I have learned 2 very important lessons this week, my dogs are my children and I can wear big girl panties when I need to.
Last night when I got home from work I saw that my dogs had gotten into a Target bag and eaten a pack of gum. I promptly cleaned up what was left of the gum and headed outside to mow the lawn. I didn't think much about the gum at first until I was back inside. I am a very paranoid person when it comes to my dogs eating things they shouldn't but I really didn't think it was that big of a deal. That is when I remembered reading something about gum being potentially toxic to dogs when I was looking up something else they had gotten into a few months back. I grabbed the chewed wrapper from the trash and that was when I knew we were in trouble. They chewed up Orbit sugar-free gum. Dammit, sugar-free gum is lethal.
Sugar-free gum contains a chemical called Xylitol. It is an artificial sweetener used in gum to add the sugar flavor without the real thing. I immediately got online trying not to panic and run to the emergency vet. I was going to do some quick research since the dogs were acting normal. My dogs are also pretty large and usually that is a good thing when talking about potential poisoning. However, the more I read, the more scared I got. Xylitol causes a drastic drop in blood sugar triggering a large amount of insulin to be pumped into the system eventually leading to severe liver damage. Shit! I called the Animal Poison Control and was informed that the call may be charged to my credit card to a tune of $65. So, after hanging up with them, I just called the Emergency Vet. I was not about to spend $65 for them to tell me to go to the Vet. Of course, the Vet said to bring him in. So that is what I did - no questions asked.
I loaded up the dogs in a complete panic and headed out. I called my mother-in-law who is local to tell her what was going on. I let her know that I was on my way to the Vet and I would let her know the outcome when I know anything. Good girl, you held it together on the phone... then she called back to make sure I was OK. I lost it. It is difficult to drive a million miles and hour when you are sobbing like a girl that just fell off her bike and saw blood. I got calmed down and walked into the Vet.
Since I was unsure of which dog ate the gum, they both had to be put through the wringer. Just to be seen by the Vet it was $90 per dog. Fantastic. Both dogs showed normal vitals but I was instructed to let them induce vomiting. Proceed. Then both dogs had their stomachs pumped with charcoal. When I spoke to the Vet, she said that none of them threw up the gum which meant that it was already in their GI tract. She said in a perfect world she would run blood work on both dogs, but that it would be $250 per dog. I asked her what an imperfect world looked like. She said that I could wait until the morning and take the dogs to my vet to have the blood drawn. I asked if there as a concern with waiting and she said not really since they were not showing signs of toxicity. I paid my $440 and took the dogs home.
This morning the dogs and I piled into the car to see my vet. She took both of their blood since I still did not know which dog was the culprit. After an agonizing 30 minutes waiting on the results, we knew which dog was guilty. Tucker, my 80lb Lab. He had elevated levels of liver enzymes, low levels of potassium and some blood and protein in his urine. She was not overly concerned with the levels other than that they were different from his last exam. She prescribed me some antibiotics in case he had a bladder infection as a result and also a medication meant to help repair damaged liver cells. She is very optimistic that when we check him again in 30 days that he will be back to normal. I paid my $360 and was on my way.
Did I mention that my husband is in Hong Kong and was not here at all to help with any of this or help me make decisions with the life and death of his dog? No, Oh I must have blocked that out.
So what did I learn? I learned that I will do pretty much whatever I need to do to make sure that my dogs are alive and well. I did not bat an eye to drop $800 on them because looking back on it, I would not have changed a thing. I did the right thing and I can sleep well at night knowing what I did everything I could to make sure that my dogs were OK.
What else did I learn? I learned that I can pull up those big girl panties and make hard decisions that affect the welfare of others on my own. Pat myself on the back? I don't mind if I do.
April 20, 2010
April 12, 2010
Living Alone
No, I am not divorced... I am just alone... for now.
Zach left early, I mean butt ass crack of dawn early, Saturday morning for Hong Kong. He is one of the many from work that are traveling Hong Kong and China for work for 12 days. I am just day 3 into his trip and I miss him. I am not trying to get all mushy, but this is really the first time I am living alone. All through college I have never really lived alone. Sure, I wasn't living with him the whole time - at least that is what we told his parents, but I practically was. We lived in this ghetto shotgun house/split apartment, him and the boys upstairs and me in a separate apartment downstairs. But lets face it, I was wasting rent. He even went on co-op for school, but the boys didn't mind me staying in his room. Then we got married and I haven't really been without him for more than a day or 2.
I was convinced that it wouldn't be that hard... it is just 12 days. But let me tell you... the dogs don't talk back. I am not going to lie, I am scared to be home alone. I live in between a Dexter wanna be and an old lady that I learned last week was harboring homeless people in her home. Don't get me wrong, I am well protected. I have 2 large dogs and a 45, but I am not above sleeping with the hall light on and the TV going. I could only load 7 bullets in the 45, but I figure if I can't get the job done in 7 shots, they can do with me what they will.
