June 18, 2008 by samantha.

I love to complain that I am too busy. When I am not running around, I get depressed. This last month has been so crazy that I have neglected my blogging duties. I am sure all of you are crying and worrying about my whereabouts. You can all relax! I am here and I have a lot to say!

Over Memorial weekend, I went to Solvang and Santa Barbara.

Solvang is a little Danish town hidden in California. There is not a lot to do there, but it was a lot of fun to visit. We drove around to some of the local little hamlet. If I were a wine taster, there would have been more to do. Santa Barbara was gorgeous. It reminded me a lot of Santa Monica, but it had a more relaxed atmosphere. It was a great road trip and made me eager for more.

The last two weeks of school flew by. We had assemblies, finals, field trips, promotion ceremonies, and minimum days. As a matter of fact, the whole year flew by. I never felt like I really got to bond with my kids. We moved a mile a minute and there was not a lot of time to get to know them. I am sure they are very happy to be out of my class and away from the witch!

This past weekend, I went down to San Diego to visit my grandmother and crazy aunt. After what happened this weekend, no one can deny that my aunt is crazy. Sometimes you have to call a spade a spade! The highlight of the weekend was hiking up Battle Mountain to the cross with Val.

I did the hike once before and I do not remember it being that bad. I was wrong. At times I felt I was climbing at a ninety-degree angle.

Going up was bad, but going down was terrifying. I thought I would be tumbling down like a rock! I am happy to say that I made it down safely and I am ready to make the hike again! Of course, Val had no trouble. She was running up and down the mountain with ease.

Today, I spent the day at the spa. We didn’t do anything special. We hung out in the pools and played in the mud. It was so relaxing and just what the doctor ordered. We are thinking of making it a yearly event. It as funny how many teachers were at the spa! I guess I am not the only one that needs to reboot after a long year.

Along with everything else I have done, I have done some good hikes, read a multitude of books and seen a ton of movies. Thankfully, most of the books were good. I wish I could say the same about the movies. I am craving a good movie. Any ideas?

Posted in School, Holidays, Friends, California, Ophelia, Books, Family, Travels, Rants | No Comments »

November 10, 2007 by samantha.

This morning, I noticed these “little” paw prints all over the floor. I knew who the culprit (Ophelia) was, but I could not figure out were the paw prints come from. I tracked the paw prints to my bedroom and then they stopped. I was so confused. It was not raining outside and I knew that Ophelia had not jumped into in puddles. I had a mystery on my hands and I was determined to solve it! I walked around the house looking for evidence, but all the clues led back to my bedroom. There were no visible paw prints on the carpet, but I knew that if I ventured further into my bedroom, I might find the crime scene. I read enough Nancy Drew books to learn that the obvious answer is not always the right one. I went into my bathrom and found this in the shower!!!

What could I do, but laugh. At least her paws are clean!

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November 4, 2007 by samantha.

How time flies when you are having fun! So much has been going on and yet I feel like nothing has been happening. I will not give you all the boring details, but it involves movies, books, and friends. My favorite holiday has come to an end. Halloween was fantastic! I went to a friend’s house and passed out candy, did the Chicken Dance a hundred times, and judged kids on their costumes. I think one of the many reasons why I love Halloween is that it is one of those holidays that always live up to my expectations. I don’t think you can be disappointed when it comes to Halloween.

School is going well and I even got to miss a day to go to a conference. The conference was a lot of fun and I got all sorts of good free stuff. I am counting down the days until Thanksgiving week (there are two for those of you who are interested).

The dogs are doing well also. Ophelia is about the size of a horse for the time being. Today Val and I took her for her first hike. It was a short one, but I think Ophelia is hooked. She came home and slept for most of the afternoon. All the new smells and running around wore her out. I found a great new park in Redlands to let the dogs run around in. There are hiking trails and a grassy field to roll around in… the dogs are rolling around, not me.

Yesterday was my Mom’s birthday. I will let her tell you how old she is. I, of course, gave her the best gift. I know that I do not have much competition, but at least I am proud of myself.

All in all, things are going well. I am no longer in a poopy mood. It is nice to be out of the rut. I tend to obsess on one thing and let it overtake me. Does that make me OCD? I do wash my hands a lot. Anyway, life is good. I have many plans, goals to reach, a puppy to train, and the visitors to prepare for. I will not complain about being bored!!! Promise!

Posted in Val, Ophelia, Weekends, Movies, Books, Rants | No Comments »

October 23, 2007 by samantha.

