It's later than you think!!

That was for anyone who still hasn't gotten around to doing Daylight Savings Time. Because one year, long long ago, I arrived at work an hour late on Monday morning oblivious to the time change. What a wonderful nostalgic memory of the time without constant electronic connection.


(I have two adult kids and a DW; no pets at present since our beloved Australian Shepard crossed the bridge.)

I am back in the land of the living . Slept until the alarm went off at 5 this a.m. - haven't done that in a long time. Still at red line with the weight but that's my winter weight so no worries there.

I will begin to seriously take off the 5 winter lbs. at the beginning of April when I can shed about 15 of the winter outerwear lbs.

I'm hoping Tulip the ox dog is adopted early this week. And I picked up a Viszla yesterday for 3X + per week. I can hold on to him .

DH has his second interview today and then goes to band camp. Won't see him 'til Tues. a.m. - that's a good thing right now.

Good Monday all!

Dagmar

The weather is supposed to be in the 60s all week, and the birds are riotous in the mornings now, with many newly arrived red-winged blackbirds among them, going "konk-a-ree" in the nearby wetlands.

My dark mood has lightened somewhat as a result of yesterday's phone call with the contractor at my apartment complex. He's back at work. YES!!! He hadn't been paid since Dec. 22nd, and now was paid again on March 8th, and is able to resume work. Late this week, he thinks, the workers will hang drywall in my apartment. He has ordered the cabinets for my kitchen. Today, I'll take some time to look at different widths and styles of chair rails for my dining room and living room. My plan for bookshelves in long hallway fell through, as the space is just too narrow, so I feel as though I've got funds to play with, and want to spend them on architectural features in the rooms.

So I'm facing the work week feeling fairly optimistic. I have much to do today on the job, but it's not overwhelming.

Oh, and as for my household census. I have no children. I have no pets. I am currently living with my mother until my apartment is habitable. She has a long-haired tuxedo cat named Fritz. (Yes, he's Fritz the Cat -- and she has no idea from whence his name originates, which is probably a good thing.) Fritz & I have become quite fond of each other. He sleeps with me now instead of with my mother. But I probably will not get a cat of my own once I move back into my apartment. Fritz is a special case.

Morning all,

I'm not liking this time change. I even made myself stay awake yesterday when I woke up early, to help me adjust to the time change for work. It didn't help. But it feels so nice to have my "to-do" list done and having stayed OP all weekend. Emma and I had a nice girls' weekend and took plenty of long walks and watched "The Help" together Saturday night. It was very good! But the book was better.

Slshappy, Emma is my almost 2-year old, very energetic dog. My life revolves around work, sleep, and walking her, or cleaning up after her. She is very sweet but likes to eat bad things. I also have a fish and some anemones in a fishtank (neglected stepchildren), a veggie garden (oft-neglected children though I love them dearly), and a BF who's been hanging around approximately 6.5 years.

Saef, glad work is moving forward again on your apartment. That's a long time for the contractor to not get paid! And I'm glad you're getting some spring weather, too.

Dagmar, I would really like to see a picture of you and all of your big dogs. I imagine it's quite a site, all these huge, powerful animals, controlled by and obeying one little woman.

Bill, I like the fact that my cell phone knows to change itself for daylight savings time. If I'm confused, I know I can check it and it will be right. Unfortunately I live fairly close to the eastern/central time zone change. If I start traveling west, the phone gets confused will change before it should. It's very confusing when I'm driving that way to the airport.

Have a great day everyone! I'm going to finish drinking my coffee now.

Hi everyone! I feel like I am officially in maintenance now, since I have successfully maintained for 3 months now.

It's been easy and hard, LOL. I do like eating a few hundred calories more, so I won't lose anymore, but I'm struggling with not making those extra calories crap food. Hmmm..

So let me introduce myself! I am a stay-at-home momma to two boys, ages 4 and 6. I teach spanish to preschoolers every monday and have become a gym rat, particularly Zumba.

I just had surgery to fix my sad, sad bosoms and although I'm grateful to finally feel normal in that area, the recovery has been horrible. And my youngest son needed immediate surgery on his tonsils last Friday, so we've been dealing with two very rough recoveries. I am about 10 days post-op. All I want to do is workout and move my body, but I'm not there yet.

My current struggle is trying not to overeat during this period, since I am extremely sedentary.

I look forward to getting to know you all!

PS. We live in the country, but don't have much land. I have a German Shepherd, two spoiled Japanese Chins and lots of chickens.

ChiChi!

Household census: I have DH and one fur-baby. His name (the dog, not DH ) is Carter and he is an 8-ish-year-old mutt -- we think he's a german shepherd/doberman mix. Actually his "birthday" (anniversary of when we adopted him) is coming up soon. He was 4 when we adopted him so that means we've had him longer than his previous owners (who had adopted him when he was 1).

No daylight savings problems for me. I woke up at 5:30 this morning and was totally awake. I think it's because I was so exhausted yesterday that I slept like a log last night! Too bad it's dark in the mornings again.

