Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Kitten Update III
Yesterday, Wyatt, the little orange and white tabby, was supposed to be neutered. No such luck. It seems he caught the parasite too, and long story short, the vet won't operate on a sick cat. He and the other kittens are back on medication, and his next neuter attempt will be on the 29th. Understandably, the rescue organization won't send home a cat that is not healthy, or that hasn't been fixed. So it looks like I'll only be picking up his brother this Sunday, and Wyatt will get to come home on April 3rd. Poor little guy... Hopefully the third time is a charm (there was an initial attempt that failed because his wee testes hadn't dropped). Cross your fingers!
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Another Kitten Update
Well, if you're here looking for kitten squees, you're going to be disappointed. Neither kitty gets to come home until the 21st. It seems one of the other kittens in the litter came down with a nasty parasite. All 5 in the litter are being treated (just in case), and their vet wants them to stay with Foster Mom until next weekend for observation. But now they'll get to come home together, and healthy. Still, the waiting is driving me nutty.
In the meantime, I guess I'll knit. I've got three projects going: a pair of socks with self-patterning yarn, a commissioned baby blanket for my boss with Homespun, and a wrap for myself with some sock yarn from last years Sheep and Wool. I'm trying to get the wrap done for a wedding Scott and I are going to on the 26th, but that might be pushing my abilities... There's only one way to find out!
Also, FYI: only 49 days until Sheep and Wool. Start saving your pennies.
In the meantime, I guess I'll knit. I've got three projects going: a pair of socks with self-patterning yarn, a commissioned baby blanket for my boss with Homespun, and a wrap for myself with some sock yarn from last years Sheep and Wool. I'm trying to get the wrap done for a wedding Scott and I are going to on the 26th, but that might be pushing my abilities... There's only one way to find out!
Also, FYI: only 49 days until Sheep and Wool. Start saving your pennies.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Kitten Update
It turns out that the date for Wyatt's neuter was wrong- he doesn't go in until the 15th. That means I'll only be picking up one kitty this Sunday, the 14th. Wyatt will come home on the 21st. Blargh. The anticipation is killing me. The kitties' poor foster mom has been patient with all my ridiculous questions, but I'm pretty sure all my friends and family are growing tired of my kitten-centric status updates. I'm trying not to tweet about the cats again until they are here, but I think that just makes me talk more about them at work. Oh well.
Come back Sunday for kitten pictures!
Come back Sunday for kitten pictures!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Early Birthday Awesomeness
Scott has to work on my actual birthday, so we celebrated today! We started with what is becoming a tradition: a breakfast of bacon, eggs and toast, all cooked by Scott. Yum! Then we got all cleaned up and headed out. I had initially wanted to go hiking, but all the melting snow would make that a rather muddy endeavor. Scott suggested walking around downtown, which sounded equally as fun. So we parked near Eleganza, and walked over to Market St. We stopped by Edgeworks Knife & Supply, where we picked up a fancy-pants knife for a friend's wedding gift. Scott also bought me a new pocket knife- it's a Benchmade Mini-Presidio Ultra, and it has already tasted my blood (being a clod and a knife lover is a troublesome combination). I sense yet another tradition in the making: weaponry for my birthday!
The weather was perfect for wandering around! We slowly made our way back to the car, stopping for a drink along the way, and peeking into different shops as we passed. Once back in the lot next to the yarn store, Scott convinced me that it would be silly not to stop in- it was, after all, my birthday. I picked up the Spring Knitscene, and four hanks of Tabali, a cotton/viscose blend.
As we got back to the car, Scott said "Let's stop by Petsmart and just go look at the cats there." He had recently decided that he would be okay with getting a kitten, and I couldn't be more stoked. I didn't really see the point in looking at the cats at Petsmart, because the cats in that little glass room are just sort of on display... But I think Scott knew what I did not- there was a kitten adoption event today! We walked over, and saw three crates with 6 kittens total. 5 of them were brothers, and super cute! The lady there was very heplful, and let me hold them. When she mentioned that they were brothers, I heard Scott ask about whether it would be better to adopt two, so they could stay together. Of course the woman thought that was great, and before I knew it I was filling out an adoption application! For TWO KITTENS! Squee! It was hard to choose which two; they were all so cute and sweet. Scott really liked a little black and white one, and I really liked an orange and white one. So that's what we got! We had the option to take the black one home today (the orange kitty is scheduled for his neuter tomorrow), but felt bad seperating them. Plus we have no cat supplies yet! So instead, I will pick them up at Petsmart next Sunday (my actual birthday!), and I can hardly wait.
