affection.

Finally got around to getting some much needed time off this week. After a very unfriendly 24 days in row of work, I'm back to sleeping in and wonderful stretches of doing nothing at home again. I don't know that I could have done it without darling. And the dog. All the effort they put into keeping the house tidy, the laundry manageable, and the woman sane have paid off. Now I'm getting back to the good stuff. Home renovations being my number one.

This week, I got brand new book shelves that I am just dying over. Babe and Mitch had them up in no time, and I had them stocked and loaded with books even faster. I think I was actually trying to arrange my things on them as they were still screwing them into the wall. What can I say.... I be the go-getter (thanks, Dan).

Also got a little time to spoil the pup. Brand new mountain collar and lead, and had him a custom copper tag made from DogLegLeft Designs. Pretty amazing stuff for all you dog lovers. Now just very impatiently awaiting its arrival on my front stoop. He's eagerly awaiting, too.

After getting a little rest and having a little me time, I'm pretty much back to my old self. Got a cake in the oven and our comforter out on the line to dry. Just finally, really feeling good again. And it feels... well, good.

gettin' outta town.

Finally getting to Asheville in a couple of weeks. I really can't wait. It's become our second home, and may eventually become our permanent home at some point and time. Just feels like that little town was made for us. From our first trip there, we noticed how amazingly pet friendly it is. Water-stations on every corner, even tons of pet friendly restaurants. Just found out our favorite bistro lets you bring Fido and sit on the patio. Since we are avid patio diners, things couldn't be more perfect. So it's finally time to bring our pup for our first real family vacation. This time, I'm planning our entire visit around Bailey. Complete with a reputable doggie daycare so me and darling can have a little time to do a few things on our own. I don't think he'll be at all opposed to getting to spend a few hours with a few friends. Even bought him a new saddlebag. Now when we hike, pup can bring all his favorite things. Got collapsible travel bowls, and getting a new padded seat cover for the road trip. Pretty glad we have such a good boy. Browsing through some old pictures, and found this one of baby Bailey. This was the first picture I ever saw of him. Knew he was the one. Lots of comedy to follow...

just happy, that's all.

I can't really explain how happy it makes me to look back at all the little adventures I've got to share with my darling. I guess it really is about all the little things. I've done and seen more than I ever thought I would. And I'm not even barely finished.

Of all the adventures to date, I think our home has been the best one. Every day, we learn some new quirk about our little brick corner on Murrell Street. No matter how tiny our bathroom, there is no one I would rather be smashed up against while I'm drying my hair and applying my mascara then him. Throw a giant black bear dog in the mix, and things just get even better. No matter how messy my closet is because I just don't seem to have enough room for one more pair of shoes, there is no ones blue jeans I would rather have to throw out of my way then his. No matter where we go or where we end up, our first home together will always be my best memories. Every tiny inch of it.

Wearin' me down.

I'm finally starting to feel the stress of working in the medical field. For the last few days now, I've been convinced I'm having a heart attack. Turns out, I'm not. I am, however, allergic to penicillin. Which I didn't find out till I had continued to take it for 4 days. When I started experiencing chest pain, throat swelling, and worsening symptoms, I knew something just wasn't sitting well.  But despite medical anomalies, 12 hour shifts, and weekend shifts,  I'm still loving my job and the folks I get to call co-workers. Not to mention getting to come home to complete comic relief every night. Thanks guys.

We had a gentleman come to take a look at our air conditioning unit recently. It was then that we found out our dog is quite literally terrified of tool belts. You know, the simple kind that men carry all their tools in. Hammer, nails, wrench, pliers. Nothing fancy, or intimidating in the least. Just a tool belt. Bailey was frozen with the fear at the mere sight of such a contraption. How can I NOT laugh?

Keep 'em coming, guys. I got another week to pull through. And I'd much rather do it smiling.