Rudy! Rudy!

Back in 1995, when I broke my leg, family members came to the rescue. They came with love through patience, visits, food, and videos. I'll never forget the generosity of those around me. I remember the "smell good spray" Aunt Julie brought, the Spaghettios Aunt Sharon brought, and the many videos Aunt Shelly let me borrow. There are many other moments and acts of kindness that happened then. Too many to list.

I remember when Aunt Shelly came up with a ton of videos in hand. One was "Rudy" I had never seen it, but thought I'd give it a try. I immediately loved it and watched it multiple times. Not only is it an awesome movie, but it has an amazing score.

About a year ago we went to see the Cavs play and the music of Rudy came on. I couldn't quite place the tune, but somehow remembered it. Through the help of David's great ear, he placed it immediately. I knew then that I had to download it and add it to my running playlist. I added it, but with the change over from my Sansa to iPod it got lost in the mix. I added it again last week and the "tryout" score made it in my playlist today. Ahhh, it gave me that extra little drive I was hoping for. Another sub 32 minute 3 miler. Not amazing, but as always, it's the small steps that lead to big things.

This isn't the best video to hear the music given that it's actually from the movie, but you get the idea....

Toms Shoes

I read about this in Reader's Digest, which lead me to do some more research. I'm digging the idea. And the shoes.....well, they're different. And for me, different is good. I like them. Cool concept....different shoes....and they even have vegan options if interested....I want some.

Check them out at Toms Shoes

Life In Pictures

Not only do I love to take pictures, but I also like to look at them. Over the past couple of years I've compiled family pictures and made a scrapbook. It's nothing fancy, but I think it will help preserve our family history and memories. Of course I've done me and my siblings' childhoods, but I've also trekked back to my parents and grandparents. I've gone back as far as I can find. From professional, to candid, I've attempted to compile, organize, and preserve them all. I like to take a few moments here and there to get the scrapbook out to look at it. I thought I'd share just a couple with you. Hmmm....maybe I'll make this a regular thing...maybe?

James And Noreen Quirie - Grandparents

Dale And Eileen Roth - Grandparents

Dad, or is it Rico Suave?

Mama Jan

Friday Nights

I've never been a party animal. I was called "mom" in high school because I was so straight-laced and always making the "right" choice. It shouldn't surprise me that at age 25, on a Friday night, you'll find me at the gym and then heading home for a quiet night, which usually consists of surfing the internet, reading, maybe grocery shopping, and/or cuddling with the kids. With David's newer work schedule (2nd shift for the time being), this behavior is reinforced even more. Although it may seem dull, in no way am I'm complaining. Don't get me wrong, I think I'd have a ton of fun going out dancing or something just for the simple fact that I love to dance and I've never done that, but the downtime is what I can definitely appreciate. I like that time just to chill, even if it consists of running around the house cleaning and dancing to music. I'm content.

At the same time I can't help but think to myself, "What would I be doing now, on a Friday night, if I weren't married?" I am happy to be married, and happy to have been married so young, on so many fronts.....for one, I can't imagine trying to do the whole dating scene. Guh! I don't even want to think about it. I think I'm quite certain when I say, even if I wasn't married, I'd still be doing the same 'ol thing on Friday nights. Although instead of being happily married and content, I'd be a whacked out cat/dog lady. Wait...I am that too! Oh Lord.....

Palladio

It's been awhile since I've posted a "powersong" What can I say? Sometimes they exist, sometimes they don't. But, one was provided for me today. Ever run to classical music?? Obviously with my previous posting and today, you can see that I do.



It's called Palladio I, Allegretto aka The DeBeers Diamond Commercial by composer Karl Jenkins. In doing some research for a video I happened on the video above. Their name is eScala and my understanding is that they were on Britain's Got Talent. The song in my iPod is the "regular" version. I definitely love that version, but I found if you listen to the video long enough you'll find that it goes into a "rock" beat. That verision most definitely needs to be uploaded to the iPod. Not only will I have my soothing, yet driving classical musical, but a little extra oomph to keep me going.

Another One

Okay, I'm a sucker for Facebook Questionnaires.

44 ODD Things about you! If you opened this, FILL IT OUT! Learn 44 things about your friends, and let them learn 44 things about you! Tag the person that sent it plus others.

