72 Days

That's how long Kim Kardashian's wedding lasted.
That's it.
Less than three months.

I remember when California was about to vote on Proposition 8.  Voting Yes would eliminate same sex marriage.  Voting No would have allowed persons of the same gender to marry each other.  Voting No on Proposition 8 would have given the right to marry to ALL persons, gay, lesbian, as well as straight.

Marriage can be defined as:

1. a. the social institution under which a man and woman establish their decision to live as husband and wife by legal commitments, religious ceremonies, etc.

b. a similar institution involving partners of the same gender: gay marriage.

2. the state, condition, or relationship of being married; wedlock: a happy marriage. Synonyms: matrimony.

3. the legal or religious ceremony that formalizes the decision of two people to live as a married couple, including the accompanying social festivities: to officiate at a marriage. Synonyms: nuptials, marriage ceremony, wedding.  

 

Based on that, marriage is the legal union of two people.  Done.  Religious or legal, it's considered a marriage.  Civil union, church wedding, religious ceremony, justice of the peace... it's all considered a marriage.  

But I am straying from the main point of this blog entry.  Some members in support of Proposition 8 believed that allowing same sex marriages would ruin the sanctity of marriage... that it would cheapen the institution of marriage.  There were also supporters that claimed allowing same sex marriages would cause a "snowball" effect, meaning once same sex marriages were legal, then a person could marry an animal or an inanimate object. 

As far as ruining the sanctity of marriage, or that it will cheapen marriage as a whole, I think divorce has had that covered since the 1960's.  Marriage is supposed to be a union of two people that ideally should last "until death do you part."  But now that divorce is something that can happen at any time for any reason (as shown by Kim Kardashian), and annulments are also available (as shown by Brittney Spears), the sanctity of marriage is gone. 

As far as the "snowball" effect, that is one of the stupidest things I've ever heard of...


A friend of mine suggested we have something similar to what England has.  In England, same sex couples are allowed to enter into a civil partnership, which grants same sex couples the same legal rights and responsibilities as an opposite sex marriage... but it is NOT a marriage.  However, a man and a woman are allowed to enter into an actual marriage.  To me, that's not equality. 

The same friend also suggested legal, civil unions for all couples and then religious marriages for opposite sex couples who are interested.  However, my friend's concern is that churches may be prosecuted against for not allowing gay couples to be married in their church.  I'm all for civil unions across the board and allowing those who want a religious ceremony to be a separate event, but a civil union is a legal, binding agreement between two consenting adults... that's a marriage!


My husband and I chose to have a judge marry us; there was NO religion involved, but we are considered married.  My gay friends were married in a civil union ceremony; however, since they're both men, they are not considered married, just "partners."  To me, both couples are married; it's just different terminology because some people don't want to allow gay people the same rights that straight people have as far as getting "married" is concerned.   If I wanted to get married in a church, I would have found one that had similar beliefs as myself and my husband.  If my gay friends wanted to get married in a church, they would have done the same.  Call it a hunch, but I'm pretty sure no same sex couple is going to attempt to get married in a church that doesn't agree with their marriage and they're not going to sue a church simply because they won't marry them, especially if they don't attend that church and/or believe in that faith.  Also, if the church has specific rules for ALL weddings, gay or straight, then that's not discrimination... and there's no grounds to sue the church because of that.  On that same note, I'm pretty sure a Jewish couple wouldn't be allowed to be married in a Catholic church, nor could a Catholic couple be married in a Jewish Synagogue... and no one sues over that.




Here's my thoughts:
1. Equal rights for everyone.  No discrimination.  The right to get legally married to the person you love is a basic right that everyone should be able to share with the person of their choosing, whether it be a man or a woman.  Love doesn't discriminate, why should we...?


2. Terminology needs to be challenged.  Marriage, civil union, legal partnerships, matrimony, wedlock, and wedding ceremony... they're all synonyms.  Call it what you want to make yourself fell better, but treat them all the same as they should be.