We didn't get any pictures, but I found them both on Petfinder: Wyatt and Cassidy. Finding a kitten named Cassidy was a funny coincidence! I don't know how long their pages will stay up since they've been adopted, but you can be sure that this blog will be filthy with kitten pictures next Sunday. As for Spencer, we're hopefull that he'll get along with his new little brothers. At least the kittens are being raised in a foster home with two big labs, so they're used to dogs. Now we just need to load up on kitten supplies, and make a vet appointment. Yay, kittens!
I think that maybe, just maybe, this birthday was even more awesome than last year. Thanks husband, for being so super. I heart you.
The weather was perfect for wandering around! We slowly made our way back to the car, stopping for a drink along the way, and peeking into different shops as we passed. Once back in the lot next to the yarn store, Scott convinced me that it would be silly not to stop in- it was, after all, my birthday. I picked up the Spring Knitscene, and four hanks of Tabali, a cotton/viscose blend.
As we got back to the car, Scott said "Let's stop by Petsmart and just go look at the cats there." He had recently decided that he would be okay with getting a kitten, and I couldn't be more stoked. I didn't really see the point in looking at the cats at Petsmart, because the cats in that little glass room are just sort of on display... But I think Scott knew what I did not- there was a kitten adoption event today! We walked over, and saw three crates with 6 kittens total. 5 of them were brothers, and super cute! The lady there was very heplful, and let me hold them. When she mentioned that they were brothers, I heard Scott ask about whether it would be better to adopt two, so they could stay together. Of course the woman thought that was great, and before I knew it I was filling out an adoption application! For TWO KITTENS! Squee! It was hard to choose which two; they were all so cute and sweet. Scott really liked a little black and white one, and I really liked an orange and white one. So that's what we got! We had the option to take the black one home today (the orange kitty is scheduled for his neuter tomorrow), but felt bad seperating them. Plus we have no cat supplies yet! So instead, I will pick them up at Petsmart next Sunday (my actual birthday!), and I can hardly wait.
We didn't get any pictures, but I found them both on Petfinder: Wyatt and Cassidy. Finding a kitten named Cassidy was a funny coincidence! I don't know how long their pages will stay up since they've been adopted, but you can be sure that this blog will be filthy with kitten pictures next Sunday. As for Spencer, we're hopefull that he'll get along with his new little brothers. At least the kittens are being raised in a foster home with two big labs, so they're used to dogs. Now we just need to load up on kitten supplies, and make a vet appointment. Yay, kittens!
I think that maybe, just maybe, this birthday was even more awesome than last year. Thanks husband, for being so super. I heart you.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Teeth
Today Spencer finally had his doggie dental exam. The vet had suggested it a while ago, but I kept putting it off because, honestly, Spencer seemed fine. It just didn't seem necessary. He was chewing on his toys and dragging his bed around the house the same as always. Surely, if there was something wrong I would have noticed? All I noticed was his horrendous breath, and that was the main reason I had made the appointment.
I dropped him off this morning, and almost changed my mind when Spencer tried desperately to leave with me. Several hours later, the vet called to let me know that my little Spencer had to have 4 teeth pulled. I was sort of amazed that Spencer could spare so many, but told her to do what she needed to do. She called back when they were done, and gave me the full run-down. In the end she had to pull 5 teeth- 3 simple extractions, and 2 extensive. Apparently, two teeth had broken near the gum line, and the roots had to be fished out. A third had begun to abscess. Those were the simple extractions. The troublesome two were a pair next to each other that had not only abscessed, but developed a cyst that was slowly eating away at his tiny lower jaw bone.
The vet said there was a very real possibility that pulling the teeth near the weakened bone could have resulted in a fractured jaw, but Spencer lucked out. His little jaw held, and she was able to pull all the teeth. It was a good thing we didn't wait any longer, or Spencer might have had some big problems. All I've been able to think about since that conversation is how much pain he must have been in. How could he not show it at all? How could I not know?
So the moral of the story is: Don't ever forget that dogs hide pain very well. And always take your vet's advice. And don't wait until your dog is 8 years old to get his teeth looked at.
Spencer is home now, and still coming down off his meds. He won't be allowed to chew on anything for quite a while, and he has to eat soft food for two weeks. He'll also be on pain medication and antibiotics for a while. I plan on giving him lots of extra snuggles while I stay home and keep an eye on him over the next couple of days. I just hope he heals up quickly, and can forgive me for not having his teeth checked out sooner.