1. Do you like blue cheese? No

2. Have you ever been drunk? Kinda…not really my thing

3. Do you own a gun? No

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Lime

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? No

6. What do you think of hot dogs? Will only eat if “fake” now. But they’re fine.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, A Christmas Carol

8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Water or OJ

9. Can you do push ups? Dunno, haven’t tried in years. Guessing no

10. What's your favorite piece of jewelry? Wedding band

11. Favorite hobby? Running

12. Do you have A.D.D.? Yes

13. What's your favorite shoe? Mizuno for running, crocs, or my Bass clogs

14. Middle name? Marie

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? Stop whining Viking. Boy did I have some weird dreams last night. Time to get to work.

16. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink? Water, Tea, Water

17. Current worry? Too many to list

18. Current hate right now? No hate. Only love =)

19. No number 19

20. How did you bring in the New Year? Home, in bed, sleeping.

21. Where would you like to go? England, Africa, Ireland, Australia, out west.

22. Name three people who will complete this:? I hate these type of questions

23. Do you own slippers? Yes

24. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Colorful scrub top with puppers

25. Do you like sleeping on Satin sheets? Never tried, but guessing no.

26. Can you whistle? Yes

27. Favorite color? Orange or Purple

28. Would you be a pirate? Why not?

29. What songs do you sing in the shower? Surprisingly I don’t sing in the shower.

30. Favorite Girl's Name? Don’t have one.

31. Favorite boy's name? Always liked Carter for some reason.

32. What's in your pocket right now? Cell phone

33. Last thing that made you laugh? More thank likely something to do with David.

34. Best bed sheets as a child? Dinosaur or Rainbow Bright

35. Worst injury you've ever had as a child? Broken right femur

36. Do you love where you live? Yes and no. Love our house, love Sandusky to a certain extent (family), but who wouldn’t like to change it up sometimes?

37. No number 37

38. Who is your loudest friend? Carey

39. How many dogs do you have? 3-Viking (Rat Terrier), Lily (Chihuahua), and Spencer (Greyhound)

40. Does someone have a crush on you? Guessing no

41. What is your favorite book? At this moment, Twilight

42. What is your favorite candy? Ah, many. Snickers, Sour Patch Kids, Kisses, Cadbury Eggs, the list goes on…..

43. What song do you want to be played at your Funeral? Don’t really want a funeral

44. Favorite Sports Team? I’ll go with the Minnesota Vikings today

Another Facebook Questionnaire

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? Don’t think so

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? 2 weeks ago….dog bite

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? no

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT? No meat for me thanks

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Just furry ones

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? Sad, but probably no

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM? yes

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Probably not

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? At the moment Strawberry Shredded Wheat, but I dig many.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? No

12. No Number 12??

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Like many brands…too many. If we’re talking Toft’s, I’ll got with cotton candy confetti

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Eyes

15. No Number 15??

16. WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? OCD and not so easy going

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? Friends I’ve made and “lost” through our moves

18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO COMPLETE THIS LIST? Sure

19. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Green pants, no shoes

20. No number 20....ok, someone can't count.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Sink water running in bathroom

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Orange

23. FAVORITE SMELLS? When the “kids” wake up…especially their paws (only dog people will understand)….weird, I know.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? David

25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I love my aunt shelly!

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? Whatever is on

27. HAIR COLOR? Brown

28. EYE COLOR? Hazelish? I’ve been told they change

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No

30. FAVORITE FOODS? Mexican, Italian, Ice Cream

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Happy Endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? Twilight….yeah, addicted.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Green

34. SUMMER OR WINTER? I’ll go with summer today.

35. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs

37. MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Whoever wants

38. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? Whoever doesn’t

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Re-reading Twilight….can’t seem to find anything else at the moment…suggestions?

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? Black colored

41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? Didn’t watch tv

42. FAVORITE SOUND? The kids sleeping/breathing while I sit at the computer

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Beatles

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Hawaii

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? Don’t think so.

46 WHERE WERE U BORN? Sandusky, Ohio

47. WHOSE ANSWERS ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK? Everyone

48. HOW DID YOU MEET YOUR SPOUSE / SIGNIFICANT OTHER? Freshman year of high school. I was having a get-together and he basically invited himself over. I thought he was interested in my best friend at the time. Little did I know he was interested in me.