And most importantly...
3. If the Republicans truly want the government to stay out of our lives and to stop with "nanny laws," then this shouldn't even be an issue!  There needs to be documentation of the marriage for several various legal reasons, which is the reason for a marriage license.  However, I'm pretty sure that who marries who is getting into the "nanny" part.




Same sex marriage will not cheapen and it will not ruin the sanctity of marriage; Opposite sex marriage already does both... frequently.

A Crossroads

I am once again unemployed. Well, temporarily, at least... It's just uncertain as to when I might get called back to my previous call center job. Trust me; I want to go back to working there. I loved the people and the environment... it was really nice. However, I'm tired of being unemployed, even seasonally. I want a career. I want something MORE out of life.

I'm pretty sure that means it's time for me to go back to college... again.

I did this once in 2008, right before I was hired by the naturopathic acupuncturist. I took two graduate level courses at Portland State University and passed them both. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take anymore because of my work schedule. By the time I could go back (after I was fired), we couldn't afford for me to go back nor could I go back because I didn't have all the letters of reference necessary to "complete" my application to their graduate teaching program, since I needed one letter from a teacher, preferably from Oregon or Washington... and I didn't have it, nor was I about to have one anytime soon.

With Lewis and Clark College, I have two options.
Option One: I can go back and get my Masters of Education with Elementary Teaching (and try for my Middle School Math License). With this, I can hopefully get a foot in the door at a local school when I do my in-school hours... and with any luck, I might even get a job. Not only that, but I know of more middle school math teacher openings than I do of elementary school teacher openings... so that's a thought. I'd still have to rely on finding a school that has a job opening for me, but with a Master's degree, it shouldn't be as difficult as before.

Option Two: I can go back and get my Masters of Counseling Psychology and receive my Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy License. Believe it or not, I applied to CSULB's program for this back in 2004, but didn't get in (very small program), so I stuck with getting my teaching credential. However, I have the opportunity to do it now and I can have my own practice if I want... no more relying on resumes, interviews, and how I'm dressed. I can have my own practice (or I have the option to join an already existing practice) and have a true career.

I know I sound a little crazy right now, but I think I'm ready. Now, I just have two different information sessions to attend... and applications to fill out... and scholarships and grants to apply for (which I've never done before, and frankly, it's a bit intimidating). This is going to be the start of new things and I can't wait! 

Now... which one shall I choose...?

Mr. Grimm

When I first moved to Portland, I didn't want any pets. I had just let my Candy go 6 months before and I couldn't take on another animal. However, after sitting in that empty apartment while Sam was at work... I decided it was time to get a kitty. Sam didn't agree with me at first, but I kept asking until we started looking for one. :)

One Saturday, we were looking on Craigslist and saw several kittens available for adoption. One group was adopting kittens at the PetCo right next to the Target I was working at. Sam and I went there and looked at the kittens... and we found a brother and sister in the same cage. The sister was climbing up the cage, meowing, and just being destructive. The brother was sitting in the litter box, quiet as could be. Sam immediately liked the quiet one, of course. Sam picked him up and the kitten just looked at him with his big green eyes... I noticed a little brown spot in his eye, just like what Candy had. I instantly fell in love; Sam did, too... he wanted a boy kitten and this one seemed much more relaxed and quiet than the sister, so we decided on the boy.



The kitten was grey with dark grey stripes; you could only really see the stripes in the right light. His big green eyes and his huge ears only made him more adorable. When we adopted him, his name was Stormy... We didn't like that much, so Sam gave him the full name of Benjamin J. Grimm... but we just called him Grimm.



He didn't like to cuddle much, but he liked to play... and he liked to watch me knit. He especially liked this little red stick with a green fluffy ball and jingle bell on it. He took it to his water bowl, his food bowl, and he even slept with it. He used to jump into the cradle and sleep in the bedroom with us every night. One night, he was determined to get us to play with him and his stick... Sam picked it up and just threw it out of our room... and then we heard the jingle... and it was back on the bed. That went on for a few minutes before we realized... Grimm was playing fetch!