I have discovered that I love the outdoors. I sit outside as much as I can with the dogs, even though I am still sitting, it feels like I am accomplishing so much more than sitting on the couch watching TV. I have also discovered that it is easier to go to the gym without Zach. He hates it, not that he needs it. So I feel guilty staying there long or going at all. Most days I go, I work through lunch so I can go early and not cause him to have to go at all. I went today and stayed nearly an hour. Maybe I will be a fit goddess when he gets back. Who are we kidding... that won't happen.
He called yesterday to let me know he got in and I missed the call. I immediately burst into tears. Irrational, yes... but I was so sad that I missed it. He called today when I was at work and it sounds like he is having fun. I am so happy he got to go on this trip, but I can't wait for him to be home.
I have already planned something almost every night to keep me occupied. Call me pathetic if you want, but that is me. Take it or leave it.
Zach left early, I mean butt ass crack of dawn early, Saturday morning for Hong Kong. He is one of the many from work that are traveling Hong Kong and China for work for 12 days. I am just day 3 into his trip and I miss him. I am not trying to get all mushy, but this is really the first time I am living alone. All through college I have never really lived alone. Sure, I wasn't living with him the whole time - at least that is what we told his parents, but I practically was. We lived in this ghetto shotgun house/split apartment, him and the boys upstairs and me in a separate apartment downstairs. But lets face it, I was wasting rent. He even went on co-op for school, but the boys didn't mind me staying in his room. Then we got married and I haven't really been without him for more than a day or 2.
I was convinced that it wouldn't be that hard... it is just 12 days. But let me tell you... the dogs don't talk back. I am not going to lie, I am scared to be home alone. I live in between a Dexter wanna be and an old lady that I learned last week was harboring homeless people in her home. Don't get me wrong, I am well protected. I have 2 large dogs and a 45, but I am not above sleeping with the hall light on and the TV going. I could only load 7 bullets in the 45, but I figure if I can't get the job done in 7 shots, they can do with me what they will.
I have discovered that I love the outdoors. I sit outside as much as I can with the dogs, even though I am still sitting, it feels like I am accomplishing so much more than sitting on the couch watching TV. I have also discovered that it is easier to go to the gym without Zach. He hates it, not that he needs it. So I feel guilty staying there long or going at all. Most days I go, I work through lunch so I can go early and not cause him to have to go at all. I went today and stayed nearly an hour. Maybe I will be a fit goddess when he gets back. Who are we kidding... that won't happen.
He called yesterday to let me know he got in and I missed the call. I immediately burst into tears. Irrational, yes... but I was so sad that I missed it. He called today when I was at work and it sounds like he is having fun. I am so happy he got to go on this trip, but I can't wait for him to be home.
I have already planned something almost every night to keep me occupied. Call me pathetic if you want, but that is me. Take it or leave it.
April 2, 2010
Bangs!
So I did it. I joined the bang bandwagon. It is not what you think. I have not joined the adult film industry, although the money would be great. I was bored with my hair. I am afraid of coloring it since the black metallic dye disaster of 2008. After letting that grow out then getting the uber popular stacked haircut, I let it grow out again for Katie's wedding. After all that growing out, I needed a change. So that is what I proposed to my hair dresser. I went in with a plan, fully expecting her to laugh at me. But, this is how it came out!
Bam! Gotta love the in car self portraits.
I am pretty excited about it.
I feel like a new woman.
Happy Easter!
Bam! Gotta love the in car self portraits.
I am pretty excited about it.
I feel like a new woman.
Happy Easter!
April 1, 2010
Long Time No Blog
It has been a crazy busy month to say the least. My baby sister (really my sister in law, but I have been around 13 years... so she might as well be my sister) got married. It was such a fun and exhausting weekend. I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful bride. I am not kidding. In the world. I am so happy for her and her new husband! What a fun time in their life.