Southern California is on fire and no one has any idea when it is going to end. Currently there are 17 fires burning and millions of people have been evacuated. The one that is closest to me is in Running Springs or the Slide Fire. It is about 20 miles away and I can see the flames at night. At the moment the wind is blowing all the smoke and ash away from me, but I can still smell the smoke at times. When the fire is far away I have no reason to panic. But since I can the fire from my couch, I am scared. It is so easy to say that there is no reason to be scared, but I am. I have gone into what I call hurricane mode- my bags are packed, my gas tank is full, and I have some cash. It is what I would do if a hurricane was coming and I figure the plan would work in cases just like this. I do have a few places I can stay if I do have to leave. To be honest, I do not think I will have to evacuate. I am far enough in town and as long as the winds do not shift, I am good. Thankfully a friend is staying with me. We went for a nice walk with the dogs and had a good dinner. It got my mind off of everything for a while.

The highlight of the day is that school has been cancelled for the week. Not because of the fires, but because of all the damage that the winds caused. It gives me time to complete the tasks that I have put off, hang out with the dogs, and got to lunch with friends. Which reminds me, thank you to all of you who have called. It makes me relax a bit and smile. I have no word on my grandmother’s house. I do know that the two fires that are in San Diego are close to merging. No one is allowed in the area yet. I pray that everything is okay. I could not imagine losing your husband and your home in the same year!

In a completely unrelated story, Ms. Ophelia has come down with a bacterial infection. I will spare you the details (call me if you want them), but she is doing great now. She is on some antibiotics and a bland diet for a week or so. I think she just likes going to the vet and getting all the attention. It was nice to spend some one on one time with her. I think Val enjoyed the time by herself. Of course, she practically knocked us down when we got home. I think spoiled rotten, only child Val is enjoying the roll of big sister.

Before I close, I have learned some good news that should make all of us feel better. Arnold Schwarzenegger and FEMA are here. President Bush is on his way. Were is Brownie????

Posted in California, Fires, Ophelia, Val | No Comments »

October 18, 2007 by samantha.

Ophelia and I just completed our first puppy school class. The first class is always boring until the end. This is when the puppies get to play and socialize. The trainer is good and the variety of puppies is great. It is like the United Nations of puppies. In our class we have a St. Bernard, a Bulldog, an Australian Shepard, a Chihuahua, a Neapolitan Mastiff, a Pit Bull, a Dachshund and a few mutts. I know I left out a couple of dogs and their parents would be mad. I think Ophelia found the first class pretty boring… she slept through most of the class.

The best part of the class is the last half hour. This is the time when the puppies are off leash and allowed to play. The puppies have the best time. The shy one of the group is the Saint Bernard. She was not interested in playing. Give her a few classes!! Ophelia’s favorite was a Pit Bull puppy with the biggest ears I have ever seen. All of the Pit’s personality is in her ears.

The part I forgot about puppy classes is that the parents are given homework. Of course it is nothing difficult, but we will get in trouble if do not practice!!! This week’s homework is to teach the dog to focus. When I say “Focus”, Ophelia is supposed to drop what she is doing and look at me. Ophelia and I have been practicing tonight and she is doing well. I will let you know in a few days if she is still doing as good. And Val is getting a good refresher course. What fun for all of us!!!

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October 16, 2007 by samantha.

What a wild and crazy few weeks it has been! It has been fun! I have been playing with the puppy and hanging out with friends. Dear sweet Ophelia can already sit, stay, and lay down… when she wants too. She knows the commands, but is very stubborn. I think she has learned this from Val and I. She loves her walks and has already learned how good treats are. Ophelia has tripled in size from when she arrived six weeks ago. She starts puppy class on Thursday. It should be fun. I think puppy class is just as important as kindergarten. You learn the same things- how to behave in social situations and get socialized. On Saturday, Ophelia goes in for her final set of puppy shots.

Val is going good. She has been playing so much that she began to lose weight. Now she gets more treats and is very happy. She seems to be enjoying the puppy. She runs over to investigate every time the puppy whimpers. Val still has her room by the window and I am happy to say that the mailman or any cats have not attacked us. Thank goodness for Val.

As for me, I am doing well. I have been reading a lot and just enjoying life. I would be bold enough to say that I am the happiest I have been in a long time. My job is great; I have great friends, great dogs, and a Roomba!! Over the past few weeks, I have felt like a huge weight has been taken off my shoulders. I have stopped stressing as much and learning to relax. I am still struggling with relaxing, but I am just not a take it easy kind of person. I like to be on the go all the time and doing something.

My only stress is one that I have been told to put on hold for a while. When the time comes to stress about it, I will let you know. It is nice to know that life can be pretty darn close to being stress-free!!!

Posted in Ophelia, Val, Rants | No Comments »

October 4, 2007 by samantha.

