Long Time No Blog :)

Well, I have officially turned in my final project for my Environment and Aging class, so I no longer have to feel guilty about blogging instead of doing my homework!  HORRAY!  It really is a huge weight lifted off my shoulders... now to just finish out all the other things on my plate at the moment!  Sunday can't come soon enough!

Earlier in the week I talked about wanting to get the house cleaned up before we left for P-town.  I didn't think it would happen, but it looks like it did.  Dan and I have cleaned the house top to bottom :)  Now I can go home and not worry about trying to get it done after I get back :) Dan also tackled the laundry situation we had going on at our house!  I seriously don't know how we go through so much laundry for just 2 people!  It is ridiculous!

In the dog department, Remington has been all taken care of!  We have dremeled his toenails and taken him for his monthly vet appointment.  He was suppose to go to the groomer today, however, they overbooked and canceled our appointment, which I'm very unhappy about.  Dan has a list of groomers in the area he is going to try to contact to see if we can squeeze him in somewhere today.  I just feel bad because he is soooo HOT right now!  Poor guy!


"I need a hair cut Mom!"

And lastly... things are coming together for the baby shower on Saturday.  I guess they better be since there is only a few days left.  We have the cake ordered, games ready, gifts and decorations purchased, food list prepared... that's all right?  I'm sure it will all work out and not be a big deal at all... but you know me... I'll worry until it is over.  She'll probably kill me for posting this here, but hey, she put it on facebook so it's fair game :)


I cannot believe Kristin is gonna be a MOM!!!  When did we grow up?

Feeling Stressed!!!

Please forgive me if this is my last post for a few days... I'm feeling as if my life will be on a roller coaster at least until Sunday.  Things are pretty stressed at the moment.

So... first off, work is starting to get pretty hectic for me.  The students will be returning from their summer break at the end of August, which means Phonathon Training will take place soon after that.  I have been preparing stuff for what seems like the past month and I still have a lot to go!  I don't want to even think about the 2 weeks of interviews that I will have to do before all is said and done!

Secondly, Kristin's baby shower is this weekend.  I'm excited about it, but I'm also the one helping to plan it.  This kind of stuff always stresses me out.  So, I have a long list of supplies I have to get for the party, plus, I'm in charge of making some food, which if you know me, can only mean disaster!  Not only do I have that to worry about this weekend, but I also need to get 2 bridesmaid dresses fitted and have alterations done!  EKKKK!

Third, it is the last week of class for me this summer.  YAY!  However, my biggest and most important project is due Sunday!  YIKES!  Of course it's due date would fall on this weekend.  Guess I should have planned more accordingly!  All I know is that I must get it done before this weekend or it will be lost in all the other things on my plate right now!

Fourth, the house is a mess and I want to clean it before I leave for P-town... however... that might have to wait until next week!

Fifth... Remington has a vet appointment on Thursday and then is getting groomed on Friday before we leave.  Dan and I also need to sit down and dremel his nails.

Believe me, I understand that this wouldn't even phase most people... but I swear I have anxiety issues just a little bit!  So just pray I make it through the week without having a nervous breakdown :)

On a much funnier note... Remington has discovered some new sleeping positions this week.  Usually he sleeps between the toilet and the bathtub, but recently I have been amused by creativeness :)


 Remington all sprawled out on the bed sleeping away!!!

 
This is how he has been sleeping during the day with Dan.  Yep, you got it, he has his head under the bed.  He likes it in the dark.  Silly boy!


And of course... he always cuddles up next to me :)  We like to sleep our troubles away!

Corn, Rice & Bean Burritos

So for dinner last night I made corn, rice and bean burritos.  Debbie, a friend from work, gave me the recipe because it is all an vegetarian recipe and she thought I would like it.  She was right!

Ingredients

1-1/3 cups fresh or frozen corn, thawed
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green pepper, sliced
1 Tbsp canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1-1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 cups cooked brown rice
8 flour tortillas
3/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese

 

In a large skillet, saute the corn, onion and pepper in oil until tender.


Add the garlic, chili powder and cumin, cook one minute longer.


Add beans...


And rice...


Put mixture in the shell and top with cheese.


Wrap it up.


TADA!!! Enjoy!


"Can I have some Mom?"

The only thing I would suggest is adding more cumin and chili powder to give it a little more spice.  We added extra, but it still wasn't enough.

My Ever Changing Doodle!

So, it wasn't until recently that I noticed this... but Remington's color has changed so much since he was a puppy!  It was brought to my attention last Sunday when we met up with Mike and his parents.  Mike's Mom made the comment that we had bleached Remington.  She couldn't believe how much lighter he had gotten.  I guess that I don't notice it that much since I see him everyday, but they had not seen him since his Birthday party in February.  Anyways, I got together some pictures to show you my ever changing doodle!


