Post Birthday Post...

Another year older...although, aside from fighting wrinkles, I don't feel any older.

I had planned on a trip to a winery where you make your own wine, and come back for your 24 bottles after 5 weeks...you know, an intimate affair, where we have fun, get to be creative, and the payoff is booze.

But this year proved near impossible to nail down friends for attendance. 

Having a mid-December birthday sometimes really sucks.

My coworkers got me this bad-ass hello kitty water dispenser for my desk, and FLOWERS!  I don't even have a boyfriend, and I got flowers, I was over the moon about these gifts!

For my official Birthday, my FOUR YEAR OLD car officially died, and I had to speed walk-it to my hair appointment! Luckily I'm only 2 miles from the salon. I mean, I'm sporting 3 month roots, and there were no appointments available until after New Years, so clearly, that was my only option!

Unluckily, I live in a bad part of town, so the walk home in the dark scared me. Luckily, my Momma and Brother came to take me home and jumped my car.. and turns out I only needed a battery!

Unluckily, the only battery for my car at the closest auto store was a gold version, at $130, happy birthday, me, you got a car battery!

My celebrations still happened, I had a handful of great gals still come over to ring in another year of birth, and I couldn't ask for more!

Plus, they got me booze, score!

We played heads up, and laughed our asses off at the video it records. (This is the first, and only app I have ever paid for, and it is totally worth the dollar!)

Snow "woman" 2013

After everyone left, my bff was staying the night, so we decided to go out and make a snowman. I don't remember the last time I laughed that much, and it's an awesome specimen. 

Night Stand. 

In other December news, my second attempt for a matching dresser didn't work either, the two they tried to deliver were too large to fit up my stupid staircase, and while my clothes are still homeless, doesn't my my night stand look nice?

Birthdays are what you make them. My plans didn't come to fruition, but I still got to hang out with some great ladies, and that is never a bad thing! 

And, in closing, Mr. Magoo got a santa hat. And who doesn't love a dog in a santa hat? 

Run, Run, Rudolph!!

The high on Saturday in the Cleves was 24. I don't know the official weather at 8 am, but my official opinion is, it was "fucking cold". I wore long johns under my running tights, and a long sleeve tech tee, and a running jacket, a hood, gloves, and smart wool socks. I lost feeling in my buttocks almost instantly. I didn't dress up but there were some creative costumes.

My favorite was a girl dressed as one of the Bumpass' hounds, she had on a dog face cap, and carried a turkey.

My race swag. 

Luckily we got a ticket to tour the Christmas Story House another time, because the line was ridiculously long, and the cold was even worse after working up a sweat!

We didn't have to wait in the mile long line for a ride back to our start line, because my bff scored us a ride to the big city, who also came to pick us up from the finish, and then took us to brunch! I mean, does it get any better?

There were a lot of walkers. Strollers. Kids. People wearing boxes. And, ICE on the road...so we didn't get to really compete for time. Our 5k time was 34 minutes. Not our best, but pretty good considering. But it was for fun, and we didn't mind. 

This is clearly, my new favorite medal!

And since the cold has descended upon us, and everyone loves pet photos, here is what the animals have been up to.

"Somebodies sleeping in MY bed". Mr. Magoo has also started to enjoy the sweater bed I made. Fizzgig is unimpressed. This is cat territory.

 This was a few minutes later...if you can't beat 'em...join 'em!

I guess I need to make more sweater beds. 

A Christmas Story...RUN!

You know the movie, you either love it, or hate it. I happen to love it.

I also do not live not very far from the actual house that the movie was filmed in.

So, it's not time to hang up those race shoes just yet....there's one more this weekend!

 Christmas Story Run. 

You get to run to the Christmas Story house.  You also get free admission to tour the house, a long sleeve leg lamp shirt, rich, chocolate ovaltine, a viewing of the movie on public square, and the opportunity to win your very own LEG LAMP!

