A New Life Partner...

I know you were all excited that I finally met someone, right? But this post is not about MY life partner, it's about a life partner for my dog Mr. Magoo!

Mr. magoo posing with his pool...

Being a puppy mill breeder, Magoo has always loved other dogs! So, I've been on the lookout for a while now for the right dog to live with us, and be his new best friend..it's not easy to make a match. The dogs are the ones to decide if they will be friends, and then I have my three senior cats to worry about on top of that!

We've had a few trials. 

But after years of  looking at potential dogs...we have officially adopted a new life partner for Mr. Magoo! 

Mr. Bohannon with his tennis ball!!! (named after my man crush on the show Hell on Wheels)

A friend of a friend found him as a puppy about six months ago, and didn't have time to care for a dog, and wanted to find a loving home for him. I took him on a weekend trial,  but after the first night it was clear that he was meant to be mine. 

He and Mr. Magoo played for hours their first meeting, and my cats didn't mind him at all after a couple of hours. He is around a year old, and I'm not sure what kind of dog he is until I take him to my vet, but the previous owner said the vet told her he is a shih tzu mix. I think he may be a maltese mix, he is really little, (about 6lbs) and has silky hair. 

This dog hit the jackpot coming to live with me, and  his previous owner couldn't have found a better home for this little guy!

Sleeping on the back of the couch...

rawhide!

This new little guy even spent the day at Grammas (my Moms house) with Mr. Magoo, and she agreed that he is a great dog! (good thing because she is my dog-sitter!)

After a much needed hair cut, we hit the park. Mr. Bohannon decided to survey the water safely from the bank, but true to form, Mr. Magoo got right in!

Life partners...at last!!

I May Be an Official Re-Virgin...

I just love the dating scene....said no one over 21, ever!

I am not ashamed to say that while dating here and there, I have been celibate for 17 months. Good Godfrey in writing it seems even longer!!

I say celibate, because it sounds more like a decision vs. an affliction. Which...I guess it is, because if all I wanted was sex, I could certainly make that happen, right?

The last time was with exmanfriend. Someone that while I was not in a relationship with at the time, I once deeply loved, so it seemed perfectly OK. Now,  the thought of just tossing it away after all of this time seems silly. After you go for so long without being intimate, your goods turn back into a gift again.

While I have not lost the desire for sex, the thought of waiting gets easier the longer I wait. I have the most amazing dreams about sex with the most random people in my life, which is quite amusing.

That being said, I have yet to find those "fireworks" again, and I'm holding out until I do! (I think...) And despite the long cold spell...I still want it all. Nothing less!

Plus, it's going to take a very special man to understand that while I may love spooning, I would never make my Mr. Magoo get out from in between us in the bed.

I mean, just look at him. He's so completely worthy of a double spoon!!

Gotcha Day...

Four years ago, I adopted a VERY introverted little dog because I learned from my visits with him at the rescue that he was there and gone a couple of times. Turns out, he was adopted and returned twice for not "bonding" with the people who took him home.

He lived the first four years of life in a cage at a puppy mill, terrified of just about everything. I knew my home was the one he needed to be in so he could know what love is, and become a beloved pet! I had the patience, and love to give to him to wait for him to come around!

He learned to eat out of bowls, walk stairs, play with toys, (and then his kitty siblings) all in due time, but it just took time.

And, he's grown into the best little companion I could have hoped for!

Animals come into your life for a reason, he has inspired my love of volunteering for animals, and it really makes me feel good to spend time with those animals who have no one else to depend on.

Happy "gotcha" day to my Mr. Magoodle bug!

Mr. Magoo is a rambunctious dog, that you would never guess is 8 (or 9, or 10...) and he sure turned awful handsome with some TLC.

I work with dogs all the time that are amazing, but don't show their true colors on a first visit with them at a rescue, they have trust issues.

Take a chance! Consider adoption! Some animals just need patience to become who they are meant to be.

Winter Can Suck It...

I know I live in NE Ohio, and I am use to cold and snow, but the past few winters have been really mild. The return of real winter this season is a total bummer! A person shouldn't feel real hatred towards school kids who have had so many days off, that they are trying to pass a new calamity bill to get more days.

Back in my day, we were lucky to get one snow day in your entire school career.

Or, for all those people down south who get a dusting or a couple of inches, and everything shuts down! (my own sister included!!)  Yes, I understand snow is tragic when you are not use to it, but when you, yourself are going to work at -40 wind chills, or in over a foot of snow and ice, you start to feel some kind of way about people staying at home in their jammies.