I dropped him off this morning, and almost changed my mind when Spencer tried desperately to leave with me. Several hours later, the vet called to let me know that my little Spencer had to have 4 teeth pulled. I was sort of amazed that Spencer could spare so many, but told her to do what she needed to do. She called back when they were done, and gave me the full run-down. In the end she had to pull 5 teeth- 3 simple extractions, and 2 extensive. Apparently, two teeth had broken near the gum line, and the roots had to be fished out. A third had begun to abscess. Those were the simple extractions. The troublesome two were a pair next to each other that had not only abscessed, but developed a cyst that was slowly eating away at his tiny lower jaw bone.
The vet said there was a very real possibility that pulling the teeth near the weakened bone could have resulted in a fractured jaw, but Spencer lucked out. His little jaw held, and she was able to pull all the teeth. It was a good thing we didn't wait any longer, or Spencer might have had some big problems. All I've been able to think about since that conversation is how much pain he must have been in. How could he not show it at all? How could I not know?
So the moral of the story is: Don't ever forget that dogs hide pain very well. And always take your vet's advice. And don't wait until your dog is 8 years old to get his teeth looked at.
Spencer is home now, and still coming down off his meds. He won't be allowed to chew on anything for quite a while, and he has to eat soft food for two weeks. He'll also be on pain medication and antibiotics for a while. I plan on giving him lots of extra snuggles while I stay home and keep an eye on him over the next couple of days. I just hope he heals up quickly, and can forgive me for not having his teeth checked out sooner.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
I sense a lot of confusion (and mockery) from friends and family in Illinois over the way Marylanders handle snow. Maybe I can shed some light on the situation, as it is not a simple case of "people in MD are pussies in the snow." Although, sometimes that is the case.
The first winter we were here, it didn't snow much. I do remember being sent home early one day because "it might snow later," and thinking how insane that seemed. A year later, we got 5-6" of snow overnight, and everything just shut down. That was when I learned why things are the way they are here, and that it's a combination of several factors.
Factor number one is money. It always is, isn't it? Maryland and the counties within just do not have the budgets for dealing with snow that the Midwest has. It doesn't often snow enough to warrant plowing, so there's no reason to budget much for it. Why buy a massive fleet of plows that will sit unused except maybe once or twice a year? But of course that means that when it does snow, it can take a while to get things cleaned up, which means that schools/government/businesses close (or at least open late) for a mere few inches of snow.
Then there are the residents. There are a lot more people in Maryland that have little to no experience driving in snow than there are in Illinois. You can't tell who's who, so venturing out on the road feels slightly more dicey. And the roads are a big factor too- they are hilly and curvy and smooth, which makes things a bit harder. All this is especially scary when encountered at once, as some jerk follows you way too closely, downhill, around a blind curve and on an icy road.
Another factor is the power lines: they are not often buried. This means that they get knocked out by ice, wind, cars, and falling trees. And the trees, oh the trees! Maryland is filthy with 'em, and they go right up to edges of the roads. That means they not only fall on power lines, but right into the street, causing all sorts of havoc.
Considering all this, it's no surprise that when the forecast calls for snow, people flock to the stores and stock up. It's not that they actually think they'll be snowed in for several days... They just prefer to not have to deal with leaving the house until things are back under control. Especially if they're parents about to spend several days with their kids (who will likely be out of school), and would prefer not to drag them to the store.
While it's still frustrating at times, it does make sense. And the longer I live here, the more I find myself doing things the Maryland way, because that is what works in this area. So today I went to the grocery store, and am getting ready to hunker down for another storm. Frederick got 29.5" last weekend according to the Weather Channel, and by tomorrow night we may have another 10-20"! I left early today, and took tomorrow off; hopefully the roads will be cleaned up again by Thursday. Good luck to everyone getting hit a second time- may your heat stay on, and your roof not collapse!
The first winter we were here, it didn't snow much. I do remember being sent home early one day because "it might snow later," and thinking how insane that seemed. A year later, we got 5-6" of snow overnight, and everything just shut down. That was when I learned why things are the way they are here, and that it's a combination of several factors.
Factor number one is money. It always is, isn't it? Maryland and the counties within just do not have the budgets for dealing with snow that the Midwest has. It doesn't often snow enough to warrant plowing, so there's no reason to budget much for it. Why buy a massive fleet of plows that will sit unused except maybe once or twice a year? But of course that means that when it does snow, it can take a while to get things cleaned up, which means that schools/government/businesses close (or at least open late) for a mere few inches of snow.
Then there are the residents. There are a lot more people in Maryland that have little to no experience driving in snow than there are in Illinois. You can't tell who's who, so venturing out on the road feels slightly more dicey. And the roads are a big factor too- they are hilly and curvy and smooth, which makes things a bit harder. All this is especially scary when encountered at once, as some jerk follows you way too closely, downhill, around a blind curve and on an icy road.