But the major award is the medal!

Best Medal...EVER!

Out With The Old...

Two years ago I took the big step out of "hand me down" furniture, into buying brand new beautiful things that I picked out on my very own because I loved them! No discussions. No compromise. No working out a budget with someone else.

I've always had things other people owned first. It's nice for a while, but like most people, I wanted new furniture....things that "went together". Things I picked out, not that I had to settle for.

And, let's face it, I until last year, I was still sleeping in the bed I got as a wedding gift in 1996. It was time!

And now? My mattress and box springs are suited perfectly for ME!

I didn't have to ask anyone's opinion on anything, and the pets never got mad when I'd shoo them away from things because "we don't even own these yet".

I also got a beautiful accent chair for my living room, and a perfect entertainment center that didn't come in a box! A beautiful new TV that I finally decided to buy (even though there was nothing wrong with my current TV other than it was old..it was a huge step for me!)

I even bought a blue ray player so I could stream the internet on my TV as well! My couch is just what I always wanted, and I don't get mad at myself for being anal about sitting in different places to not form a "dip" in the cushions. I don't mind at all.

I mean I've been pretty blessed the last two years. Being responsible can actually pay off!

I've been faithfully paying on my furniture, to meet my 2 year interest free period, and it's finally paid off!

So naturally, for Christmas, I got myself a new bedroom set!

I'll have a real bed, not just a frame!! with sides, and head/foot boards! And it's made with real wood! My dresser is actually lined in cedar on the bottom, and velvet up top, and my mirror is gorgeous! 

The best part is, I have three years of no interest to pay it off. Or, is it the fact that I got it at 62% off? I think the latter. 

Now...the week-long wait for delivery. But it gives me enough time to decide what to do with all the crap I have hidden under my bed!

Being single is even more awesome than I thought!

Reason 456,890,214 I'm Not a Mom to Human Children..

I get a lot of flack from people (mainly my Mom) about not wanting kids. I mean, there are times when it freaks me out that not only am I child free, but I am also without a partner. Who's gonna take care of me? 

But I can't imagine living my life doing something I have no passion for. And I really have no passion for children.

Yes, there are friends and family of mine who have kids, that I can say are cute, and adorable, and I can handle them in small doses. But when the day is done..and the meltdowns happen...I'm thankful that I get to go home to peace and quiet, and having my own space. 

Honestly, I'm more cut out for being a hip Auntie!  One you'd feel bad about living in a state-run old folks home, due to her life-long friendship with your Mom..so you would probably take her under your wing.. should she ever need it. 

I understand people's love of children. If it weren't for them, I wouldn't be here today! I'm lucky that my Mom wanted to grow up to be "a Mom" and that she brought me into this world and raised me right. I also feel a calling to other things, like volunteering at the animal rescue, and people like me are just as important!

And here you have it...reason 456,890,214 I'm not a Mom to human children. I'd probably go to jail if my human kid found a lighter, because human kids have thumbs, and can set stuff on fire!

Luckily, I just took this lighter away from Mr. Magoo, and life went on!

Enjoying Fall Before it Snows...With Mr. Magoo..

One of the best things about living in Northeast Ohio, is the arrival of Fall.

Not when it gets to be cold, and rainy fall...but that magical in-between time, when it's in the 50's, and sunny, and there is still beautiful color on the trees.

I got out to enjoy a long walk at the park, and take some photos.

 I drive this route every day on my way home from the gym, and the trees are spectacular!

 Mr. Magoo was on beaver watch at beaver marsh...they say otters play here in the summer, but I've never seen either...ever..(sad face)

 A few berries holding on

 The Cuyahoga River

 Ducks! You have to look pretty close...

 Just a couple flowers left on this bush

 Mr. Magoo is so happy when he's walking!

 Gorgeous!

 This farm grows the best sweet corn around!

 The wind blowing through these "things" sounds amazing. 