Romantic And Spontaneous

Okay, let's face it....there are a few things....make that many things, I am not. 2 that top the list....romantic and spontaneous. I dunno if it's just not in me, or what. I think the easiest explanation is that I'm so on the go that it's hard for me to stop and smell the roses or even have thoughts to consider getting off of a planned schedule. I've got to say, David's not all that romantic or spontaneous either. Thankfully it's not an issue to us.

With that being said, we never do anything for Valentine's Day. I can remember back in 1998 when we had first dated. We did the typical going out, went to a movie, I made him cookies, he made me a huge cookie, type of thing. Since then we've just said, "eh, it's just another day." And I can't remember doing much, if anything since. So earlier last week I said, "Why don't we do something for Valentine's Day. Any ideas?" We both thought of it over the week and couldn't come up with anything. I figured we'd end up doing our regular thing. That was until I received a phone call from David saying, "How about Niagara Falls?" He had found a hotel and all. I was for it. Romantic and spontaneous?? What has gotten into us?! I had to work a couple hours on Saturday, but with the help of my boss, who had sympathy for David =), he got me out of there ASAP. We took off in the late morning and made great time.

Our hotel was excellent. We don't usually put too much thought, time, or money into where we stay oftentimes. We see it as a place to rest our head at night. However, this was another step up for us. A historical inn, it was not a chain, and had it's own little charm. Unfortunately we were unable to book a room with a king sized bed, and had to settle for 2 beds. This is nothing new for us. If you can believe it, out of any of our trips (5), only 1 room has had a single bed. Once again, it's not like we spend much time there, we hate to spend $X amount more for it, and remember, we're not romantic ;) Sometimes it's a relief. After sharing a bed with 2 dogs and each other, we're both not afraid to admit it's nice to have our own beds to ourselves on our little trips. I know, most people think we're totally crazy when they hear this, but as long as we're on the same page, that's all that matters, right?

After checking in we headed out to check out the town. We got a bite to eat, checked out the Cliffton Hill area, spent some time at the casinos and shops, and stopped by the Falls to see it at night. As you can expect with us, we walked and covered a ton of area, taking it all in. We headed back to the hotel after picking up some beer and wine to experiment with at LCBO.

The next day we had our awesome complimentary breakfast at the hotel dining area (I guess the restaurant is known for it's find dining for dinner) and then explored a bit more before heading home.

It was short but sweet, but we had an absolute wonderful time. I'm so glad David came up with the idea and found the hotel. We may not be that romantic or spontaneous, but these trips can't hurt, right? And if you add a bit of our adventurous side in the mix, it makes for fun-filled trips, even if they are short. After our trips, especially NYC and Niagara Falls, we've found that we can see a lot in a short period of time. It's great, and we hope to use it to our advantage, taking smaller, shorter trips. Most people may not know, but we never had a "special" honeymoon....We spent 1 night in Elyria. This is understandable given that we had limited funds and were headed to New Orleans soon after. However, it's something I wish we could have done at the time. But that's okay. We may never had a grand honeymoon, but we're making up for it as often as we can now.

If I Knew Then What I Know Now

So being a part of the Facebook world you find a lot of people you A) don't talk to anymore or B) have totally forgotten about. It's interesting, I guess. Last week it was all about the 25 Random Things About Yourself thing, now it's Your Senior Year...basically comparing what you did then, to what you do now, etc. As always it's interesting, but I can't help but have a question stuck in my head.....

#28. Do you have any regrets from High School?
Not big on regrets, as you learn from all life experiences, but...I wish I hadn't taken it so seriously and been worried about doing this or that to get into college. (which was the right thing to do, don't ya know) I also made a lot of decisions which alienated me from all of my "friends". I still stand by those decisions and am glad I chose them, but I wish I had the confidence to stand up for myself at that time.

