Where, Oh, Where?

Sorry for the long absence - as some of you know, my computer was on the fritz and then I traveled up north for a few days. I'm back now and the blog is back up and running! Here are some highlights from the past 2 weeks of my absence:

1 - We had the IG Fundraiser/Playdate and it was a huge success!! There were about 30 dogs and we raised over $500.00 for rescue through donations and a raffle. Although it was a scorcher (over 90 degrees!), we had a great turn-out of folks and dogs from all over the state of Florida. Pictures forthcoming!
2 - We took a trip to Rhode Island to see our pals, Herman and Traci, before we head out to Japan this summer. Although it was terribly sad to say good-bye for awhile, we know that these two will be venturing out to visit us in Oki. They have both traveled extensively overseas, especially in Asia, so going across the world is no biggie for them. It was a fun trip, although it was much too short. I'll put up pics later.
3 - Good news on the job front - I'm being considered for a kindergarten position for next school year. Although it's not a elementary position, this could allow me to get my foot in the door to the DoDEA system and allow me to move up in the following years. I'll keep you posted on any updates.

Well, I think that summarizes it for now. I can't believe it's already the end of May! We are starting to really feel the crunch as we begin to seriously consider what will be staying and what will be going with us to Japan. The next few weeks will be busy as we work to go through all our belongings and decide if we can live without them for the next three years or not. Also, the countdown is on as far as my employment at the bookstore - only 2 weeks to go! Although I like the experience of working in a bookstore, I'm definitely ready to move on.

Keep an eye out for photos. I'll get them up within the next 24 hours!

Weekend Celebration

This past weekend we celebrated Mike's 30th birthday. The weekend was full of events, especially since Mike had some of his guys friends in town from all over the country. The events included paintball for the guys, a BBQ - complete with Dance Party USA - a day at the beach, and dinner out at the Landing. So, you'd think that the party would be over by now, but we've got one more dinner out engagement on Wednesday to conclude the 30th celebration. I'm sure this is one birthday he'll never forget (and thanks to Jess for capturing every moment on film, he won't!).

Happy 30th Mike!

Marley's Dad

Some people want to meet their favorite band or singer. Some people want to meet an actor or actress. Me - I want to meet my favorite author, John Grogan.

And tonight, I did. Ever since reading the book, Marley and Me, I have wanted to meet the man that put this captivating story to words. Orginally I was told that he was too popular of an author for him to come to our store. However, a large event held annually in Jacksonville, called Much Ado About Books, falls on this upcoming weekend, which allowed Mr. Grogan to participate in some local book signings. I got a personal phone call from our store community relations manager about his upcoming visit a couple of months ago since she knew I was a huge fan of his.

Well, tonight was the night in which I would finally get to personally meet Mr. Grogan face-to-face. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself; I was so nervous and excited at the same time. I'm pretty sure my co-workers have unanamously decided that I'm certifably nuts*. Thankfully, when the time came for Mr. Grogan to enter the store, I was able to keep some measure of composure and introduce myself. After signing a mound of books for eager fans like myself (see, I'm not the only one!), he graciously let me get a photo and sign some of my books.

I feel so honored to have met a person who truly touched me through his writing. I still cannot quite express how much I identified with Marley and Me. I'll continue my crusade to keep that book on the best seller list. For now, I can bask in the memory of meeting the author of such an inspiring and heartfelt story.




*There was one guy who was crazier than I - believe it! The guy stopped in Mr. Grogan in the parking lot so that his baseball hat could get signed. 

The Mommycomic

Last night, Noa and I joined some of his work colleagues for a night of drinks and laughs at the Comedy Zone in Mandarin. The featured comic for the evening was Debbie Gutierrez, also known as the "Mommycomic," since her act focuses on her life as a wife and mother. She also referred to herself as the "Naughty Mommy comic" because she says what moms would say if they could get away with it. She was pretty funny and didn't go for the cheap jokes that most comics seem to do nowadays.
Anyway, it seemed that I had a beacon over my head because within the first five minutes of her act, she zoned in on me as part of her program. Looking at me she asked, "Are you a mommy?"
I replied, "No" (it just so happened that she asked me this as I finished shoving a heaping nacho into my mouth - figures...).
She continues, "What's your name?" (also, this was in a crowd of at least 100 people or more).
Me: "Julie"
She continues to ask me my age and then repeats them each time she asks me a question or referring to me in her act. "Well Julie, [my age*], are you planning on having kids?!"
Me: "Um, yeah - someday."
Her: "NO! Wrong answer - here's why you don't want to have kids..." and the act goes on from there.
She continues to use me in this public "conversation" about kids, underwear, boobs, and birth control. This part of the act finished as she shouted for me to take a whole month's worth of birth control pills right then and there. It was pretty funny - and a little embarrassing too.
So, even though I will be a target of discussion for Noa at work today, it was a fun evening and a good show. I'm glad we went. However, next time, I'm sitting farther back.**





*Kept this off the post since this is the WWW and who knows what kind of oddballs and creeps lurk around - I gotta keep some things a secret.
**Not that I was sitting in the front row. We were actually off to the side, but somehow, she found me.

