LUCKYS NEW CAGE

Following the behaviorist's advice, Lucky's cage arrived today.  She was so excited she got right in it.  It helped that I threw some treats inside.  Right now she is asleep in the cage and she is so calm.  It is nice to have a non-growling night.  No growling when I get up.  No problems when Happi moves around.  The tension is gone. Now I have to get her out of the cage.  That is going to be fun!

Until tomorrow...

DIG

 I started watching this new television show titled DIG.  I wasn't sure I was going to like it at first.  The first episode was a bit slow (as most are) but I kind of got hooked.  It is about an FBI detective that is stationed in Jerusalem who has gone there to get away from a family tragedy.  He tumbles into a mystery and no one believes his theories.  Mostly because they sound farfetched.  I am about 3 episodes in now and I am dying to know what is going to happen.  I guess the show is working!

Until tomorrow...

GARDENS

Today I went to the park and took some photos.  I packed a lunch and sat in the herb garden in the park.  Then I walked around and took a bunch of photos.  It was a lot of fun.  Okay, fun for me.

Just some pictures I took.

Until tomorrow... 

ONE DAY

Here is a quote I liked:

One day you will wake up, and there won't be any more time to do the things you've always wanted.  Do them now.

It is all about doing things now and not waiting.  Check off that bucket list while you can.  I am starting to do that.

Until tomorrow...

MAKE UP YOUR OWN HOLIDAY DAY

According to the Wacky Holiday Calendar, today is Make Up Your Own Holiday Day.  This makes me wonder, what holiday I would want to make up.

Would it be a holiday like Christmas where you get presents?  A holiday like the Fourth of July where there are fireworks?  Or a holiday like Thanksgiving where families get together and there is tons of cooking? 

I don't know.  I think it would be a holiday where people would just relax.  No stressful family gatherings.  No present giving (although I love to give a good present!).  No cooking.  No long drives or flights to get to your families homes. 

Just a day off where everyone gets to relax.  Sit around and read a book or watch a movie. Go to the beach or take a walk.  Stores and government agencies are closed.  Doesn't that sound great!?  That would be my holiday.

Until tomorrow...

THE UNLIKELY PILGRIMAGE OF HAROLD FRY

I just finished a book titled “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry,” by Rachel Joyce.  I had read a review about it and thought it sounded like a fun book to read.  I wanted a light and easy book to read.  This book is referred to a as a cousin to "The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society".

Harold Fry has something happen in his predictable life and he decides to go for a walk.  A long walk.  It is fun to read about the characters Harold runs into during his adventure.  

The book was a fun read.  I recommend it if you want a really fun and light read.

Until tomorrow...

EXPECTATIONS

Isn't it funny when you have an expectation about something but then it happens another way?  Here's what happened.  I was in charge of a meeting and I had an expectation that it was going to end badly.  There were four people and they had met before and disagreed on a decision.  Last night they were meeting again to make the ultimate decision on the same subject.  I was sure it was going to end badly with two of the people on each side of the decision. 

That didn't happen.  They all acted like adults and discussed the topic like responsible people.  Even though they didn't agree, they ended the meeting agreeing to disagree. 

Until tomorrow...

UPDATE ON LUCKY BEHAVIOR APPOINTMENT

Today was Lucky's behavior appointment.  Turns out it should be called Adrienne's behavior appointment.  They told me I have been doing many things wrong with Lucky.  So we made a plan.

I needed to get some items.  I needed to get Lucky a new small cage for her to sleep in.  No more bed downstairs.  She is too anxious in the morning and is guarding her area so she needs to be sleeping in a pen with a new cushion.

I bought a new bed for her to use upstairs (the old one was falling apart) that is hers.  It is too small for Happi.  This way each dog has their own bed, no arguing.  Lucky has not gotten out of it from the minute I put it on the floor.

I bought a movable pen for her to be put in when I am home.  She wants to guard me from, well, everything so she can do it from a pen.  The new bed will go in the pen.  This way she will not be charging after anyone or anything. 

I needed to get over my feelings of putting her in her cage for long periods.  She is cage-trained but I was feeling guilty about putting her in her cage for longer than 15-30 minutes when we were home.  We put the dogs in cages when we go out and sometimes they are in their cages for 3-4 hours at a time but that is different.  Both dogs are in cages and we are not home.   The docs explained that she needs to be in confined areas right now to feel secure. 

Now that we have a plan, I think the situation will get better.  Nothing in life is free is the mantra in our house.  Treats when things are done right and nothing when it is done incorrectly. 

The cage and pen will be arriving in about 5 days.  Meanwhile I bought some high value treats (treats that a dog will do almost anything for) and boy do they stink!  Roasted Chicken.  Ugh. 

Until tomorrow...

CLEANED THE HOUSE

Today I cleaned up the house.  I went through that pile of junk mail.  I put away the table that I did my taxes on.  I vacuumed and dusted.  The house looks all sparkly.  I even cleaned the bird cage.

Then I took a rest.

Until tomorrow...