The funny thing is, David and I were just talking about this about a week or so ago. Kind of ironic. It made me wonder, "Are they still trying to put the same pressures on the kids that they were then?" Not the pressures of necessarily doing what is right or wrong, but more the mindset that "college is the only way!" It irritated the shit out of me then and irritates the shit out of me now. No doubt, college has it's place, but what happens to the kids that don't want/can't afford college. That or aren't ready for college. I felt such a huge burden of trying to rock the SAT and ACT, and not only choosing a college, but also a major. And this was all in my Junior year! I also remember trying to do great in high school in hopes of earning a scholarship, so that college would be just a little more affordable. That and I remember being so bummed to be 11th in my class. It seemed that I kept missing accomplishments by smidges....Top Ten, Choir President, awards, musical parts....

If I could go back and tell myself what I know now.....Hey, heads up! More than likely, getting straight A's in high school ain't gonna get you shit. You're better off trying to make it in sports....then you may have a fighting chance of getting something. (True, I did get a scholarship, which I'm very thankful for, but let me put it in perspective...it was for the local college (Firelands aka Rye Beach High) and it was for being involved in music.) In addition, don't go away to college, because "it's the thing to do"

Thankfully I didn't fall prey to this supposed rite of passage. One of the best decisions I made was to attend Firelands, even when people looked at me and said, "You're going where???" as an attempt to insult me. I got my core courses out of the way for a fraction of the cost....and I didn't have to deal with the college scene, which I never had the desire to partake in.

And all of those awards, Top Ten, etc. that I didn't acquire. In the scheme of things it means nothing....especially now. I got to admit though, having it embedded in your head that "you want this award/position because it's the right thing" or "it will look great on college applications" makes it hard to stomach when it doesn't happen.....even now. But the bottom line? Who gives a rat's ass?!

As for making personal choices on high school decisions, on whether to go with the crowd or do your own thing....I made many decisions that weren't the most popular. At the time it hurt, but looking back I wish I had the confidence and made those decisions sooner. It would have saved a lot of hurt. All I can say is, look at the entire picture, do what you want, go with your entire heart, and don't look back. Have the confidence to stand up for yourself and the decisions you make. As they say, "Friends who matter don't mind and friends who mind don't matter."

Oh the things you learn through your life.

Blog To Blog

I want to post something on here, but have no idea what to write about. Yeah, me, have nothing to write/talk about....that never happens.

Let's start with runnning.....My past 2 runs have been awesome. Yesterday I pulled off 2 10-minute miles. Today wasn't as great as that, but I'm shaving time off slowly. My speed isn't something I worry about....I'll never be fast, but I'd still like to be around a comfortable 10 minute mile. After that I'm looking for a comfortable, sustainable 10 minute mile. I've done 10 minute miles before, but it's been awhile. I find it easier to go faster outside, especially when David puts fire under my butt. Unfortunately I'm stuck with the 'mill and without David at this time. Over the past 6 months I've become lax with myself on a multitude of levels, whether it's with running or my diet. Of course, when you fall of the horse, even if it's a slow fall, it takes time, patience, and determination to get back on. And not only that, but stay on. My running schedule was so crazy, but I think I've finally got back to running 3-4 times a week. I would like to do more, but dealing with poor weather/darkness, which forces me to the gym, and being at the mercy of gym hours and my work hours, I have to settle for what I can get/give. Better weather will be here before I know it, which will allow me to run outside, and allow me to give more to my running. I'm looking forward to it. My eating practices? Well, that's a whole different story. I'm sucking at that too, but it's coming back to me slowly. I don't want to get to the point where I was before...too OCD, but I'd like to do better for myself. I can say that I don't remember that last time I had Burger King, McDonald's, or Wendy's....that's easy being a vegetarian, but that still doesn't mean I avoid "bad" things. Sweets are my downfall.

Next subject....my finger. It's getting better. And much faster than expected. I couldn't believe when I woke up the following morning that a paper cut on my other hand actually hurt worse than the bite wound. Go figure. I'm still applying ointment regularly and I'm sure it will be better before I know it.

The thaw....It's been abnormally warm the past few days. Looks like it will keep up for the next 2 days, then snow is expected on Thursday. Yuck. No more snow please. With the warmer temperatures means the snow is melting, which also means a muddy backyard. Not that we ever had an awesome kept backyard, but I've come to the conclusion our yard will never be the same now that Spencer's in the picture. That's okay though. After the thaw it was our first experience having to pick up massive amounts of poo. Not very fun. I've very thankful that 2 of our 3 dogs are litter box trained.