Last night they said 3-5" overnight. That's no biggie. I had to get up super early to be to work at 6:45 for a super big meeting at work. However, I woke up to about a foot of snow, and left 45 minutes early to drive my very short 6 miles to work. This should have been plenty of time.

Needless to say I got stuck halfway out of my driveway and into the street in about 5 inches of ice. I was outside, in my work clothes, hair perfectly curled, sweating my curls out, cursing, and using a garden shovel to try to break up the layer of ice to get out. People passed. No one helped. If this were any other day, I would have said "FUCK IT!" and went back inside.

A man on foot walking past me actually said "C'mon April, right?" You have no idea how bad I wanted to hit him with my freaking shovel.

Did I mention I also have PMS? I should come with a warning label at this point!

After 35 minutes of struggle.. the guy who lives next door (the one who gave me the cat clock a while back....yes, weird...) came out, without a coat on to ask if I was stuck...he helped push me out of my ice hole. I had almost lost faith in humanity. It took about five minutes of his time, and I was only half an hour late to my meeting.

Chivalry is not dead!!

In all of my in and out of the house getting different shovels, salt, and kitty litter...I forgot to lock Mr. Magoo back up in the kitchen for the day.

Mr. Magoo was "home alone"

Luckily he didn't do much damage. He ate all the cat food, rounded up his toys, the cat treats, a paper towel, a copy of a picture of himself, and some rawhide bones. He kept his mess pretty contained, and still went into the kitchen to use his potty pad.

I don't often dislike living alone, but today was one of those days. But I don't blame being single, I blame winter!

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.

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!

And Then Everything Felt Right in the World....

In the days leading up to the arrival. Excitement stirred.

I tracked my package every hour along the two day delivery route. Growing more eager with every stop closer to home.

I opened the door before the Fed Ex guy even knocked.

Inside the boring brown box, was yet another box. This one was so beautiful I hardly wanted to disturb it.

But I just couldn't wait to get my hands on it. 

Behold my new most favorite thing in the universe. The Samsung Galaxy S III

Now, I could be a little over zealous, since I had to make a snap decision 2 years ago to get a really crappy android phone (LG Optimus...run away!) when I killed my beloved blackberry before my contract was up, by sticking it in my sports bra while I ran. (Not recommended....) 

But I don't think that's it. I think I made an informed decision that I am happy with. 

I did extensive research both with online user reviews, and consumer reports. I asked owners of the phone for their input as well.

I can finally attest to having the right phone making life easier. My connection at home sucked with my old phone, and it is such a dream on the new Samsung, that I rarely even fire up the laptop!  I can do everything on my phone, with a quickness!

I couldn't be happier! I think it's the most beautiful thing I own. 

photo taken on my new phone which is just as purdy as my real life camera shots!

Nevermind, I think Mr. Magoo is the most beautiful thing I own...but then again, he owns me! 

Is It Hot in Here?...

It's been hot as balls here in NE Ohio. And what I mean by that is...the mid to high 80's and 90's and over 60% humidity. We aren't use to that sort of thing.

I got my electric bill for last month, that was close to $200 bucks. I've never ever had an electric bill even at $100, so frugal me says....eff that, sweat it out lady, it's FREE! But hard working me says...you deserve to not be sweating bullets when you are home relaxing after a hard day's work, and working out.

I'm conflicted, you guys!!

Mr. Magoo has a sweet pool to cool off in after running around outside. I'm kind of wondering why I got such a small pool. Maybe I should have got a kiddie pool vs. a doggie pool? See why I don't have human children? I have pool envy! 

I went to see a Johnny Cash tribute band this past weekend with my Momma. 

He had a mullet and everything!

They were a really good band. I'm not a huge fan of Johnny's, but I am in love with his story on Walk the Line. I've probably seen it 20 times if I'm being modest. 

The venue for said concert was at a lake that I actually use to swim in growing up...needless to say that was banned about 2 decades ago...

Magoo loved all the attention he got at the concert!

How are you beating the heat this summer??

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks...

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. But I beg to differ.

 Mr. Magoo, the shih-poo puppy mill rescue lived for 4 years in a cage with no human love. He is 7 or 8 or so, we really don't know since most of his teeth have rotted and had to be pulled due to neglect.

 In his three years with me, I have taught him to eat and drink out of a bowl, go outside to potty, walk on a leash, go up stairs (but not so good at down), play chase, fetch toys, and sit, and lay down. He knows people aren't bad, and he enjoys being petted, playing with his kitty siblings, and belly rubs!

 Our newest venture is learning to "wait" for treats. This is him showing off.
 