MADE A NEW DISH: GRAINS AND ASPARAGUS

Today I made a dish called Spring Grain Salad with Asparagus and Meyer Lemon.  It is really good.

It is very tasty.  I put the asparagus in the oven instead of cooking on the stove top.  I used wheatberries and pearl couscous as my grain. 

Delicious!

Until tomorrow...

CAMERA LENS OR NOT

I went down to pick up my camera lens and it wasn't there.  Someone at the store accidentally sold the lens that was meant for me.  So it was a wasted trip.  I did get to see it on a Nikon camera and liked it.  I didn't get to buy it.

They said it would be available in one week.  I was incredibly bummed.  I was already to buy it and go out and take photos.  Oh, well.  I needed to clean up the house and probably would not have done that if I got the lens.

Until tomorrow...

GOT MY TEST RESULTS

Today I got my blood test results.  I can barely understand them.  The RA doctor ran all sorts of tests I am not sure I ever had run before.  IgG test.  Anyway it looks like I am negative where I am supposed to be negative and in the range on the other tests.

I don't know how the x-rays came out.  I will see the doc in May and find out the results.

Until tomorrow...

NOT DECREASING PREDNISONE

When I saw the doctor last week she told me she wanted me to decrease the prednisone by 1 milligram every two weeks.  I have decided I am uncomfortable with this plan.  I have some big client projects coming up and a vacation.  I do not want to decrease the prednisone and possibly go into a flare with all this going on.  I mean, who wants to flare before a vacation?  Be miserable on a long awaited holiday?

I am going to wait until the projects are done and the vacation is over before decreasing and I am sure the doctor will understand.

Until tomorrow...

NEIGHOBR'S PAINT JOB

My neighbor painted his house and I think it looks awesome.  Of course I like the offbeat paint jobs.

The colors are teal, purple, blue and white.  I think it looks vibrant and alive.  Some folks say it is too bright but give it a year and the colors will fade.

What do you think?

Until tomorrow...

POSTING

It has been really hard to post every day.  I do post but I have been having a problem writing each day.  Either I am busy or I am too tired or I have too much work to do or (this one is the most popular) I have nothing to say.  I have realized that lately I lead a boring life.  My health has been pretty stable and that is really good.  I am even afraid to write it down.

I don't do really exciting things so there is nothing to write about.  Unfortunately I don't really get to write about my work because most of it is confidential. 

I have been very tired lately and I am not sure what that is all about.  Maybe my B12 is low again.

Maybe I just have to get back in the swing of posting everyday again.

Until tomorrow...

A NEW FORM OF IGNORANCE

Today I was on the bus going to get my bike back from the shop.  My bike doesn't fit in my car and there are no bike racks made to fit my car.  So I have to put my bike on the bus to go anywhere.  Since I was picking up my bike I just got on the bus.  It was not crowded so I got a seat.  I sat next to a guy who did have his bike on the bus.  He was all dressed in biking gear.  We were on the bus for about 10 minutes when he took out his phone.  I thought "Oh, great, he is going to talk on the phone."  Little did I know what was to come.  He dialed the phone and began to talk.  WITH THE SPEAKER PHONE ON!  He had an entire conversation with the speaker phone on while on a public bus.  This is a new form of ignorance.  Do people not realize that other people don't want to hear their conversations?  Especially BOTH sides of the conversation.  It was so rude.

My bike tune up was free!  Yay!

Until tomorrow...

TOOK MY BIKE TO BE FIXED

Today I finally took my bike to be fixed after my accident.  I know my accident was back in November but I have been busy and avoiding getting it fixed.  I can't ride it if it is unrideable.  The guys at the shop think it is not really broken.  They think it just needs a tune up.  I never took it in for the 6 month free tune up because I had only rode it about 2 times because of my ankle surgery.  I can pick it up tomorrow.

Until tomorrow...

SOME PHOTOS I TOOK

Here are some photos I took last weekend.

An Angry Sky

Electric Horseback Riding

Just Hangin'

Taking a Walk (not my Lucky)

Back Off!

Until tomorrow...

CRANE CAME TO TERRORIZE AGAIN

I looked outside and that crane was standing on the edge of the pond.  He looked up when I opened the door. He flew off when I screamed. I want to. Believe he was contemplating the netting on the pond.  A few weeks ago we put a fine netting across the top of the pond. We hope this will keep the crane from stealing any more fish. 

I went to see my gut doc. I got a good report. I have been having pain in my chest. She thinks some aciphex may help. So one week of aciphex for me. I don't have to see her again for 6 months.  

Until tomorrow...

MORNING OF SHOPPING

This morning I went to buy my new telephone battery and laptop battery.  Then I had to spend the day watching them both charge for hours.  My phone is still charging.  I had to charge and then drain the laptop and now I am charging it again.

I also went to the camera store and checked out camera lenses.  I really want a lens that can take photos further in the distance.  I checked out three but the one I think I am buying was sold out.  I will have to wait two weeks.  I checked them out online and they were the same price.  The camera store near us is a professional camera store and they have pretty competitive prices.  I can't wait to get the lens.  A present for me!

Until tomorrow...