Next gig....We're still waiting to hear when David's next gig is. I'll post here when we know more....but as of this moment it looks like it won't be in a smoke-filled bar, and a decent setting. We shall see.

Well, this was an unexciting post.

Bite Me

So, you know how I blogged so nicely about that dog yesterday? Sure enough that comment came back to bite me in the ass. Okay, not so much the ass, but definitely the finger.

Upon attempting to get him out of his kennel this morning he began to show aggression. Thankfully we were able to retrieve him with a big blanket. I attempted to put a muzzle on with no luck. I went to a backup plan of trying to place a gauze muzzle, which would then allow me to place the actual muzzle. Well, the gauze broke and the dog was able to get me. I had leather gloves on for protection, but sure enough he got me, and good. Not so good was that my boss happened to call at that exact moment. He was calling to get an update on the pup to see how he was. At that point I hadn't removed the glove to see the damage. All I knew was I was in pain and the tears were about to start flowing from the adrenaline rush. Doc asked how the pup was but I couldn't help but drop the F bomb. Not only did I drop the F bomb, but Mother F'er. Yep, talking to my boss, I dropped that. Good going Heidi. He was cool with it and took no offense. Our conversation ended quickly and he was at the practice in a flash. In the meantime I tried to keep my composure. I knew what I had to do, actually doing it is a whole different thing. Everyone reacts differently when their adrenaline kicks in, especially from being bitten. My reaction is anger, the pain hits, the tears start to flow, and then nausea kicks in from the pain.

In the end, the dog received his treatment via a different route and I'm doing fine. I didn't feel my wound required professional care, so I took care of it at work...cleaning it, applying ointment, taking ibuprofen, and placing a pressure wrap that was thick enough to prevent pain from bumping it. However, the dog has never received it's rabies vaccine, nor did the dog that bit him. Thankfully I've received my rabies vaccine series and have reported the bite to the appropriate agencies. But if you see me start to go crazy and start hyper salivating, you may want to steer clear. =)

Check out my gory pictures below....

Rut

Lately our hospital has been, to put it bluntly, dead. Things usually slow down come wintertime, but with the whole economy thing going on, it's been tough some days to keep your eyes open.

Today, approximately 1/2 hour before we were to close, we got a call saying a client was coming in with their pet that was just malled by a pit bull. These things happen now and again.
You never like to see emergencies, per se, but I have to admit, I miss being in a hospital that is constantly in motion. I miss multi-tasking. I never thought I'd say it, but I miss being so busy that sometimes I didn't have time for lunch. From the moment I'd walk in the door until the moment I walked out the door, I was in the zone. It's been awhile since I've had to get in the zone. You'd think not having been dealing with emergencies, etc. my mind would get rusty and forget what to do when they happened. I was delighted to see that this wasn't the case. When I received the notice we had a client coming in, my mind went into autopilot....my zone. Back to the old days where I wasn't constantly looking at the clock to see when I was getting off. Or not knowing what was coming in the door next, because I had no time to even look at the schedule. In my mind I knew that the Pomeranian lying on the table needed everything I could give him, so I gave it willingly. Whether it be administering morphine, starting an IV drip, providing a kind voice and soft touch, or even a few extra moments on my evening I was supposed to have off.

So often in our lives we get in a rut. I've recently been doubting why I chose to go into my present profession. I couldn't help but be bummed with the realization that I may already be burned out. How crazy. But it's times like tonight where I realize, no, I'm not burned out. I'm just warming up. I may not always love certain things about my job, but the bottom line is I love what I do and who I do it for....the animals.

What's Cooking?

Let's face it, I can't cook. It's not one of those things that I was blessed with, and sadly it gives me anxiety just thinking about it. I'm a frozen dinner, go out for dinner, or peanut butter and jelly on corn thins for dinner type of girl. However, tonight I actually made something. Just a little rice and stir fry veggies. Nothing fancy and some of it was still partially from the frozen food section, but I used my stove. Don't get me wrong, I've used my stove before and I'm not totally hopeless in the kitchen, but I do have to say I don't remember the last time I came home from work and actually "made" something. This is a pretty big step for me. Ha!