Another factor is the power lines: they are not often buried. This means that they get knocked out by ice, wind, cars, and falling trees. And the trees, oh the trees! Maryland is filthy with 'em, and they go right up to edges of the roads. That means they not only fall on power lines, but right into the street, causing all sorts of havoc.
Considering all this, it's no surprise that when the forecast calls for snow, people flock to the stores and stock up. It's not that they actually think they'll be snowed in for several days... They just prefer to not have to deal with leaving the house until things are back under control. Especially if they're parents about to spend several days with their kids (who will likely be out of school), and would prefer not to drag them to the store.
While it's still frustrating at times, it does make sense. And the longer I live here, the more I find myself doing things the Maryland way, because that is what works in this area. So today I went to the grocery store, and am getting ready to hunker down for another storm. Frederick got 29.5" last weekend according to the Weather Channel, and by tomorrow night we may have another 10-20"! I left early today, and took tomorrow off; hopefully the roads will be cleaned up again by Thursday. Good luck to everyone getting hit a second time- may your heat stay on, and your roof not collapse!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
A Little Window Into the Mind of Amanda
I am essentially a child that likes heavy metal and swears a lot, and can drive. It's actually one of my more rational reasons for not wanting to have kids- they'd probably turn into me. Except that they'd have some Scott in them too, so they'd be slightly more entitled and a lot more vocal. Me without a filter.
I am self-absorbed and self-serving. If it doesn't involve me, I tend to lose interest. I whine when I don't get my way, and also when I'm tired. I fight bedtime tooth and nail. I am often unable to express myself beyond stating simple emotions.
My job is almost exactly like school was for me. I go because I feel like I have to, it's not nearly as bad as I make it out to be, and I pretty much just show up and do what they tell me to do. I roll my eyes at my boss a lot when he's not looking.
I eat like most 6 year olds: lots of fruit, sugary cereals, Spaghettios, and candy. I consider an apple, some cheese and crackers to be a meal. I love strawberry Nesquik. Breakfast for dinner makes me a happy girl. When nobody is looking, I draw a mustard face on my hot dog, and pretend I'm eating a little man in a bun.
I watch a lot of cartoons, from Spongebob to Metalocalypse and everything in between except anime. I never liked anime. I laugh when anything makes a farty noise, whether it's the dog or a ketchup bottle. I make butt jokes. I have coloring books hidden in my desk at work. Going to the local Michaels for anything knit-related is risky, because the yarn aisle is right next to the Crayola/kids stuff. You have no idea how hard it is for me to resist scented markers (I might have some in my desk, next to the coloring books). Friendship bracelets are the shit.
I eschew responsibility. I still confuse left and right. I jump up on the counters to get things off of high shelves. I get really excited about snow days. I make "vrooom" noises when I drive. I often miss the big picture. I am very prone to flights of fancy. I'm extremely lazy, and probably the only person on Earth who can still manage to watch too much TV without having cable/TV service.
I guess that's all I have to say. Just thought I'd put that out there.
I am self-absorbed and self-serving. If it doesn't involve me, I tend to lose interest. I whine when I don't get my way, and also when I'm tired. I fight bedtime tooth and nail. I am often unable to express myself beyond stating simple emotions.
My job is almost exactly like school was for me. I go because I feel like I have to, it's not nearly as bad as I make it out to be, and I pretty much just show up and do what they tell me to do. I roll my eyes at my boss a lot when he's not looking.
I eat like most 6 year olds: lots of fruit, sugary cereals, Spaghettios, and candy. I consider an apple, some cheese and crackers to be a meal. I love strawberry Nesquik. Breakfast for dinner makes me a happy girl. When nobody is looking, I draw a mustard face on my hot dog, and pretend I'm eating a little man in a bun.
I watch a lot of cartoons, from Spongebob to Metalocalypse and everything in between except anime. I never liked anime. I laugh when anything makes a farty noise, whether it's the dog or a ketchup bottle. I make butt jokes. I have coloring books hidden in my desk at work. Going to the local Michaels for anything knit-related is risky, because the yarn aisle is right next to the Crayola/kids stuff. You have no idea how hard it is for me to resist scented markers (I might have some in my desk, next to the coloring books). Friendship bracelets are the shit.
I eschew responsibility. I still confuse left and right. I jump up on the counters to get things off of high shelves. I get really excited about snow days. I make "vrooom" noises when I drive. I often miss the big picture. I am very prone to flights of fancy. I'm extremely lazy, and probably the only person on Earth who can still manage to watch too much TV without having cable/TV service.
I guess that's all I have to say. Just thought I'd put that out there.
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