Paw-ty

 
 
 
 

Q: What do you get when you mix 11 dogs, a fenced in yard, balloons and a birthday cake?

A: A puppy party, of course!

Today we celebrated Sadie's third birthday! Mike and Jess graciously offered their yard to be the stomping grounds for the celebration, which was a blast. We invited some dog-owner friends over and celebrated in true birthday style - complete with ballons, hot dogs, and cake! The dogs got to play and romp around the yard, they had tons of treats, and even enjoyed a peanut butter-flavored birthday cake (quite a hit with all the dogs)! There were dogs of all sizes and ages - ranging from 13 weeks to 9 years old! They all got along and it was pretty amusing to see the different antics of each dog, like the Boston Terrier who was a maniac when chasing after a sopping wet tennis ball. Then there was Maya, the smallest IG, who ran around with a pit bull mix and a mastiff mix! She was so funny! Sadie couldn't decide between visiting with her human friends or playing with the other poochies, so she toggled back and forth between both. We all had fun visiting, talking about our furry friends, and watching them play. It was definitely a fun time for all! 

My "New" Life

Sadly, my sister had to leave to fly back to New Hampshire today. We had a great time together and I sent her back with a good sunburn to show off to her friends. I'm usually pretty bummed when I have to say good-bye to family, but I've noticed that today is especially hard. I think that knowing I won't really see much of my family before we head off to Japan is taking it's toll. We are going to make a final trip up north to say our good-byes to family and friends in July. Still, knowing that we are doing that has not made this good-bye easier. I already miss them.

Now, I'm getting adjusted to my "new" life without school. Grad school has dominated my time and energy for the past year and a half. I almost don't know how to live me life without it. I'll still be working at B&N part time, but I've decided to tackle all those things I said I'd work on "when school is over" and now, that time has come. Some things on the list:
-organize an IG playdate/fundraiser (currently in the works! Woohoo!)
-organize, file, and put all photos in albums (as opposed to the usual shoebox)
-organize online/computer photos
-organize school binders & books, keep what's relevant, toss what's not

Gee, can you tell I have a thing for organization? Looking at this list, I am again reminded of how much of a dork I really am. 

Family Weekend

Just thought I'd share a few pics from the weekend with my mom and sister here. We've had a blast!


Mom with Gunnar. She's used to a docile cat back home, so having my two around were definitely a change. Gunnar gets so excited around guests and wants to be with them and kiss them over and over. Even though Mom doesn't like dog kisses, she let them get her one time before leaving.



This pic was taken in St. Augustine. We went there on Saturday for some lunch and shopping. We were going to visit the old fort, but never made it - the little shops were so inviting. We loved the ones that had back patios and gardens like this one.



Noa displays his "medal" from the marathon. I'm so proud of him - he did it in 3 hours and 45 minutes with Mike. They are such superstars.



The "Jesus van" sighted in St. Augustine. No offense to this guy, but why would you put "the Lord kills" on the back tire? That doesn't seem like a very effective method of evangelism.

Graduation Day

Yesterday was graduation day. I can finally say that I did it and that I'm a "master" of elementary education (although I still don't feel like I am). My mom was able to come down, so I had a little cheering crowd in attendance between her, Anoli, and Noa. We were blessed with a beautiful day - perfect for photos. Of course, the ceremony was your traditional graduation ceremony - kinda long and boring. We did walk across a stage to shake hands with officials I've never met and receive our empty diploma folders (that's not ready until late May). Overall, it wasn't too painful.*

After the ceremony, we raced over to Jess' house. Noa and Jess were both scheduled to fly out of Jacksonville to go to Nashville, TN for the Country Music Marathon. Originally, it was supposed to be a road trip in which the Apostles and Hammers would drive to Nashville together and spend a weekend there. The boys would run the marathon and Jess and I would be the cheering section and check out the local shopping (he he he...). However, with graduation falling on the same weekend, our plans changed. Right now, as I write this, Noa and Mike and running in the marathon, and I'm praying that all goes well for them. I'm sure I'll get a full report in a few hours.