Grimm didn't much care about being social; as long as he had his stick, he was good. He loved hiding in boxes and bags, playing in butcher paper, and chewing random things. He really liked sticking his head inside of shoes and rolling around on the floor (I think he was getting high from the stinky fumes!). He wasn't too sure about new people; he usually stayed in the other room when people were visiting. However, Grimm could pick out people who were allergic to cats and decided to sleep next to our friend Jeff when he stayed the night.





Grimm was so used to me being home most days that when I started working full-time, he became a bit more distant... and when I would visit CA, he became even more distant when I came back. He seemed to have a touch of separation anxiety... but he still had his moments when he'd jump on my lap and desire attention or sit on Sam's chair and require love. Grimm was a solid 9 pounds of muscle... a nice, lean kitty with enough power to push you away from him if you held him against his will.



A little over a year later, we realized Grimm would stare at the corner and meow... we thought he was lonely. When we got Odin, Grimm seemed to be okay with it at first... because Odin was sick. But when Odin recovered and started being more active, Grimm soon realized Odin liked to play fetch, too... and with his stick, no less! Grimm cut off all ties to his stick that day. :( Grimm also lost all interest in playing if Odin was around, since Odin was smaller and a little quicker. Grimm tolerated Odin's desire to snuggle; Grimm even helped Odin bathe, since Odin was really bad at that when he was a kitten. They quickly became friends, even though Odin tried to fight with Grimm every chance he got... and Grimm would win every time.



When we moved to the house, Grimm enjoyed all the extra space... but he missed the large windowsills at the apartment. Instead, Grimm would sleep in front of the slider, on the kitchen table, or on our bed to get some sunlight. He really enjoyed our tiny master bathroom; he slept in our sink at one point! He also enjoyed taking showers with us... well, he liked sitting on the edge of the bathtub and playing thru the shower curtain. He also loved sitting by the front door, waiting for us to come home from work.





Grimm was always the "good cat." He didn't jump on counters, he didn't eat people food, he didn't beg, he didn't pee outside the box... he was just very well behaved. So we knew something was wrong when he started peeing around the house. After a few trips to the vet, we were finally told he had kidney failure. He didn't look or act sick... until we let him stay overnight at the animal hospital... and he came home worse than when he left. He still wanted attention from time to time, which still made me happy, even if it was sporadic.



Last November, we found two kittens outside of our house... and we were planning on finding a good home for them... but... I decided it was the universe's way of helping us cope with Grimm's problems.



Grimm toughed it out for the past 7 months; he was a stubborn kitty. We're not sure what exactly he was waiting for, but I am hoping whatever it was, it was worth it. Ultimately, Sam and I decided we didn't want him to continue in this world as uncomfortable as he was. He is already missed and will forever be loved.



I love you, Grimm... forever and always.

Life.

Life has been crazy lately.

Once April hit, work got very busy. Weird, right? Who would have thought a lot of people are procrastinators and needed last minute help... I was working quite a bit of overtime and I even worked on the weekends!

On April 19th, I started class... again. I had forgotten how boring class was and started falling asleep in class every now and then... so I had to start drinking coffee again, even though I had stopped cold turkey back in January when I had my first full day of answering calls. Coffee was my friend for the past three weeks... but now that I'm back on the phones and with even MORE things to remember, check, and have to do (since I can seriously mess shit up now if I don't do it correctly), I'm officially done with coffee... again... for now. Either way, it's a LOT of responsibility and a LOT of stress that I'm going to seriously mess something up and get a horribly wrong call for something super easy!

I'm really enjoying this job; I'm making new friends, meeting new people, and learning a lot of new things (see the above paragraph). My boss is awesome, my friend's boss is *amazing* (I said that just for you!), my lead is hilarious, and my new friends are great company. LOVE it. I'm the "social director" for my team at work, so I organize all sorts of fun things for us to do. As a team, we've been sponsoring an animal at the Oregon Humane Society and doing fundraisers in order to do so. We've also been collecting food and other items to donate to the shelter. So far, the first two dogs we chose to sponsor have been adopted! Now, we're sponsoring a bigger dog named Cassie; she's a cutie. This weekend, I will be making whoopie pies for our bake sale fundraiser on Monday! There will be a whole lotta whoppie (baking) going on in my house!