Saef, glad construction has started again. Weather has been beautiful and in the 60's here as well. I went out in short sleeves and a skirt yesterday! Our daffodils started blooming in addition to the crocuses which were already up. I went for my first bike ride of the season. Today it's raining though. Oh well.

Good morning everyone!!
WELCOME ChiChi!! Congratulations on your weight loss. I just joined the land of maintainers a couple of weeks ago. To add in a couple hundred more calories but not junk I am eating more low fat yogurt, bananas and nuts. They are dense foods and healthy.
Thank you everyone for participating in the census. That really gives me a better feel fo everyone . I neglected to mention that I have a wonderful DW of 40 years. We also have 2 mini-dachshunds. Our oldest son is getting married in early June near Yosemite National Park.

Saef glad to hear they are working on your apartment again.

Welcome ChiChi!

I'm tired this morning and would like to call it quits and head back to bed. I didn't sleep well at all and have a grumbly tummy due to that.

We went to see the stage production of Mamma Mia! yesterday. It was better than the movie. If it is in your town, I recommend seeing it.

I've been dealing with a sickly kitty. First the vet thought cystitis, so we've taken both cats off of dry food and then he started throwing up late last week. I was afraid of an obstruction, but he pooped yesterday, so that's not the problem. He hasn't thrown up since Friday night now, so I'm hoping he's over whatever it was. I'm still messing around with what food is best for both of them--he's rather finicky and would prefer just dry food, but I don't want further bladder problems so that isn't going to happen. I think I've finally narrowed it down to the food that he likes best, but since I bought so many to try, it'll be a while before I go buy more of it for them. This morning, he looked at me an hour after he ate--and then turned to stare at his treat jar, so I gave them more food. He sniffed it and turned away--that means the little cat ate both dishes (and I'm sure he's happy about that!).

I am divorced with 2 grown sons, one grandson and a grandaughter is expected any day now, her name will be Faith. Yesterday i went to a baby shower for her.
I do not have a pet now as my precious lille boy has crossed the bridge. I don't think I am ready for that experience again BUT the hostess at yesterday's shower has two darling Shi Tzus (sp ?) , I am in love. Misha gave me a kiss right on the smacker and Gizmo and I have bonded. I wanted to smuggle him out of there in my purse but I would have been shot by the owner I am sure. I related somehing to her that I saw on the internet, I was looking at dogs up for adoption and read about this sad story. A family wanted a cute little puppy and got one , a male Cocker Spaniel, forgetting that puppies don't stay puppies, as soon as he got past the puppy stage they put him in the backyard and forgot him. He is now up for adoption. I am tempted to adopt him but unsure how he would be , he is fostered now and he is just unsure of how to act because of his neglected care.As I left yesterday, the hostess whispered in my ear, "go get that cocker" , I just don't know, I am tempted.

I haven't been around for a bit but I see some new "faces" - welcome to slshappy and chichi!

About my family/pets: I have a bf of almost 3 years and I've recently started fostering dogs for a local rescue organization - trying hard to keep to one at a time, but the pictures and stories I get make me want to save them all! My bf has 2 cats, who are fat and sassy and spend most of their time lying in the sun or hiding in their "kitty cubby."

I'm kind of glad Arizona doesn't do the whole daylight savings time thing, although most of my family is on the east coast so now they are 3 hours time difference from me, which makes them seem so much farther!

Bargoo I think you should consider the dog =) I don't know how the foster/rescue situation is for him, but the rescue I work with gives a 1-week "trial period" to be sure the dog is a good fit with the adopter.

It seems I've been very lazy and binge-y lately. I guess I shouldn't call it binging (I really used to have a problem with that) but definitely over-indulging in crap food, and it's taking its toll on the way I feel. I swore I was starting fresh again today, hopefully with my bf by my side as he as gained back a bit of weight in the past few months. However, we still have over a dozen delicious cupcakes I made (I call them "better than sex cupcakes") and he refuses to take them to work or otherwise make them go away, so they tantalize me from the counter top.

My two cents on the dog~rescue is the best way to go. But don't feel pressured just because of the situation. Go meet the dog and if you click, then go for it. Or if you're not sure, ask if you could foster it for a week or so before you make the decision. My brother rescued a cocker spaniel once--it had been owned by a family with a child who had Down Syndrome. Apparently the child would grab the puppy and not let go for anything, and they finally decided that it wasn't a good situation (because the puppy would retaliate by biting). Unfortunately, by that time the dog had some pretty permanent dislikes and without warning would suddenly bite you if he felt you were too close. I always felt bad for the dog and for my brother, but they did keep him until the end (because, really, if you adopt you shouldn't give it up--that's my opinion on pet ownership).

When I was looking for my current black Lab, I visited several shelters and rescue organizations. There was one Lab who's time was about up, but we didn't click. He had been an outdoor dog--basically left out there with no toys or interaction from anyone. I remember taking him for a walk and he and I just didn't click. I felt bad, but he just wasn't the one for me. I found Chico a few days later, he and his brother were both looking for a home and I clicked with Chico (and NOT his brother--at all!). Chico has become my "heart" dog. He's mine. And he knows it. He loves everyone, but really listens to me the most.

