Sweet kitties! Love Dash's sleeping spot! Tried to capture my bedraggled molting chicken in a photo so you could have good laugh but she is a bit skittish right now. Poor girl looks like someone tried to pluck her neck but missed and gave her a mullet hair (feather?) cut. They are getting extra treats (protein) right now as growing feathers is a serious business. At least it is still warm this year during molting-thought I was gonna have to get a chicken sweater for her last year.
Gina-I love your updates -but this should be fun for you not a source of dread/pressure. It takes more strength to want to consider all aspects/impacts of such a big decision vs just going with what only you want & discounting the impact the decision will have on others. It is really OK to be upset/stressed about all that is going on. When you are able to make that trip to see the potential new job area in person things may be clearer then too.
I forgot to mention we usually fly Allegiant to Florida (and Las vegas
)-they do have extra legroom seats, but they fly into Sanford-~1 hour away from Orlando. Personally I don't mind as we always rent a car anyway, and the Sanford airport is soooo much easier to navigate!
this weekend/upcoming week with pending decisions
Oh, your poor little chicken!! I hope you can still snap us a picture of her new 'do .... and if the weather happens to take a sharp turn and you do break out the chicken sweater, that's going to be a must-see!
I am happy to report that I have emerged from the weekend with a vastly improved attitude and a much clearer head. Steve had 24 hours at home and we savoured every second of it. Video chats are nice (and I am grateful for that technology every single night), but there is NOTHING like having someone sitting next to you, holding your hand, and talking for hours while solving all the problems of the universe.
Sigh. I miss him already.
Having the blues is always okay. Missing someone you love is always hard. While you may not feel like getting away right now, it will be better once you are on vacation. In fact, I think you need vacation to clear your head, think happy thoughts, and relax. Stress does no good to a body.
With that, no excuse or sorry is necessary. Your posts are always informative, fun, and well, cute too. HeHe, maybe those fur babies will be as big as my long gone now, Smokie. He was a cinder gray tiger striped boy, that was 26 pounds. Was such a lover too. Bad thing, he got to be real heavy when he sat on you too long. I actually like big cats. I don't remember how much my cousin's main coon weighed. I'll have to ask her one of these days. He was a big boy though. Very pretty, and had longer hair than Violet and Dash.
So, a funny for this Friday:
I showed Steve your kitten meme and I'm sure the neighbours could hear him laughing
. Nothing like toilet humour to tickle a guy's funny bone.
My wee Violet isn't feeling so well today. I am heading to the vet again this afternoon to get her checked out as she has become increasingly quiet over the weekend. Her appetite has dwindled to almost nothing, and she just isn't herself. I am not sure if its a reaction from her vaccinations last Wednesday, or if she picked up a bug (perhaps from another sick animal?) while we were there. Regardless, she's not my little firecracker and I want to make sure there's nothing serious amiss. Fingers crossed there's isn't anything major going on.
I'm sorry you're missing Steve so badly. My husband has traveled for work about 60 nights a year (across 25 trips a year, so about two weeks a month get wrecked) He's had to do this since we've been married (so about 15 years). From my perspective, it has never gotten better. Sorry, probably not what you wanted to hear right now! It makes sense to me though, people get married to BE together, so we should pine for each other when we are apart. I do wish I was better at controlling the blues too, but now I just accept them. Things have gotten better now that the kids are older. Anyway, I have no advice but I wouldn't be too hard on yourself for feeling sad.
We have maybe possibly sort-of set a date in January to make it down to Orlando (and use up those Disney tickets). But I'm not getting my hopes up until I am on the darn plane. Especially during cold and flu season! I guess I don't want to jinx anything lol
Actually, knowing those kinds of absences bother other people too make me feel a little bit better. Misery loves company, right? (actually, it just reassures me that I'm not abnormal.......or at least not where that's concerned
)
I am saying a prayer that your January plans go off without a hitch! Be sure to amp up your daily intake of Vitamin C between now and then, just in case
.
