Welcome Home, Bruno!

As you may know, we lost our dog, Marshall, at the end of June. I said I'd never get another dog. Guess what???

We got another dog! His name is Bruno, and he's from the Save-A-Pet shelter near our house. He is 2, 2 1/2 yrs old and has been at the shelter since June 2008. He came from Texas, where a woman ran a small shelter out of her house. One day, she decided to leave the dogs and her husband. Somehow, Bruno ended up in Grayslake, IL at Save-A-Pet.

He's very shy, likely because he never really bonded with anyone. However, the shelter staff and volunteers who have spent time with him all say he is very sweet and once he gets to know you, he's like velcro and won't leave your side!

Our first night was tough. He spent most of the evening in the dining room alone. When bedtime rolled around, I laid on the floor near him and talked to him for awhile. Around midnight, he woke up and was walking around, so we went outside for a walk. We came back and both of us fell asleep. I heard him get up overnight and found him laying in the corner of the family room this morning. Eventually, he came out and we went in the backyard, he ate a little of his food and he's been right by me ever since. Gotta love progress...

So, he's warming up to the house and people around him. Steps were something new, but he's doing quite well with those too! I'm just happy to have him and help him come out of his shell and have a wonderful life!

IT'S A GIRL!!

Where have I been?? Hanging out at the hospital because my sister had her baby and its a GIRL!! Sofie Eleanor, 7 lbs, 9 ozs, 19 1/2 inches long was born on Sunday, September 13th.

SOOO EXCITED!!!! I love my son to death, but girl stuff is so fun!

Juj was a trooper..no drugs. It was absolutely amazing! So, congrats to Julee and John!

God Bless America

I can't believe it's been EIGHT years.

I'm sure we all can remember exactly where we were and exactly how we felt that day. I was at work. Like many, at first we all thought it was some bizarre accident. I remember when the television was set up, and an office full of people stood in complete horror in front of it, watching the events of that day unfold. The office eventually closed for the day, we all headed home, speechless, to continue to watch...

I remember feeling completely helpless and vulnerable, and left wondering what the hell the world would be like for my then 1 yr old son.

I've never forgotten that feeling, and never will, regardless of what day it is. However, on 9/11, when the news is covering remembrance ceremonies, I still cry. I always will.

Please continue to pray for and support our the men and women of the US Military, as well as the men and women across the county serving as police and fire personnel.

We will never forget.....

Just an Observation..

This week on the news in Chicago there was a story about a woman who staged a nursing sit-in after being chastised for nursing her baby in public. Over 30 nursing mothers showed up to show their support.

I nursed for about 5 months, and honestly, hated every minute of it, but completely support any woman who chooses to - or not to - nurse their child. I was never comfortable nursing in public, but for those that are - and for those that I've seen do it, they're usually discreet about it and try to cover up so their stuff isn't hanging out.

A few times this past week, I was out running at a local forest preserve area. There are 2 older men walking the path in shorts and no shirts. Complete with their large guts hanging out all over the place for the world to see. Sure, it was slightly warm this week. Then wear a tank top, boys.

Do you see where I'm going with this??

So, someone actually complained about a mother nursing her child, said that it was inappropriate and she should do it elsewhere, like a bathroom. However, two overweight old guys walking shirtless is okay? Blech...

Pondering....

After reading the post by Kristina, I've been thinking a lot about what was said. Specifically, "There are three types of people in this world. There are the people who live fearlessly and eagerly do scary things like BASE jumping. There are the people who live cautiously and rarely do anything bolder than driving somewhere new without Mapquest. And then there are the cautious people drawn to scary things, the people who are anxious and guarded about most everything but sign up for stuff that feels crazy anyway."

Kristina goes on to say, "Sometimes, we have to do things are really hard, all by ourselves." That I completely agree with.

I wouldn't say I'm anxious or guarded with most everything, but I do fall into the third category (actually, I'd prefer to be in the first example, but being responsible for an almost 9 year old takes me out of the running for that one). If you would have asked me 10 years ago if I'd run 2 marathons, I would have laughed. But, alas, I did (okay, 1.75. I trained like hell for Chicago 2007, and got out there. They canceled it on me, but that's another story.)

But, I do think that sometimes we do have to do things that are really hard, and do them alone. Pushing oneself to new heights takes willpower and guts. It's been a unique year for me..being unemployed and taking on an entirely new role at home, and trying to figure out what to do with my life and how to do it. I've learned a lot about myself since January, but also think I have more to learn.

I'm a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. Sure, it's been hard, and I've dealt with it alone - mostly in my own head, because all the changes have required me to think differently. I fully intend to keep pushing ahead, doing scary things and challenging myself. I don't know what fate has in store for me, and that's okay - I know what I'd like it to have in store, and I will continue to work toward that. But you know what they say about life happening while you're busy making plans...

Whatever it is will happen exactly when its supposed to. In the meantime, you'll find me pondering the great mysteries of the universe and clearing my head while running my ass off.

Now, go take a look at Kristina's blog. She's amazing!