Stanley

What did we get ourselves into? Well, we have been talking about getting a dog since before we were married. Now 3 1/2 years later, we do have a house, a yard, even a dog door! And finally a dog. It all started when one of the teachers where I work found a little poodle mix about week ago. She posted signs and no one responded. She was about to give him to the pound because her other dog didn't really like him. Then I heard the story of "Stanley" (that's what she named him) and begged Charlie to let us get him. So yesterday we did. He needs a haircut badly. These are his faults: he will escape if he can find a way, and he likes to chew on sheets and blankets, and he begs at the table. We are working on those, ha. But he has many good qualities as well: he is incredibly friendly to everyone, he greets you at the door, he is the perfect size for our small yard (he weighs like 8 pounds), and he likes riding in the car. I hope we can figure out this little guy before the next one comes along!!

New Countdown

Spring Break last week was lots of fun - I got to see my cousins in Texas, my mom, aunt, uncle, and grandma! It was absolutely beautiful weather, except the day we went to the zoo and it was literally like standing in a wind tunnel. This picture does not adequately show how windy it was.



But during all the fun of spring break, the crazy information about Japan's nuclear situation started coming out on the news, and I was pretty worried for our friends Eric and Melissa who were living in Japan to teach English. Then, on Wednesday night, they called and told me they were coming back to the US!! Sure enough, they are here now, already figuring out what to do for the next few months, and what they can do to help their friends back there. Life is an adventure!

Which brings me to the news: we are not going to Japan in April anymore (obviously), although we might take another trip somewhere else. But we have a new date to look forward to: September 23!! The secret (ok, not really a secret to anyone) is out - we're having a baby!!!

We're so excited, and so are our families. I wish that September was next month. Especially so that summer would be over already. But then there's alot to do still. For example, we have about a zillion books from the 4 degrees we earned that are all sitting in lovely bookshelves, that neither of us will probably ever read, but we don't want to get rid of just yet. And we have a stealth pile of boxes that sits quietly in the closet which we have never unpacked. And we want to tile the spare bathroom. But I guess all those things are pretty insignificant, really - compared to the big shocker that is coming our way in 6 months!

Feel the Burn

Of my hand, that is. Saturday night will remain one of the most memorable nights in my life, I am sure. I will be telling this story someday when I am a grandma, over and over again. Because. it. hurt. so. badly.

Backing up, I invited my mom over for dinner and we were making homemade macaroni and cheese with broccoli. It was coming along well, and we put it in the 350 degree oven to do whatever a pasta does. Charlie came home from work, and took it out of the oven (using an oven mitt, like a normal person would). He lifted it out holding it only by the long handle - that thing was seriously heavy - and said "ouch, that hurt my wrist" or something like that. Then I said, "Really, you hurt your wrist? Let me try-" and proceeded to grab the handle and lift. Later I heard Charlie's voice saying "Noooooo" right before I did.

Everything seemed like it was in slow motion. I know I was screaming and I know that they put it under cold ice water, and I thought someone else was screaming too. It turns out the dogs were howling with me, which now seems funny. It was seriously the worst pain ever. And I was crying, oh was I crying. "Is this what childbirth feels like?" "I can't go to work and play the guitar with my left hand only" "Is my hand dying?" Then after I started to calm down (I'm sure Charlie and my mom would laugh at my use of that phrase) Charlie told me that I needed to take my hand out because I was going to get frostbite. Seriously??? So I reluctantly tried, and immediately started crying again because the pain came back "just (sob) like (sob) it (sob) felt (sob) like when I (sob) burned it (sob sob sob)." Finally, they convinced me I could do it, I bit down on a towel and breathed like I was in labor, and Charlie wrapped my hand up.

Did I mention that I have a low pain tolerance? But seriously, it was not your average burn. And I did have to miss work a few days this week. But I am happy to report that "the claw" is healing well. And that's the story! The End.

Birthday!

Birthday cake! I got his cake from the bakery where they made our wedding cake, and they really like to have a theme for their cakes. They kept asking me what they could put on it, and I finally realized - duh - animals! This is what they put on the cake. So funny.


Then later last week we embarassed Charlie by taking him to Texas Roadhouse and accidentally telling the waiter it was his birthday, which of course meant that he was forced to sit on this saddle as everyone said happy birthday. :-)

He got a surprise present from Eric and Melissa in Japan - a box full of ties! Many of them have animals on them, in a subtle, small yet adorable way. He absolutely loves them and has been wearing one each day. Today he wore the elephants.

We also managed to visit Oregano's on his acutal birthday, which is one of our favorite things to do, as there is a free pizza cookie dessert on your birthday. Who doesn't love a soft-baked chocolate chip cookie with vanilla ice cream? Mmm.