A few weeks ago, I built up enough courage to go to the dentist... and I had a root canal. Go me. My jaw hurt for a few days... it hurt to talk, eat, chew gum, etc. Once it started feeling better, I had to go back in for the real filling! I went through the pain all over again... but thankfully I won't be going back in again until June (for a full exam and then a cleaning). Eventually, that lucky tooth will be getting a crown, but for now, it will be fine the way it is...

These past couple of days in Portland have been sunny and somewhat warm! I am hoping that tomorrow is nice enough for me to finally work in the garden! This year, I plan on planting flowers. No tomatoes, no veggies, just flowers. The herbs from last year are coming back, but I've decided I want a flower garden in the front yard. I'll get my vegetable planters and green house next year (I hope). Also, we recently bought a brush-cutter attachment for our weed eater... making it easy to cut down blackberry vines! I am excited to get a start on clearing out our backyard... even though I have a feeling we're going to end up hiring someone to clean it out for us. :) Yes, it's THAT overgrown... that's what a lot of rain does to a backyard.

Speaking of making our backyard look pretty... it's less than a month until my 30th birthday!! How did I get that crazy transition, you ask? For my birthday party, I plan on having a BOUNCE HOUSE! In order to have a bounce house, we will need to clean out the backyard, and possibly even level part of it. I have been wanting a bounce house for my 30th party for some time now... and I am going to do everything in my power to make sure I have one! I've been looking at prices, options, etc... and I've decided I'm getting a combo house with a slide! It's just going to be a toss-up on the style... should I go for a princess castle or just a basic primary colored house with a slide? :)

The kittens we found last November are getting big, super cute (and one of them is super FAT!), and somewhat annoying. We're noticing some bad habits they picked up along the way... we're not sure how they got them, but we do know they have them now and it's hard to break them, especially since they're so stubborn! Ellis (aka dinner for 2-3) is getting round... but he's so fluffy and soft! He only meows when there's a chance of food... it's cute, but strange. Zo's feet are big and somewhat awkward, but he's still got his beautiful blue eyes. He likes to wake me up at 6am to snuggle, rub his mouth on my nose, and purr until I wake up. He's a persistent little jerk... but he's too cute to get mad at. Odin is still a happy kitty; I keep finding him his favorite flower bell toys while we're out shopping and he keeps playing fetch with them! Odin doesn't usually seem to like the kittens, but he seems to tolerate them when he's sleeping. :) Grimm is still peeing all over the house... but he LOVES Friskies cat treats and we give him those when we see him use the cat box on his own. I like positive reinforcement, even with my kitties. :) He's still not doing very well, so we're not sure how much longer Grimm will be with us; however, I think Grimm is too stubborn to leave us on his own. I think that's a trend with all our kitties... they're too stubborn for their own good. Jerks.


Now that my house is quiet, my job is stressful, and my kitties are insane, my life feels normal again. :)


Just remember: C is for Cookie, Cupcakes, and Cake... and that's good enough for me.

So long, farewell, auf Wiedersehen, adieu...!

In November, we welcomed two 18 year olds into our house as a kind gesture to help them get back on their feet and be able to contribute to society again. They said no one would give them a chance, that everyone judged them without getting to know them. Well, we gave them that chance and we got to know them. And now it's the end of March and they have left...

With this parting, I am hoping they learned a few things:

1. We did not force anyone to live here. We offered it and they accepted. At the time we offered this assistance, we were shit-ass broke and could barely afford the expenses with just the two of us. But somehow, Sam and I managed to pull together and work a few extra hours in order to make ends meet. Our water, food, electric, and gas bills increased and we still managed to pay for the four of us. That's what working does; it gives you money to be able to afford all of life's expenses, whether it's for two or four people.

2. We gave them a few tasks to complete while they were here. We had them take the bus, get valid identification, and apply for food stamps. Sure, they ended up having an adventure in a new city by getting lost on the bus, but everyone is bound to get lost or miss their stop their first time on a bus. There were times when we gave them a ride somewhere and they took the bus home. That's what being self-sufficient is; you have to learn how to do things in order to make it on your own.