Here is a quick recap:
Thursday - I took a vacation day. I am not really sure I would call it a vacation since my boss woke me up at 8am for a question. Once I dragged myself out of bed (yes, at 8am - I know most of you were already at work... but come on people... THIS WAS A VACATION DAY!) I cleaned the balls off my house. I am not even sure if that is a saying, but it is one now. I cleaned every damn nook and cranny. Laundry, bathrooms, vacuumed, mopped, dusted and the kitchen. I finished with just enough time to hop in the shower, make myself presentable and then head out the door for some pampering with the girls. I was on track to be 10 minutes early for the mani/pedi when I got a text from the maid of honor (on orders from the mother of the bride) to find out where I was. Really? I am early. Sometimes I just can't catch a break. Nonetheless, I got a killer mani/pedi/chair massage! Not that it lasted more than a day... but who is counting the $35 I shelled out for a smudged big toe and chipped french manicure. After the mani/pedi it was time for dinner at Gloria's - the best place ever! On the way out we saw a girl celebrating her Quinceañera so we were entertained by that for a while. This might have been because she was "shooting" a music video with 6 of her closest Mexican cowboys in the middle of the harbor. Once all was said and done, I ran home, packed a bag and headed to Katie's place for the night. We drank wine (read: a lot of wine) and watched the 4 part Saved By The Bell Wedding event. Fabulous time.
Friday -
Wake up with a headache and get 4 girls showered and out of the door for the Bridal Luncheon. The lunch was held at the adorable Chocolate Angel in Richardson. We were supposed to have the room all to ourselves but for some reason the put some staunchy old women in big hats in there with us. When one of them made a comment about how short Katie's dress was (in her defense - her legs are a mile long) I thought the entire room would come unglued. We just chalked it up to the amount of sex they must not be having. Lunch was fantastic!
I hit the road, tanned in a level 5 bed (read: spaceship that was so big I could do crunches and push ups in while getting tan) and ran home to see my parents who drove in from Cincy for the wedding. I spent a whole 2 hours of quality time with them before I had to get ready for the rehearsal.
I have never been a bridesmaid, so I was pretty nervous. Luckily I got paired up with this super hot groomsman so it was easy to walk. I guess walking down the aisle with him nearly 5 years ago didn't hurt either. He was so cute dressed up.
Rehearsal was fun but hot! Dinner was great and free!
Saturday -
Up and atem as the sun came up. I packed every possible thing I could think of that we might need throughout the day shttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifince I knew I would not be returning home until late. I got a frantic phone call from Katie that she left something she needed in my car. This was the story of the weekend. I grabbed that and then she informed me that we had been told the wrong hair appointment time and were an hour late. I booked it to the hair place and sat down to enjoy some more girl time. We had a blast getting out hair done and even got to wear lunch lady shower caps because the 45+ mph winds would reek havoc on our new coifs.
We were quite the sight pumping gas and buying champagne. Heather, the maid of honor,put our authority hats on and got the bride and other bridesmaid back on a time schedule that we were comfortable with (the right one, the one that got us ready on time!) and got to the church.
We took our time getting ready. Heather fought for her right to be the maid of honor and did it gracefully. I did a few people's makeup and we melted in the bridal room as the air was not working only the heat. It was so windy out side that I was sure that we would blow away. Well, maybe not me... but definitely some of the smaller girls. I ended up being the photographer's (the best man at our wedding) assistant. He was a one man show and needed some help corralling the troops and getting people to listen to him. I can be pretty bossy, so this fitted me perfect. Before pictures done! Let the wedding begin.
My legs would not stop shaking the entire time I was up there. I was terrified I would pass out so I just kept bending my knees. All the ring bearers and flower girls miraculously made it down the aisle. Katie could not have looked more stunning as she walked toward her future husband. He was awestruck. Heather is right, it is so fun to watch the groom. He was adorable.
I snapped into drill sergeant mode as soon as the wedding was over to get the formal pictures taken care of. I sure hope I got everything I needed to - but I guess there is no going back now. We made it to the reception fashionable late because of a too many cars, not enough drives situation - sorry to those who were hungry! The reception was a blast - the speeches were heartfelt and hilarious. All in all it was a great day. After shuffling people back to hotels and where they needed to be, we headed home. One of the perks of having the amazing photographer staying with you, is you get to see all the pictures. We all (my parents included) stayed up until nearly 2:30 looking at the pics. I am not kidding, Daniel Castro is the most talented photographers I know. Check out his stuff.
Sunday -
Up and early again to retrieve a car before heading to the hotel early to drop off clothes Katie left in my car... see, the story of the weekend. Brunch was nice. It was hosted by Katie and her new husband to thank all of the out of town guests for coming. They opened more presents and we called it a day. I collected all the tuxes and ran them to Mens Warehouse on the way home. Then I crashed. I managed to sleep for an hour or so before getting back up to take Dan to dinner and then the airport.
What an amazing weekend!
I am not going to lie... I am perfectly OK with not doing a damn thing this weekend.