TELEPHONE BATTERY DIED

Today I was on an interview and my cellphone battery started to die.  The beeps started slow and then they got more insistent.  I got more and more worried as time went on.  I tried to listen to the person but it was hard with this beeping in my ear and the fear that my phone would die mid sentence.  I did finally make it all the way through the interview with a huge relief.

Tomorrow I will be checking out new batteries for my cellphone and computer.  My laptop battery has had a short life these days.  Might as well buy both batteries at once.

Until tomorrow...

NEW RA DOC

Today I met with my new RA doc. I was a bit cautious. I had heard mixed reviews about her. My retiring RA doc was like a warm piece of apple pie.  The new doc is nice enough and knowledgable. 

Not that other doctors don't believe me but she actually said that I have a very complicated case of multiple autoimmune issues going on. It was the first time a doctor actually said those words. I knew it but it was good to hear a professional say it. My primary just calls it Adrienne's Disease because I have a combination of diseases that no one else has. 

She wants to reassess my case and see if I need to be on a new plan. I have to go in for tests. Blood tests and x-rays of my hands and feet. She asked me what joints bother me. I said which don't! Feet, ankles, knees, hips, neck, hands, jaw, back, wrists, rib cage, chest. Are there any left? I think my elbows are the only joints that don't hurt. Give it time, I guess. 

The first thing I have to do is reduce the prednisone. She wants me to reduce pretty fast. Let's hope I don't flare.

Until tomorrow...

A LONG WALK

Today I went for a long walk.  There was a section of town that was closed to traffic so folks could walk or bike or skateboard or skate or anything that didn't include a motor.  It was fun.  I took a sandwich and people watched while I ate.  I took my camera and took some pics.  I will post some of them later.  A little dog got real angry when I tried to take his photo. The weather was wonderful.  Overall, it was a great day. 

Oh, it was also Lucky's birthday.  She is between 6-8 years old.  We have had her 4 years now.  Happy Birthday!!

Until tomorrow...

THE SECOND BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL

I went to see a movie by myself today.  I saw The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.  I really liked the first movie and thought I would enjoy this one.  Sure enough I did.  It had a great story and some laughs.  It was an enjoyable afternoon.  I think if you enjoyed the first you will enjoy the second.

Until tomorrow...

DISPUTE

Today I called the insurance company and told them my problem.  Me and 100,000 other people with the same problem.  The tax forms are all wrong I hear. 

Here is what they told me: I have to fill out a dispute form and fax it in.  I will get another corrected tax form mailed out to me.  When, who knows.  Maybe in a few weeks they say.  I am not sure I buy that story.  I am sure it will take more like 60 days.  Too late for April 15th.  I will have to talk to my accountant and figure out what to do.  What a large pain in the butt! 

Until tomorrow...

FRIENDS

Talked to someone today about friends.  How to get friends.  How to keep friends.  How to have an acquaintance become a friend.  It was an insightful talk.  I have always had a hard time with friends.  I have a lot of acquaintances but not too many friends. 

I think this is an area I need to work on.  Making time for friends and reconnecting with old friends.

Until tomorrow...

FINISHED MY TAXES

I took my taxes to my accountant today.  Everything was good except my tax form from my insurance company.  It was screwed up.  I wish I had looked at it earlier.  They put down the wrong insurance plan and the wrong monthly amounts.  So now I have to get on the phone with the Insurance Company.  Ergh.  What a pain!  It may delay my taxes.  I may get a fine for filing late.  What a mess. 

Until tomorrow...

SWEDISH PRINCESS CAKE

Today I got a small cake. It is a cake I saw some bakers make on The Great British Baking Show. It is so cute. It tastes really good. The one I bought didn't have any berry filling like they are supposed to have. I heard of a Swedish bakery nearby and I may have to go there and get another cake.

I forgot to take a photo before I cut a piece but now you can see the inside.  The yellow thing is a rose.

Until tomorrow...

AWESOME DINNER BUT NO DESERT

Tonight Brenda and I went out to a fancy vegan dinner. I liked my food very much but Brenda didn't like hers so much. Brenda had a starter that had these sautéed mushrooms that I will be dreaming about for days. Then her entree was a pastry pocket with lentils, tempeh sausage and lots of cumin. I am not a fan of the spice cumin so I understand why she didn't like it very much.

I had a grilled citrus quinoa salad to start. It was yummy!  Then I had this:

It was tofu with curry and peanuts and book choy and yams and trumpet mushrooms and I don't know what else. It was good.  It just looked like a picture. I had to sneak a photo.

After all that we passed on the dessert. I know someone who will be disappointed but nothing seemed exciting.  I am waiting to get a small Swedish Princess Cake that I saw on TV.

Until tomorrow...

TAXES DONE

I worked all day on my taxes again and I finished!  Yay!  I finished early today and had time to invoice my clients for February.  I think they will be in shock to get an invoice so early in the month.

I did find that one client paid me twice for the same thing by accident.  I am going to bring it to their attention tomorrow.  It is $300 they over paid me.  Someone was not paying attention to the invoice and the check they wrote.

Until tomorrow...