3. We gave them chores while living here, too. We didn't ask too much of them, for example, dishes were to be washed and put away everyday (since our dishwasher is broken), the kitchen was to be cleaned on Thursdays, and the bathroom was to be cleaned on Fridays. Those were the two rooms primarily used by both of them, including their room, which we asked them to keep clean and we noticed it rarely was. Sure, doing chores isn't fun, but when you're unemployed, that's what you do... because that's what you CAN do everyday. Take pride in your home if you can't take pride in your work... but cleaning your home IS your work. It's a fact of life, unless you want to live in a slob, with filth and germs everywhere... which is one step away from becoming a trash hoarder. Cleaning; that's what you do when you're living on your own.

4. We gave them rules while living here as well. Keep in mind, there were alternatives to these rules (and chores): Pay rent = No rules. Go to college full-time = No rules. And even then, the rules were simple; go to bed when we go to bed, wake up before we leave, and apply for jobs daily. When you're unemployed, your primary goal is to either go to college to learn new skills or apply for jobs non-stop until you find a job. Most people have rent or a mortgage to pay and they don't have the pleasure of looking for "the perfect job." They take what they can get, no matter what it is, and they take the time and the effort to go from place to place, in person, to look for a job. When you're unemployed, waking up early ensures that when you go somewhere to apply in person, the manager will most likely be there... and when you go to bed at a reasonable hour, chances are you won't be a zombie when you wake up early. Again, being self-sufficient is key when living on your own.

5. While they were here, we were at work during the day. We left them in our house, with our things, all day... we trusted them with our PS3, TV, our cats, my laptop, everything. They both knew what was supposed to be done during the day, they both knew the rules, and they both knew what was expected of them. Responsibility; that's one of life's HARDEST lessons to learn.


Everything Sam and I have done for them in the past 19 weeks (yes, really, 19 weeks) was to help them LEARN how to make it on their own. Now, what they will actually take from this is beyond me... if anything. I am hoping that they will one day look-back and realize how nice it was to live rent-free for four months, to have their meals cooked for them almost every night, and to have no bills, no worries, and no real responsibilities (other than a few weekly chores). Things didn't end the way we wanted them to, but it needed to happen... and sooner, rather than later.

I felt as though we were being taken advantage of and Sam felt as though they blew an opportunity to change the way people perceived them; that wasn't cool in our own house. We opened up our home to them; we brought them in so they would have a roof over their heads, a safe place to live, somewhere to find/get jobs, and start fresh. Unfortunately, they seemed to think that we were suckers, that they were manipulating/playing us... and that was unacceptable to both of us. We bought them necessities, like soap, shampoo and conditioner, and made sure the house was always stocked with food since they didn't have their own money. We were made out to be the bad guys on a few occasions and to several different people... too bad we caught them in their own lies. No, they did not starve for three days; they ate and there was PLENTY of food in the house to eat... I promise. Yes, they had their own money to take the bus and buy necessities; they chose to mail cash out of state so someone else could buy them "gifts" on eBay. They also seemed to acquire things that I don't remember them buying while we were out shopping... No, we did not make them do chores; they CHOSE chores over having to pay rent. No, we did not make one do all the chores while the other one played on the computer all day; they chose to split the chores between them like that.

When the time came for them to leave, rules were no longer adhered to, jobs were no longer applied to, and words were barely spoken to one another. It was a very awkward and tense week leading up to their departure. It got to a boiling point though during the last week; things were said/done that should NEVER have been said/done... and that got both Sam and myself very upset. We (but really, more Sam) had a chat with them one night about all the shit that was being said/done and how fucked up that was. We also told them our unedited feelings about the past 19 weeks and our general observations... which couldn't have been easy to listen to, but it needed to be said. Things seemed to be much better around the house after the "airing of grievances."