On a completely different note, I was so busy yesterday with graduation and family that I wasn't able to blog, but yesterday was also an important day for someone else too. Traci was the birthday girl yesterday! I'm bummed that she doesn't live in Florida anymore, because I know we would have had some major celebrating going on. Well, I guess I'll have to celebrate without her, but she's definitely a major reason for celebration. Happy Birthday, Traci - hope it was a great one. Know that I'm celebrating you today - oh, and as usual, your gift is in the mail! Ha ha! Love you!







* Except for the ridiculous sleeves on the graduation gown. Come to find out, all the students receiving master's degrees wore these robes. The undergrad students had on the more tradition sleeves.

Anoli

My sister made it into town on Monday night and we've been having a blast hanging out and reminiscing about old times. She's been bonding with the furkids and they love her, especially Gunnar. Every morning he waits by her door for her to get up. We got our toes done (notice the above photo) and enjoyed some time for ourselves. In all this chaotic running around before graduation, Noa's marathon, and other things, it's nice to sit back, relax, and be pampered.




On a random note, I picked up my cap and gown yesterday and in my excitement to check it out, I noticed an unusual change in the usual graduation attire. I put on the gown and noticed that the sleeves, which I recall as normally resembling the look of a choir robe, had this long flap, instead of a wide opening that gradually comes to a point. What the heck? I think it looks dumb. The flaps look ridiculous and I feel like I have something hanging off my sleeve. As if I didn't already look ridiculous enough wearing a pointy-board hat, complete with tassel, now I have to wear this hot, scratchy gown with stupid sleeves. I thought I would feel distinguished getting my Master's Degree, but I'm feeling like the biggest dork in the room. 

Iggy Days

Thought ya'll might enjoy some photos from an all IG playdate I attended with Bettina on Sunday down in Melbourne. It was a beautiful day and it was great to catch up with friends from our little "IG Community" down here. We'll be seeing most of these people again in May for the big playdate/fundraiser. Here is a small sample of some of the IGs we got to see and play with.

Vet Rant

I took Gunnar in to the vet today to get his allergy testing done. The process is pretty simple actually. The vet draws some blood and sends it to a lab. The lab does the actual testing and then sends the results back to the vet. Here's why it wasn't such a good visit:

-The vet was unfriendly. Here's the deal with the vet: we go to a low-cost clinic that is associated with our local humane society. Since the services are a little cheaper than usual, there are some other things that are different than the average vet's office. For instance, the vets rotate - you don't necessarily get the same vet each time you go. I've liked each vet we've seen over the course of 3 years. Today's vet isn't one of the regulars - I guess he's like a substitute or moonlighting at this clinic. He was not social at all. I mean, how could you resist a cute little dog who wags his tail and gets excited when you walk into a room? This vet didn't even crack a smile.

-The vet kept discouraging us from getting the test done. Yes, the test is very expensive and follow-up vaccines can add up too, but I want to know what's causing Gunnar to be having all the symptoms he's having. I had to tell this guy numerous times that I wanted the test done. Yes, I tried medicine. Yes, I tried an elimination diet. Yes, I've done all the traditional things, so now it's time to try something else. Just let him get the test - geez!

-After Gunnar had his blood drawn, we waited in the room (felt more like a freezer) for 45 minutes. They forgot about us. I ended up going out and asking if we were okay to check out. I could barely feel my toes and Gunnar was shivering.

-The bill was more than I was quoted over the phone. Go figure.

Now I have to wait a month to find out the results. They also told me that if he needs any vaccines after the results return, in order to treat him, they would be very costly. To be honest - I don't care - whatever will make Gunns feel better. Plus, now I will know what's causing him to be itchy, sneezy, gaggy, and watery (eyes, that is) - ha ha, this makes me think of the seven dwarfs. Imagine if they were named after medical symptoms.....sneezy, itchy, runny, smelly, scabby, bloody.....I'll stop now, it's getting gross.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Countdown!

Our alarm clock is dying in a bad way. Currently, we have a back up travel clock sitting next to our regular alarm clock - just in case. Noa and I are thinking about getting one of these babies. But, we haven't commited yet. Although I love my iPod, we both hate the fact that you can only use iTunes with the iPod. Talk about a monopoly. Before I got my iPod, we had a ton of songs on our computer for our old MP3 players from Napster (we paid for these songs, by the way). Now, we have songs on both Napster and iTunes. I can only put the iTunes songs on my iPod, while Noa cannot use the songs from iTunes on his MP3 player (since it's not an iPod). It looks like France* actually understands about this whole monopoly on the file-sharing music biz. Not that that any legislation from them will change anything, but at least they are willing to try something. But, I digress....

