again tomorrow. I go home and get them at lunch, so they are too bored watching me work. Her personality is coming out more and more everyday. She's already shown her psycho puppy side by running around the house like a mad woman chasing nothing. She's also found her voice and talks back often.
I could go on and on about my fur-babies especially my little psycho puppy Lulu, but I won't bore you. Not that I haven't already. I hope you all are having a good week.
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