On the last day, I took them shopping for snacks on their trips home. While I was out with the teens, Sam stayed home. While Sam was taking both teens to the train station for the boy's farewell, I stayed home. I started laundry (sheets from their room) and realized they had left a few things behind... Top Ramen! Now, for those of you that know Sam, Top Ramen is NOT something that is typically allowed inside of our house, but we made an exception just for them these past nineteen weeks... anyway, I noticed the Ramen and went to put it in her suitcase. When I opened the suitcase, I noticed a few things that I wish I wouldn't have... and when Sam and the girl got home from the train station, I had a little airing of my own grievances, which was probably bad timing seeing as how she had just said goodbye to her boyfriend not an hour before and she was all sad already... but shit had to be said. When we took her to the bus station, we made sure she had money, pepper spray, and a calling card, just in case her phone dies and she needed to call someone. Sam put her luggage on the bus, we gave her hugs, she thanked us for everything, and we sent her on her way. As much as I will miss her, I am glad that she's going to get an opportunity to start college, live with her mom, and get a job (where her mom works) in Indiana... and I'm grateful that her mom made it work a month earlier than previously planned.


Again, all I'm hoping is that they LEARN from this experience; they didn't seem to learn from it while they were here, so I'm hoping they both learn something eventually... and sooner rather than later.

Update

The kittens are growing up, ans fast, I might add. With time, we've discovered that Zoey is indeed a boy and, accordingly, his name has been changed to Zod (aka Zo). Ellis is still a boy... we're pretty sure of that. The two of them have been sleeping with us most nights and waking me up with purrs and snuggles in the morning.

Grimm seems to be doing a LOT better. He's eating and, without the appetite stimulants, he's actually eating wet food and about 2-3 times a day! It's exciting. He'd put back on a little weight and when we check to see if he's dehydrated, he's not... so we're happy that we aren't having to go to extremes everyday in order to accomplish this. Tonight, Grimm got excited about catnip and rolled around on the mat by the front door. He was even playing with my hand as well as a toy! I am a very happy mom. :) As you can see by my earlier picture, he also "tolerated" Zo sleeping next to him, which is a big accomplishment for both of them. Odin is still doing well; he's our little tank and even more so now that he's been snacking on kitten food and gaining more weight. haha!

Work is work. I'm glad I have a job and I'm glad it's not something I have to take home with me every day. At the end of each phone call, I can wipe the slate clean and start fresh with the next call. I don't have to really remember anything (except maybe publication/form numbers) because it's all saved on my computer and I am allowed, and encouraged, to use the hold button frequently. Since it's not face-to-face contact, like Target was, I am able to dress however I want to (within reason) and I can make goofy faces, flip them the bird, or write swear words and NO ONE knows I'm doing it... except for me. :) (and now you, I suppose...) Over half of the calls I have received are considered "Baby Momma Drama." Good times... and with tax season in full-swing, I'm sure I'll be getting a LOT more calls about that same exact issue.

This spring, Sam and I are hoping to have enough money saved up that we can actually DO something to our backyard to make it usable, as well as functional. We're also hoping to clean out the garage and make it more storage friendly as well as have a little money put aside to work on our bathroom, which is still not being used at the moment. If there's time, Sam wants to build me a greenhouse and some planter boxes for my garden... in the backyard. The front yard garden will be for flowers only. :) I think that will be fantastic... and I can't wait!

That's it for now...!

Goodbye 2010!

My Random Thoughts on 2010.
If I forgot something, please remind my fragile little mind. ;)


It started out GREAT! I was in LA with friends and family, getting ready for my WEDDING! (which was the best day ever, btw). I had an amazing day with wonderful people... and then we left the next day and headed back home... spent the night in Weed... and then headed the rest of the way to Portland. I went back to looking for jobs and Sam went back to work.

February brought a few friends into our lives, not in the best situation, but they were welcomed all the same. I had two people to hang out with during the day, I had two more people to cook for at dinner, and I had two people to craft and shop with! It was fantastic. :) I was very sad when they left...

March and April brought more job searching and more job interviews... but no jobs! It was very upsetting. In May, I applied for a job with the government, but I never thought I'd hear back from them. It was a job answering phones in a call center in Portland that paid pretty well with decent hours. I was somewhat excited, but I didn't let myself get too excited, given my recent luck with jobs and applications.