Don't worry about a PTR and try not to worry about the little things. You guys had a huge change and potential change thrown at you and if I'm remembering and reading right it was unexpected. I know you were as used to the occasional time Steve had to work in MI as you could be but this is quite the life change and then to throw in a possible promotion and move. And for this to most likely be the only way for him to move up without changing companies. You are both allowed to feel what you feel and react how you react.
You know what they say about opinions and everyone having them, but I know it can get annoying. It's also why I process things and talk with maybe 1 or 2 people while I'm making the decision and then I tell people. Then I deal with the, but don't leave we'll miss you blah blah, but I know the decision I've made is the best for me. To put my two cents in
there's really only 2-4 people that should have any opinion on this, you and Steve obviously and Jake and your mom. I know there are other family members you see and visit but that's your core 4 and the only one's that need to be taken into account. Oh and Dash and Violet of course, but they can easily adapt.
I also think that's the great thing about you being comfortable sharing things here is since it's not Florida no one is telling you to pack your bags and go running but have brought up information, things to consider and support.
I enjoy the group on your reports because you kind of get to know everyone a little which is so different from everywhere else on the boards. I recognize names in threads I read a lot but I don't know anything other than they go to disney really. Thank you all for that.
To end, I think I'm under 40 days or close to it. I haven't looked. And I'm supposed to run 11 miles tomorrow morning if my left foot/ankle muscles cooperate. I'm ready to stop running so far and for my trip. This will definitely be one and done for a half marathon anywhere, 10k is much easier.
I do have the most awesome readers and contributors, don't I? If I haven't told ya'll how grateful I am for each of you lately, let me take the opportunity to do so now: YOU GUYS ROCK
.
11 miles.....OMG
. I consider myself pat-on-the-back-worthy when I manage a 4 km walk after dinner in the evenings
. I hope you will share pics of your shiny medallion after you complete the marathon! That's as close as I'll ever get to seeing one.....there certainly won't ever be one hanging around MY neck, I can tell you that for certain. Athletics have never been my gifting.
All the input, support, suggestions and thoughts to consider have been so very much appreciated. Having you all as a sounding board has been a true blessing to me, and has helped me to keep my sanity during some crazy times indeed. We hope to have some firm decisions.....and therefore some more concrete updates to share......before we leave for our October trip. Fingers crossed.
Hugs to you Gina. My husband is away overnight almost two weeks every month and I am home with our DD 5 and a herd of cows and my own career and volunteering activities. . I think we are getting better at dealing with it over the past year. some days it feels totally insane. Right now we are in the process of building a house and getting ready to tear down a house so our weekend time together is even somewhat limited. I think you need to really look forward to your trip. Two uninterrupted weeks together sounds wonderful and I can only imagine what it will be like to recharge like that. You deserve it so keep repeating that!
I am sure you guys will be able to make the decision that works best for you.
Have the kitties bothered the minions at all?
Again hugs, I know we did some major soul searching when my DH got offered this job. While we didn't have to move, it required some other major changes in our life, but even in the rough days, it is worth it for our family.
Oh, those rascally kittens love to systematically tip over my expertly-arranged Minion conga line every single evening
. Usually its Violet that begins the demolition but Dash is beginning to find it super amusing as well. Makes me laugh right out loud every time a little furry face appears between those yellow heads and Stuart or Kevin go tumbling down.
I don't know how you manage a job, the responsibilities of farming, and your husband's absence all while being a mom to a young daughter
. There has to be a special place in heaven for women like you!
Catching up since I finally have a free morning. DH is away for a boys weekend and I am loving my quite time
Jake's and your new family members are the cutest kitties ever. Love their coloring Less than a month to go you have to be so excited! Only on page 29 so more to catch up on but had to comment on those cute fur babies. So excited for you guys to enjoy having cats again.
It sure is fun to have the little ones in the house. Much as my leather furniture is taking a beating
they are a true joy. I can't imagine life without them now.