The point is, we need to get something soon, or we may end up missing something by sleeping in late. We've got a lot going on right now and we can't afford to miss anything!


Here are the recent stats:
10 days until Noa runs the Country Music Marathon in Nashville, TN
9 days until my graduation from UNF
8 days until my mom (& hopefully my dad) arrives
7 days before my sister and I get to catch up on our tans**
6 days until our 1st official meeting about our upcoming international move
5 days until my sister arrives
4 days until an IG playdate (still not sure if I can go)
3 days until my last final
2 days until Noa is on call - again this week :(
1 day until Gunnar gets his allergy test

For those who don't know, my second IG, Gunnar, has had allergy symptoms for as long as we've had him. I never had him tested because I thought it was something we could just deal with. I did try to relieve his symptoms with medicine and new food, but he still sneezes all the time, has watery eyes, coughs, gags, and itches. The other day I came home and noticed that his "eye juice" (gross, I know...) was a whitish color. Not a good sign. So, he's off to the vet to find out what is going on. And I will fight this thing head on - even if it takes me getting a $400 vaccuum***.

I guess everything else is self-explanatory. Having a countdown defintely makes each day a little more exciting. I should do this more often.




*Here's a radio article about how France is trying to get legislation passed against this practice from Apple: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5293175
**Okay, so this isn't very exciting - unless you are from the cold, northern country, like my sister is!
***Check out this baby: http://www.dyson.com/range/feature_frame.asp?model=DC07-ANIMAL
Noa says I look at these things like guys look at sports cars.

Sarge-sitting & Easter Sunday

Wow - what a funny looking Easter bunny....oh, whoops, it's Sarge (nice tongue, buddy.....). Noa and I got to "Sarge-sit" on Saturday night so that Mike and Jess could have a date night. We brought Sadie and Gunnar over to play and all the dogs wore each other out. Sarge is still in the housetraining stage and needs to be monitored when he's out and about outside or in the house (he has a special potty area to use outside, so it's not a free-for-all in the yard). He also seems to be getting bigger by the moment. He won't be able to be held much longer, so hopefully, he'll get the don't-pee/poo-in-the-house concept down soon. It'll be difficult to swipe up a 40-lb dog starting to squat. Although, he is a smart little guy - he already sits for all his treats and toys and seems to be recognizing his name as well. I won't be surprised if Mike and Jess have him doing some complicated recall work soon, but first things first - get that housetraining down, Sarge!

Meanwhile, the Easter weekend is not very exciting for the Hammers. In fact, Noa is on call at the hospital today and I am home working on my final project for my ESOL class (2 weeks to go until graduation!). Since moving away from family, Easter has lost some of that family feel that it had while I was growing up. Jess and I were reminiscing about how when each of us were little, we'd get a brand new Easter dress every year. I even remember shopping for the dresses with my mom at the JCPenny factory store. They would be the girliest dresses, with flowers, bows, lace - the works. The whole outfit would be complete with new shoes and a purse. My mom must have oodles of photos from each Easter with Anoli and I standing out in the yard with our new spring dresses on. Our decked out family would head over to church and as kids we'd meet up with the other girls to admire each others dresses. Each year the church would be stocked with huge, fragrant Easter lilies and the colorful tulips. Church would always be followed by a family dinner either at our house or my grandfather's and my sister and I would anticipate some Necco candy in our near future (my grandfather used to work for the Necco candy company).

This year I met up with Mike and Jess at church - with some of my regular clothes, no Easter dress for me anymore - and we had lunch at a local pizza joint. Don't get me wrong, it was a great morning; I always treasure my time with M&J, it's just that Easter has changed over the years. I guess that someday that Easter dress-church-dinner-like holiday will return when Noa and I have children (which will be a long ways away, I might add) and I'm okay with that. Sure, I loved the dress, the candy, and all the excitement leading up to the day - it's never truly been about that and for that, I am thankful. How meaningless would Easter be if that's what it's all about year after year? Even if I am spending this year's Easter at home on the computer, writing about effective teaching methods, the significance of the day has not been lost on me. In fact, I am glad that it doesn't take a specific day for me to acknowledge the real meaning behind such a commercialized holiday. I'll always love the candy and the little girls in their froo-froo dresses, but it'll never compare to the real occasion for celebration today.

So - Happy Easter all. May the meaning behind today be real to you.


--------------------------------------Matthew 28:5-7--------------------------------------

Stone

This is "Stone" - he's not ours, actually. We are just hanging on to him until the IG playdate/fundraiser in May. He's one of the raffle items. When I put him in the office today, Gunnar didn't know what to think. So, with his ferocious little bark, he tried to scare "Stone" off. It didn't work - he's still here. Ha ha.