Here is a quick recap:
Thursday - I took a vacation day. I am not really sure I would call it a vacation since my boss woke me up at 8am for a question. Once I dragged myself out of bed (yes, at 8am - I know most of you were already at work... but come on people... THIS WAS A VACATION DAY!) I cleaned the balls off my house. I am not even sure if that is a saying, but it is one now. I cleaned every damn nook and cranny. Laundry, bathrooms, vacuumed, mopped, dusted and the kitchen. I finished with just enough time to hop in the shower, make myself presentable and then head out the door for some pampering with the girls. I was on track to be 10 minutes early for the mani/pedi when I got a text from the maid of honor (on orders from the mother of the bride) to find out where I was. Really? I am early. Sometimes I just can't catch a break. Nonetheless, I got a killer mani/pedi/chair massage! Not that it lasted more than a day... but who is counting the $35 I shelled out for a smudged big toe and chipped french manicure. After the mani/pedi it was time for dinner at Gloria's - the best place ever! On the way out we saw a girl celebrating her Quinceañera so we were entertained by that for a while. This might have been because she was "shooting" a music video with 6 of her closest Mexican cowboys in the middle of the harbor. Once all was said and done, I ran home, packed a bag and headed to Katie's place for the night. We drank wine (read: a lot of wine) and watched the 4 part Saved By The Bell Wedding event. Fabulous time.
Friday -
Wake up with a headache and get 4 girls showered and out of the door for the Bridal Luncheon. The lunch was held at the adorable Chocolate Angel in Richardson. We were supposed to have the room all to ourselves but for some reason the put some staunchy old women in big hats in there with us. When one of them made a comment about how short Katie's dress was (in her defense - her legs are a mile long) I thought the entire room would come unglued. We just chalked it up to the amount of sex they must not be having. Lunch was fantastic!
I hit the road, tanned in a level 5 bed (read: spaceship that was so big I could do crunches and push ups in while getting tan) and ran home to see my parents who drove in from Cincy for the wedding. I spent a whole 2 hours of quality time with them before I had to get ready for the rehearsal.
I have never been a bridesmaid, so I was pretty nervous. Luckily I got paired up with this super hot groomsman so it was easy to walk. I guess walking down the aisle with him nearly 5 years ago didn't hurt either. He was so cute dressed up.
Rehearsal was fun but hot! Dinner was great and free!
Saturday -
Up and atem as the sun came up. I packed every possible thing I could think of that we might need throughout the day shttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifince I knew I would not be returning home until late. I got a frantic phone call from Katie that she left something she needed in my car. This was the story of the weekend. I grabbed that and then she informed me that we had been told the wrong hair appointment time and were an hour late. I booked it to the hair place and sat down to enjoy some more girl time. We had a blast getting out hair done and even got to wear lunch lady shower caps because the 45+ mph winds would reek havoc on our new coifs.
We were quite the sight pumping gas and buying champagne. Heather, the maid of honor,put our authority hats on and got the bride and other bridesmaid back on a time schedule that we were comfortable with (the right one, the one that got us ready on time!) and got to the church.
We took our time getting ready. Heather fought for her right to be the maid of honor and did it gracefully. I did a few people's makeup and we melted in the bridal room as the air was not working only the heat. It was so windy out side that I was sure that we would blow away. Well, maybe not me... but definitely some of the smaller girls. I ended up being the photographer's (the best man at our wedding) assistant. He was a one man show and needed some help corralling the troops and getting people to listen to him. I can be pretty bossy, so this fitted me perfect. Before pictures done! Let the wedding begin.
My legs would not stop shaking the entire time I was up there. I was terrified I would pass out so I just kept bending my knees. All the ring bearers and flower girls miraculously made it down the aisle. Katie could not have looked more stunning as she walked toward her future husband. He was awestruck. Heather is right, it is so fun to watch the groom. He was adorable.
I snapped into drill sergeant mode as soon as the wedding was over to get the formal pictures taken care of. I sure hope I got everything I needed to - but I guess there is no going back now. We made it to the reception fashionable late because of a too many cars, not enough drives situation - sorry to those who were hungry! The reception was a blast - the speeches were heartfelt and hilarious. All in all it was a great day. After shuffling people back to hotels and where they needed to be, we headed home. One of the perks of having the amazing photographer staying with you, is you get to see all the pictures. We all (my parents included) stayed up until nearly 2:30 looking at the pics. I am not kidding, Daniel Castro is the most talented photographers I know. Check out his stuff.
Sunday -
Up and early again to retrieve a car before heading to the hotel early to drop off clothes Katie left in my car... see, the story of the weekend. Brunch was nice. It was hosted by Katie and her new husband to thank all of the out of town guests for coming. They opened more presents and we called it a day. I collected all the tuxes and ran them to Mens Warehouse on the way home. Then I crashed. I managed to sleep for an hour or so before getting back up to take Dan to dinner and then the airport.
What an amazing weekend!
I am not going to lie... I am perfectly OK with not doing a damn thing this weekend.
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