 My purse is a great pillow for a tuckered out pooch

And, Mr. Magoo was finally given the "all clear" from the vet after his oral surgery, and his bleeding debacle. He can eat whatever he wants. And what he wants is to try to chew a rawhide with remaining 7 teeth.

I'm OK, You're Ok...

A post by a fellow blogger, got my wheels turning. I love to read inspirational posts, especially when I can so closely relate! Check out Urban Cynic! 

I've been single forever. Like, years forever. I've dated here and there, but nothing special. If I put too much thought into being single, it can be terrifying.

I take each day as it comes, and I am happy. Sincerely...happy on my own!

I spent the majority of my adult and teen life in relationships. My longest "single" stretch before now was 7 months. And that seemed like a lifetime at 25!

I was a relationship hopper, for sure! Being alone? Gasp!!!

Relationships are comfortable when you are use to being in one, and unless you pass through the uncomfortable part, you will never get to the good parts!

Relationships also require sacrifice. The longer you are on your own, and learn to embrace a single life, the easier it is to realize the things you are willing to sacrifice.

Being single, forces you to really understand who you are. Not just because you have all sorts of time to reflect on what was right, or wrong in said relationships..but more importantly, because you realize the things that truly make you "you".

The longer you are single, the more you are forced to face the idea that yes...maybe you will be alone forever. And so what? As long as you embrace the idea, you might as well start finding things to fill up your life. Plan for your future. Decide what makes you tick!

Once you give in to the idea, and start to appreciate your single life, it seems less like a "curse" and more like a "blessing".

Knowing how I prefer to live my life on my own, makes it easier to decide how another person will compliment my life, rather than "make my life".

I've never given myself the time to learn these things. In the past I thought I had it all figured out, but now I know who I am "on my own".

And even though, years back, I'd have rather been in a relationship than be single, as always, the universe gives us what we need, and not what we want.

I wouldn't trade these past few years of being single for anything. Something that seemed so scarey, turned out to be a blessing!

I have accomplished so much, because I was forced to. I had nothing else to focus on besides me, and that has been the best blessing in disguise I've ever had!

More Pinterest Crafting...and Pictures of the Furkids..

My latest Pinterest project is a pet bed made out of an old sweater!! Easy, peasy!

It is a first draft, and will only be improved upon...but this is a half off thrift store sweater $1.50 turned into a snuggley pet bed!

Mr. Magoo approves

Fizzgig approves

Pickachu approves

And it's perfect for two (Fizzgig and Pickachu)

Bonus shot.. Mr. Magoo has made a full recovery. Here he is tuckered out from play and cat chasing!

Honorary mention..Fozzie, she  hasn't gotten on the bed bandwagon, but she deserves to be pictured with the rest of the furkids...

Mom helped me with this, and tried to show me how to work her sewing machine, which turned out to not be the best way to make this bed. I got the job done with a darning needle and crochet thread in no time! I do however, need to continue the sewing machine lessons. I don't remember a damned thing from Home ec classes....it was only 20 years ago. 

Animal Woes, and a New Medal!!

My Mr. Magoo, the wonder dog had oral surgery on Monday. When I adopted him, he didn't have a lot of teeth. Then, two years ago, he had 10 teeth pulled. This time? He had 6 pulled.

Now, he has 7 teeth left in his mouth. Three are up front, and he has no molars left.

Magoo says "I don't have many teeth, but this one is my favorite"

I took Monday off expecting to keep an eye on him after surgery, and be back to work without a hitch on Tuesday. When he had 10 teeth pulled, he was his old self the next day. 

But he never stopped bleeding. A little is normal, but little turned into a lot (don't look if you are squeamish)

This is only a portion of the bleeding. 

I was torn whether I should pay the $150 walk in emergency fee, plus services, or chance it til morning for a re-check at his regular vet. I had just shelled out $300 for surgery, not to mention all my cat expenses as of late. I didn't sleep, going back and forth about what to do.