I know I've been lax about blogging. I have been swamped with the final papers and projects for school. These next two weeks will be so busy for me in regards to schoolwork, so blogging is low on the priority list (sorry). However, after that, my sister comes into town for a little over a week, I graduate, and Noa runs his marathon - so there's lots of blogging opportunities in the immediate future.

Vote for Blue

This cutie pictured above is Blue. Blue was turned into Chicago IG rescue with a pretty amazing story (Meet Blue) and he's kinda the new poster boy for Italian Greyhound rescue. The folks that are fostering this adorable little one have entered this photo in an online contest. The winner of the contest receives $1000.00! If Blue wins, the foster parents will donate all the money to IG rescue!

So, here's your chance to help. First, follow the link to read about Blue. Then use this link to give him top marks for this contest: Pet Med Photo Contest. Pretty simple. Oh, and I heard that the judging is not just based on the ending marks, but also the number of people voting, so I suggest not voting for other dogs, but you are free to do so if you want to.

Go Blue!! 

Stranger Danger

Yesterday, I spent a good part of the day at school, since the semester is winding down and I have a TON of work to finish up in order to graduate (yes - in 3 weeks!!). Anyway, after I had finished some computer work at the library, I headed out to the beautiful Florida sunshine to go find my friend who is working on a project with me. It was a gorgeous day - I think the temps hit 80 degrees! Anyway, as I was walking I noticed a girl walking in my direction, while talking on her cell phone. I realized that this was a friend of mine, who I had not seen since last semester, since she and I didn't have any classes together. It was kinda random to just run into her at school, since our schedules are now so different. Nonetheless, I was happy to see her. She seemed a little distracted, since she was on the phone, so I smiled and enthusiastically waved at her. I reached up to remove my sunglasses, so she sould see my face, and then I suddenly realized that she was not my friend. In fact, I didn't even know her - she simply resembled my friend from a distance. But, now I had already smiled, waved, and was looking directly at her. She continued talking on the phone, but it was obvious she saw me and she had that "where do I know her from?" look on her face. As she walked by I struggled to keep the smile on my face and decided to see what her move would be.

She looked over (while still keeping the cell phone to her face), smiled and said, "Hey! How are you?"

I enthusiastically replied, "Great! Good to see you!" as I hurried by.

Then I headed to the nearest group of bushes to hide in. I was so embarrased.

All Over Cyberspace

So, in an effort to keep in touch with my family (mostly my sister-in-laws) and re-connect with friends from grad school, college, and high school, I've jumped on the myspace.com bandwagon. No, don't worry - this blog isn't going anywhere. I prefer this site anyway - I won't be blogging on myspace. It'll mostly be for quick catch-up messages to long lost buddies. If you feel like checking it out*, here's the link: http://myspace.com/hijulie


*You have to be a member of MySpace.com to look at the page - sorry.

Better Than Ice Cream?

Yesterday, after a long, rowdy, and dirty (we were covered in dirt from head to toe!!) visit to the dog park, Jess and I decided that we all needed a cool treat. So, we headed to McD's for some vanilla ice cream. As you can see the dogs LOVED it! We all enjoyed hanging out and enjoying our extra hour of sunshine. Best of all, I think we found Sarge's new favorite treat! Just look at that face!?!

A Fuzzy Baby

Mike and Jess brought home their "baby" today. Sarge is 8 weeks old and a little furball. He runs like a bear, loves to play with his fleece rope, and is not sure what to make of Sadie and Gunnar (although he keeps trying to chew on their tails!). Here are some photos of the little cutie:

Like A Chicken with My Head Cut Off

My mom used to use the phrase, "I'm running around like a chicken with my head cut off."

She knew what that looked like. I was told that my grandfather would purchase like chickens when my mom was young. He'd take them onto the porch and chop off their heads. I guess it took a little while before the body realized that the head was no longer attached and then the chicken died. Gross.

Anyway - I haven't blogged in awhile because I've been so busy with school (one month to go until I graduate!), getting the dogs ready for Japan (vaccinations, vet appointments, paperwork), and other random things (like working at the bookstore). One of the many things I have to do today is meet up with Mike and Jess later. Today is the day that they pick up Sarge - yahoo!! I can't wait to finally meet the little rascal. If you looked on their blog, you've already seen how cute he is, but I'll be sure to take some pictures tonight and post them. We're already planning our first playdate with Sarge, Sadie, and Gunnar (M & J also had a fence recently installed at their house). He's going to be their best friend. I'm excited too because when he gets bigger, he can protect them from invasive and pushy dogs at the dog park.

It's very handy having a rottweiler as your best friend.