I wish I lived in Arizona, or some of the other places that don't practice DST. Blame it all on that German butterfly enthusiast that came up with the whole thing! Have you all seen the video about it? It's really interesting. DST

The only thing I am concerned about with this dog is that doing to being left alone and ignored, he is timid and shy according to his foster. I don't know if he would ever warm up, it is criminal what this famiy did to him.

Well bargoo, I suppose as suggested you could just spend some time with the dog, and see what your thoughts are after you do so. Maybe you would just "click" with him, or see if his behavior changes after a few visits with him, if he starts warming up to you, talk to his foster and ask if he's changed at all during his/her time with the dog. I'm sure whatever rescue org. is working w this dog would be in favor of you testing the waters. They want people to think about these choices. They don't want dogs returned like a pair of pants that doesn't fit! Also I might suggest doing some research about a cocker spaniel's temperament if you're not familiar with it, it might give you some insight.

The number of people who don't realize the responsibility a pet is makes me furious. (I'm sure Dagmar will agree when she gets home from work!) I swore when I got a dog it would be a rescue, and I found Emma the day before her second owner dropped her off at the shelter on his way out of town. How could anyone live with her sweet face for 6 months and then just leave her??? It makes me tear up just thinking about it. I suppose I can't be too angry bc I am glad I have her, but I still am angry.

My sentiments exactly!

My in-laws have some friends who adopted a dachshund to be a friend for the dachshund they already had and loved. They got him from a breeder as a puppy. Turns out he didn't have the greatest temperament. Did they return him (a reputable breeder should take back and try to rehome a dog they bred rather than allow the family to take it to the shelter)? No. Did they turn it into the shelter? No. Although the dog isn't the nicest and has some rather strange quirks, they understood that they adopted him and they'll have him to the end (it's been almost 10 years now!).

OTOH, my SIL and her daughter think NOTHING of adopting a puppy or kitten and then when it becomes a "handful" or whatever, they drop it off at the shelter like they're disposable. It makes me sick.

Meanwhile, mini rant here. DH and I took Chico for a walk on Sunday morning. Why is it that SOME people refuse to pick up after their dogs and OTHER people pick up after them AND THEN THROW THE BAGS INTO THE BUSHES????? They expect the gardeners to take care of it, meanwhile it sits there for a week or more...and to top it off, gardeners don't really have the equipment to deal with it. All their debris goes off to the composting dump. Poop goes to the garbage dump. They don't always have the means to deal with poop--let alone multiple bags of poop. It makes me think that these people are too proud to carry a full poop bag! Makes me so mad! (I told this story to my MIL and she said when her daughter walks her dog she doesn't ever clean up after it--her reasoning is that neighbor dogs poop on her lawn, so who cares? My MIL from then on would carry the bag FOR HER because she wouldn't pick up after her own dog.)

Megan, I know how you feel! Carter's previous owners gave him up after having him for 3 years (along with another dog they also had). How can you live with a dog for 3 years and then just give him up? And the reason was supposedly that they were going to have a baby. Uh, so? They kept their other dog. WTF? I certainly don't intend to give up Carter if DH and I have a baby. That's not to say I would leave him alone and unsupervised with a baby within reach, but that would be stupid with any dog no matter how friendly they are.

Allison, the only time I have ever left poop in a bag was when I was going out for a run, Carter decided he had to poop right at the beginning, and I was coming back on the same route so I left the poop where I could pick it up on my way home rather than carry it around while running. But I don't think that's what your neighbors are doing!

Speaking of dogs, I'm having trouble figuring out how much Carter is just getting old, how much is lingering effects of his back surgery last year, and how much it's possible that he is having back pain. When we take him for a longish walk, he seems extra gimpy afterwards even though we put boots on his feet so he won't scrape them up. I'm not sure if it's just that it takes him a lot of mental effort to control his back legs because his spinal cord was damaged so he's mentally tired, or the walking irritates his back and it hurts, or what. He's due for his annual check up and vaccines at the vet in a couple weeks and I'm not sure how the vet would be able to determine that either. I guess we could do another x-ray of his back? He doesn't flinch or yelp or anything when we rub along his back, which makes me think he's not in any pain, but with a dog you can't always tell.

Mostly it's just that while he walks funny to begin with after a long walk he walks even funnier for a day or so. My example is that this Saturday, I gave him a bath in the morning. After a bath he always wants to run around like a nutcase, even though it's dangerous for him. So in any case we try to keep him calm but he runs around for a while anyway. Then I took him for a walk later in the afternoon while DH was at the library (we drove to the library and I walked him around there). After about 40 minutes or so of walking, he was giving me signals that he was done. We passed by the car and he just wanted to go to the car and go home. That evening he was walking a little more funny, and was extremely tired. The following morning he was still walking funny (on his 15-min easy walk), and slept most of the day Sunday. He was fine by Sunday afternoon and back to a more normal level of funny walking.

In other news I was very proud of him for letting me trim his back feet's nails without any struggle. (Well, I was feeding him hot dogs the whole time I was doing it which helped, but still.)