There is nothing that can make me feel more anxious than major decisions being up in the air. Nothing feels right for you right now, and I understand that. I think once you guys get on this upcoming trip you will have time to talk things out in detail. Long soaks in the hot tub, lots of sunshine, no every day distractions ..sounds like a perfect backdrop for making some big decisions and hashing out the details.
Sending hugs.. just hang in there, it won't be this tough forever.
Thanks, my friend. You guys truly lift me up when I'm feeling low, and I am so grateful.
And now I have caught up I see the shadows with this trip. Making such a huge decision is hard for everyone and with Steve being gone during the process makes it even more difficult. The people on here are here to support you so take the time you need and take care of yourself.
You are totally allowed to slack off on here while you guys work things out. At least you know you will have 2 weeks with him all to yourself soon! Good luck with everything and whatever you decide will be what is best for your family.
Thank you
. And yeah, I must admit I'm looking forward to that oasis of time where we can just have some fun and relax together. It can't come soon enough, that's for sure.
Seriously...Yes, I will drive you through TO if need be. I take my Timmies tea large with double milk. Donuts and chocolate fit perfectly with that.
I'm glad someone worries about me. I'm certainly still alive. Many have tried to bump me off but none have succeeded...yet. The chaos is not really positive but it's not bad either. Just over worked mainly. I hired a new assistant (who I think will work out perfectly in time) but she requires a lot of training. Problem is the training requires me to be hands on in that department but at the same time I have my own work to get done. Kind of hard to do two jobs at the same time. Then toss in the annual fundraiser we started last year to honour GC's friend that passed and what you have is no free time and only a few minutes here and there to scan Facebook. I am very happy to report that we raised over $12,500 this year that will be going to Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.
View attachment 196795
How the heck do you attach a tail light to a cat and where does the break pedal go?
That is one AMAZING total you guys managed to raise
. The girls must be so incredibly proud of themselves, and what a beautiful way for them to honour their friend. Those are some amazing young ladies you guys are raising.
Whether or not I end up calling on your for chauffeur duties, I will definitely take you up on that tea and treats date
. Once we're back from our October vacation, we'll make plans to get together before the snow flies
(if the Almanac is correct, that's coming sooner rather than later). And if we end up being cooped up in my little Sonic as we cross Toronto, we'll just plan to enjoy a second round of yumminess
.
I've already given you unsolicited advice and pep. I will continue to do so as long as you need it. Even though we don't know each other in "real life" I have no doubt that you are a strong woman and can get through this. But don't cancel the trip. You and Steve need this time to be together and have fun. You'll laugh, talk, eat, dress up and talk some more. It will be fabulous.
In the spirit of @dancin Disney style, here are some weird laws only found here in the great state of Kentucky!!!
Throwing eggs at a public speaker can result in up to a year in prison.
In Lexington, it is illegal to carry an ice cream cone in your pocket.
In Frankfort (where I live), it is a crime to shoot off a policeman's tie.
It is illegal for a woman to wear a bathing suit on a highway unless she is escorted by two police officers or is armed with a club.
I think I might have to change some upcoming weekend plans!!!!!
I came to my senses sometime on Friday evening......unless we're hit by an unexpected catastrophe, the trip is on
. I've gotten over my pouting and we're full steam ahead. I can't say I'm super excited just yet (probably because I'm a bit worried about Violet today especially) but I'm sure it will come. Time is ticking and I'll soon be pulling out the suitcases......then it gets real.
As for your list of strange-but-true Kentucky laws, I can understand people wanting to throw eggs at a public speaker
but who on earth puts an ice cream cone in their pocket?
Apparently I'll be doing 5-10 in the Kentucky State Pen.
It would be hard to break the ice-cream-in-the-pocket habit, wouldn't it?
Or are you prone to leaving your club at home when you are parading down the highway in your bikini?
No need to apologize! I can't imagine how much stress you're going through right now
Thanks Joanna
. At some point, though, its time to shed the stinky mood and move forward. That's my mission for this week.
and 81 days 
.
I hope Violet is feeling much better soon. 
your way!
.
. 