Things have still been going well with my furry children. I took them to the vet yesterday to have a check-up. Val is in good health. I think the puppy has done some good for her. Val and I are old ladies that are very stuck in our ways. Ophelia has made us change our daily routine and it has been good for us. Ophelia is doing well also. She did get microchipped and she hated it. She showed me just how much of a baby she is.

My big news of the week is that I got a Roomba. It is the most fantastic invention since air conditioning! How have I lived without one for so long? I turn it on when I leave for school and I come home to a vacuumed house. It is wonderful. And it works great. It picks up dog hair, dust, and anything the dogs drag in. It does not get the corners that well, but it is better than before! The Roomba is worth every penny. Now I want to try a Scooba. If only life could be this easy!!!

Posted in Ophelia, Val, Rants | 1 Comment »

September 30, 2007 by samantha.

The other day, a friend of mine asked me why I only share pictures of Ophelia asleep. The only time I can take pictures of her is when she is sleeping! She is on the go all the time and moves too fast. And she is so cute when she is sleeping!!! So far, she has been pretty easy. I have had to clean up a few messes and redirect her to toys that she can chew on. Val and Ophelia are getting along great. They share a bed every night for their pre-bedtime nap. They are constantly playing and Val puts Ophelia in her place when it is needed. I think Ophelia has learned that Val is top dog. I hope for Ophelia’s sake that she has!

Ophelia went in for her second set of shots on Saturday and she is in good health. She weighs a whopping 28lbs. Val only weighs 50lbs. I think dear sweet Ophelia is going to be a big girl! Once again, I think the size of her feet will back me up!

On a non-dog note, I had a great weekend. I took it easy and slow. It was what I needed to regroup and revitalize myself. I watched the season premiers of my favorite shows. Did any of you watch House? Oh my god! I love that show! It has to be the best show on TV.

Finally, I had to share this picture of my puppy. She slept this way for a half-hour or so. I am going to go out on a limb and say she feels very comfortable with her new family!

Posted in Ophelia, Val, Weekends, Rants | 1 Comment »

September 20, 2007 by samantha.

Life with Ophelia has been fair from boring or ordinary. As a matter of fact, I cannot remember a time that she was not in our lives. She has added a spark to our daily and somewhat mundane routine. But I would not change it for the world.

I think Val is happy. I hope she is happy. I would be crushed if she were not. I know that she is a dog, but you know how I am about her. I am more concerned about her happiness than mine. What can I say? I am crazy. But at least I have a great dog to be crazy about. Val will always hold a very special place in my heart. Too show what I dork I am, as I write this I have tears in my eyes!

Back to Ophelia, she is learning her name. I love calling her because she gets so excited when I call her. Her ears perk up, she smiles, and runs at full speed toward me. She eats as much as an elephant. The puppy cannot get enough food! Ophelia is going to eat me out of house and home! She loves her toys, especially her rope toy. She chews on that thing for minutes… and when it comes to puppy time that is forever! Ophelia is getting used to sleeping in her crate at night. As a matter of fact she slept seven hours straight last night. It was wonderful.

My biggest concern is that she is teething. I am trying to find toys for her to chew on that are just as much fun as the coffee table. So far, we have done well. I keep a close eye on her. She is not out of my sight often. Ophelia enjoys being outside, so that helps. Val and her spend the day outside when I am at work and that works out great. It means very few accidents in the house!!!

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September 16, 2007 by samantha.

It did not take long for Ophelia to realize that I am a sucker. She has already made herself comfortable on the couch. As a matter of fact, most of her naps today were on the couch.

She went for two walks, made some friends, rode in the car, and attempted to beat up Val. When I ran my errands, I left both dogs outside and they survived. Last night was interesting. Ophelia whimpered every time I left her in her crate. I tried taking her on my bed so that she would fall asleep so I could put her back in the crate.

No luck. After 1am, I decided to just let her whimper. She finally fell asleep until around 3am. We all trooped outside, they did their business, and went back to bed. Around 7am, I woke up and we all started our day.

So far, things have not been too bad. Ophelia is teething and wants to chew everything. I give her some toys to chew on and so far it has distracted her. I think her favorite toys are a cardboard box and a paper bag. She walks on a leash very well and has not fussed about her collar.

I was most worried about Val, but she seems to be handling the change very well. I think that Val enjoys having a buddy around. They tussle and play chase. Ophelia follows Val everywhere. If Ophelia cries, Val runs to her and gives her a kiss. I think we are going to be one, small, happy family.

Of course, ask me if I still feel the same way in a few weeks!

Posted in Ophelia, Val, Rants | 1 Comment »