In June, I celebrated by 29th birthday... for the first time. ;) hehe... Sam's 20th high school reunion was towards the end of June and we decided to drive down to Napa for the weekend. While we were down, we spent time with his grandparents and mom. We had a fabulous time, despite the 100+ degree weather.

In July, we celebrated the 4th by sitting at home, watching fireworks on TV. :) To my surprise, I received an e-mail about the government job, asking me to complete a brief internet "test." It didn't say how I did at the end of the test, so I had no idea if I'd get a call or e-mail... or not.

In August, Sam celebrated his 38th birthday. We didn't do anything spectacular, but we had a good evening. At the end of the month, my friend Malia came to visit and I had a fantastic time (even though Odin broke a mirror on her first night in town and we had to clean it up)! :) hehe... We went sight-seeing and shopped at Powell's Books... fantastic time.

In September, we went to PAX... and I MET WIL WHEATON! It was amazing... a high point in my life, other than my wedding, of course. :) hehe... We had a fantastic weekend with Whitney, Nate, and a couple of Whitney's friends. My parents also surprised me by driving up to visit towards the end of September. They stayed at a hotel down the street and we hung out for a few days before they had to head back home. It was nice to finally see them... in Portland!

In October, I went down to LA for about a week. My sister was having her baby shower, Colby was turning 9, and Colin was turning ONE! I had a very eventful week while I was in town. I picked Colby up from school several days, I made a Halloween costume for Sam, and I got to go to Disneyland for free (with Colby- it was his birthday gift). I had the most amazing time that week. I was very sad when I had to go home. I also found out that I was going to have a JOB when I got back from my trip! It was the government job I had applied for back in May; I was beyond excited.

In November, I started my new job! I sat in a classroom for 8 hours a day, learning all sorts of new things. I started taking the bus to/from work and saving my car from additional wear and tear, as well as no more buying gas for my car! Yippee! However, the frustrations at my new job began... between the sleepers and the other irritating people... along with being stuck in a classroom for 8 hours a day... yeah. Thankfully, I made a few friends in class... which makes the day go by easier. :) We also got a few house guests... of the teenaged-nature... as well as two of the feline nature. The night before Thanksgiving, my friend Felicia and I found two kittens in an XBOX box down the street from our house, next to a frozen creek, with nothing but a pee-soaked blanket and a handful of kibble inside. Sam named them Nick and Ellis, after a video game called, "Left for Dead." He found it fitting... until we decided that one was a girl and the other was a boy... so their names were changed to Zoey and Ellis. Oh, and I "officially" became an aunt. :)

In December, the classes continued at work, along with a little on-the-job training. Money was finally starting to come in, bills were getting paid, and then Grimm started peeing in random places, including my clean laundry! I was very sad. Sam took him into the vet and, $1500 and a two-day stay at the 24-hour Vet Clinic later, he was diagnosed with chronic kidney (renal) failure and severe anemia. He didn't seem to be doing well when we first brought him home; however, with time, he's been doing better and acting more like our Grimm. The kittens are still here; I'm trying to convince Sam it's a good idea to keep them... even though I don't want to change a litter box for 4 cats! Christmas was good; we bought ourselves a new PS3 and Rock Band 3, including the keyboard. We obviously opened it early. :) We had friends over, ate pizza until we couldn't eat anymore, and baked enough cookies for 20+ friends, 30 co-workers, and 2 teenagers! haha! It was a December to remember. :)


Looking ahead to 2011, I am looking forward to my one year anniversary with my hubby. <3 I am also looking forward to other life changing events... including having a job all year! I am also looking forward to catching up on all bills, slowly fixing up our bathroom, and relaxing in the evening after work. :)

I have decided my resolutions are as follows:
1. Speak my mind when something is bothering me.
2. Lose weight, despite the fact that I sit on my ass at work all day.
3. Be nice to everyone until they give me a reason to stop. (my usual)


I hope everyone has a fantastic 2011...!