Since it wasn't gushing blood, I waited it out. First thing in the morning he was back at the vet. They took one look in his mouth and said..."yea, that's a lot of bleeding"...and whisked him away to the back room. I heard him crying while they were investigating his mouth...it broke my heart, and made me cry. 

They had to keep him all day, while I went back to work, and I was thankful for the distraction. 

He lost the stitches in one of his molars. They had to put him back under anesthesia again and stitch it up. 

The happy news is, that he is now peacefully sleeping at my feet on his way back to his silly self. The bleeding has stopped, but now he has a cough. Turns out that being intubated two days in a row can cause that. 

I'm thankful that he is doing better. And I have no idea how human Moms can cope with this stuff, it's hard enough with the fur kids. Reason 867,965,321 not to have kids. 

In other news? 

I did the buckeye half marathon (as a relay so just over 6 miles) in the freezing cold (34 degrees), and my lungs still hurt.

We finished at just under an 11 minute mile, which is sweet! 

Mr. Magoo kept photo bombing my race swag. He wanted to be included!

The best part? My medal is shaped like Ohio..and what is cooler than that?

My happiest part of the weekend was, I had a piece of pizza at my Halloween party. And...it was everything that I remembered it could be. If I were God, pizza would be healthy. And we could eat it every day!

Where Have You Been?....

I've been up to a whole lot of not much as of late.

I guess it doesn't occur to me that I haven't done much of anything, until I realize I haven't blogged. 

I did however, accomplish the unthinkable today. I managed to re-connect my wifi to my blu ray player after a hard reset all on my own. It took me an entire week. Lots of google-ing, and an unproductive call to samsung (I don't recommend going here for help....ever!) but mostly trial and error.  

It also took a lot of cussing at my TV and bad mouthing technology, but I am finally back up and running, all it took was simply pushing a button on my wifi router. Imagine that. 

Thank you, Auntie!!

Other than that, my sister sent a goodie box full of toys for the cats and the dog...plus some awesome muscle massage oil she made for her tattered sister, who has been kicking ass at boot camp and running, and feeling pretty sore. (that's me!) The only thing missing is someone to massage my sore muscles...I do a pretty good job, but it's always more enjoyable when you don't have to do it yourself.

Two of my cats fought over this chirping bunny. Sibling rivalry. 

Mr. Magoo got a fishie toy that he took for snuggles. 

Other than that, I won the most competitions at boot camp again last month, so I am now the only two-time winner for the month (hold the applause), I have a new date scheduled for next weekend. I bought my fall scented candles. I have a half marathon relay race that will result in a medal on Sunday. I have a costume party this Saturday where I'm being a pirate...again, because it's easy. And my poor dog has oral surgery on Monday.

I'm also facing a 4 day weekend due to never being able to take vacation because I'm doing the work of two people, while actively interviewing candidates that just don't seem awesome... so I plan on enjoying my time off!

What are your Halloween plans? 

Keeping Busy...

I've been trying to keep busy since my kitty died. By that, I mean, mostly spending hours on pinterest looking for stuff to do with the crap I have, not cleaning, hitting the gym, drinking wine, and painting found furniture.

It sounds way better in pictures...

I found a better display for my medals and race bibs, that can be extended as the collection grows.

Much like I have been imbibing in more wine than usual, I've been getting the cats high too, they like to forget their pain as well.

I hung an old ladder on my wall that I've had laying around forever holding afghans.

I'm growing my toy soldier army, and for September I won 5 competitions at boot camp, I'm hoping for a win for the entire month! At least I'm still working out!

I helped a bff hang blinds in her new apartment, without no stinkin man.

I repainted my trash find coffee table from white to black.

This use to be white too...

Fizzgig helped me out, by laying on the cardboard I had to protect the carpet...while the black paint was still wet. Black bellied kitty didn't enjoy a bath at all.