 I love that silly "second hand dog" with all my heart.

Giving Back By Volunteering!

Since I'm blissfully child-free, and single, with no dating prospects, and there is a summer of beautiful weather ahead of me, and I have a desire to do more and be more... I asked myself what more can I do? 

Something that wouldn't feel like an obligation...

Well, I am a big supporter of my local animal rescue, because they saved my Mr. Magoo from puppy mill hell, and gave him a safe place, until he found his forever home, with me! And I often visit the rescue to pet the cats, and dogs, and I love the work that they do. It's a no-kill shelter, and that is a total win with me!

Mr. Magoo's happiest after a trip to the dog park! 

So, this girl is officially the newest volunteer at said rescue! 

It was a totally serious undertaking. I had to fill out an application, and have an interview, just like a real job. And I was so totally nervous until, my interview included two tiny senior chihuahua's climbing my legs for attention, which I could not resist, and I lavished attention on those little dogs while answering questions. It was so up my alley! 

I offered my poop scooping, cat petting, animal bathing, administrative, and even event organization skills...but what what really caught my eye, and was most in need, was DOG WALKING. 

Score! 

There are so many dogs that need walked, and RUN, and most volunteers only get 15-20 minutes with a dog. And the dogs are left still with all sorts of energy and nothing to do with it, so they sadly circle their enclosures out of boredom. Poor little things. 

Run you say? I'm all over it!! My dog can't run, so I am going to run those dogs' little buns off, and get extra cardio in the meantime! What could be more perfect for me?

I have to take two classes before I start, an orientation, and a dog training class. 

But I sure can't wait until I am helping those doggies find their forever homes! 

For the first time in a long time, I am excited about something. I will have a part in helping these dogs be placed in homes, by tiring them out, and socializing them

This summer is really going to be rewarding. I can't wait until my first dog gets adopted! 

Running the Shamrock...2013 Race Season Starts!...

This St. Patties day, I did not partake in any celebratory drinking. No green beer. No bar. Not a single glass of wine. But, it was all for good reason... I had a race to prepare for, and a medal to earn!

Instead, I spent my Saturday drinking water like it was my job, sticking to my "diet", and watching "Frankenweenie". (cute movie btw)

The course was described as "challenging, hilly, our hardest course". Normally, I like to stick to "easy" and "flat".

I was a bit worried about my performance, because I have been killing myself in the gym every day, and I usually like to take a few days off before a race. But I have a schedule, and I stuck to all my training.

And have I mentioned, I don't train on hills?

Plus this guy knew I could do it...

It was indeed, challenging. I had anticipated on a normal 9 miles, to finish in an hour and a half. This one, I thought, as long as I'm not over 2 hours, I'll feel great about it. 

You don't understand this disclaimer, until after you run the course. But damn, it makes you feel good when you do!

The hills? They were massive. And never ending. The best surprise was at the bottom of the worst/longest 2 mile hill, (that was so wind-ey and steep you couldn't see an end, so I kept my eyes down) when my BFF came bounding out from the trees to run with me!!

She came to run the hardest part with me! If it weren't for her I'd have walked the whole thing and felt defeated. It was so full of awesome!

When she left me just past the crest, I had just 3 miles to go. And as we like to say...Anyone can run 3 miles!

Those miles that she assured me were "easy"? Were mostly hills as well. Just when you got to the top of a hill, you had a slightly smaller hill, until... another hill!

About a mile and a half later I saw a girl bringing me water at a water station, that I was going to pass...(I don't wear my glasses/contacts running) and it was her again!! Telling me to "kick its' ass!!" 

Then, at the finish? She was there again to yell my name, and to tell me to pick it up and finish strong!

A good friend, might come to cheer you on, but a best friend will come and run "bandit" with you so that you don't give up!

And given that I have NEVER had any race support on any of my races, it meant the world to me!!

Did I mention it was a blustery 32 degrees, wet, and snowy? 

In the end, I  finished at 1:45:27. A 11.19 minute mile. I can run a flat 15k in an hour and a half, so I expected to finish at 2 hours, due to the course. I outran my anticipated time, which is a win to me!!

Last season, I couldn't have done it. I would have finished far slower! I would have walked all the hills vs. at the very least, slow jogging 99% of them. All the extra training I have put in, is actually working! 

Whoda thunk?

Since I burned over 1,100 calories just from my run, and stayed away from alcohol, I treated myself to a non-24 day challenge treat of a chicken pot pie from my favorite grocery store. And I loved every.. last... tidbit!

So, what did you do this St. Patty's day?