Remington 10 weeks old and 12 lbs


Remington 4 months old and 30 lbs


Remington 6 months old (after first grooming) and 40 lbs


Remington 8 months old (after second grooming) and 55 lbs


Remington 10 months old and 65 lbs


Remington 1 year old and 75 lbs


Remington 1 year 2 months old and 80 lbs

As you can see... from 10 weeks old to a little over a year he has changed quite a bit.  I have heard this is not unusual for doodles at all.  I think the reason for the major change in hair color is the loss of their puppy coat and then changing into their adult coat.  Either way... no matter the color of his fur to his size... he'll always be my sweet doodle!

Running in the Rain

I have started running in the evenings since it is just too darn hot during the day!  Last night was the second night doing it and let me tell you... it's not fun.  Even at 9:30 at night is it crazy hot here and soooo humid.  That is what makes it so bad.  While I was running all I could think of is, it feels like I'm running in the rain. YUCK!  I'm not one to sweat alot, but man these past couple of nights after I get home, I'm soaked!  Talk about disgusting!

Last night, we got to video chat with Matt, Heather, Pam, Patty, Hannah and the twins.  We had not seen the twins in a while so it was great to see them.  They look sooo great for being so little.  Hannah seems to be enjoying them.  Pam told me earlier in the day that Max is now 6 lbs 1 oz and Blakely is 5 lbs 10 oz!  She said that they are both pretty easy babies... Max may be a little more high maintenance she said... but what boy isn't??


Max


Blakely

I don't know how long I can last without actually seeing them in person!!!

This weekend, Dan and I are planning on going to see Inception at the IMAX!  We are having a double date with Chanelle and Blaine.  Both of us have really wanted to see it so we're pretty excited about it!  I just hope it is as good as everyone says.



We'll just wait and see!

Orchids

This past year I have acquired four orchids.  So far, I have kept them all living except for one.  I think that one died of root rot, or maybe I just don't have a green thumb.  However, all the rest are going strong.  The most important one that I have was given to me after Grandma Rhoton's funeral.  I keep this one on top of our fridge and it is by far my biggest.  When I went to water it this week I noticed something....


...that's right, a new leaf growing!!!


Can you see it???

I was sooo excited when I saw it!  You really don't see much changes in these plants, except for the flowers falling off, so this was a huge success!  Grandma Rhoton would be proud of me :)

Rhoton Randomness!

I know... my blog is basically about Remington, but come on... I don't have kids to brag about so bare with me on my "all dog, all the time" posts :)  Dan and I can't help it that our lives revolve around this big ball of fur! :)

So, it's no secret that Remington loves his crate.  I mean, ever since he was a puppy that has been his safe place.  When he was little he would sleep in there all night long (he doesn't anymore) but he always goes in there when we aren't home.  Some dogs wouldn't like this, however he does!  We often find him hanging out in there even when we are home... silly guy!  We call these moments his "antisocial time."  Below is a picture Dan took when he came home from work yesterday morning... Remington looks pretty comfy huh?


"Zzzzzzzzzz!"

Dan ran for the first time in his new Five Fingers yesterday morning.  All he did was jog one lap around the track at school and do a couple of short sprints and I guess his shins were killing him.  He said that he could hardly walk up the steps after it was all over with.  It will take him some time to get use to them... like the company says... it's a whole new way to run!  In the meantime, I got my Five Fingers in the mail last night.  I was very excited and wore them around the house a little bit.  I think the adjustment period will take a lot longer for me than it did Dan.  You see, Dan is use to walking around barefoot when he is at home, so it isn't too much different with the Five Fingers on... however, I never walk around anywhere (not even the house) without some sort of shoe on.  I just can't stand the feel of "stuff" getting on my feet!  YUCK!  So even wearing the Five Fingers around the house kind of hurts my feet.  Don't worry though... I'll push through the pain until I can run comfortably in them!


Me and my Five Fingers!

So the Johnson County Fair is going on right now and I have really wanted to go.  I thought I might just have to go by myself since I didn't think that I could talk Dan into it, but he pleasantly surprised me!  When I got home from work yesterday, he was all for a trip to the fair.  I wanted to go last night especially because Debbie's (a friend from work) daughter was doing barrel racing with her horse, Mister.  Anyways, once we got there it started pouring down rain, so all we got to see was Paige on her horse... but it was worth it.  I had a really great time!  I even got to try a Beaver Tail which is like an elephant ear but way better!  Going to fairs can't help but remind me of my younger days at the Jay County Fair with my friends.  I carry some great memories of those days with me. It was also fun because Dan had never really been to a fair before... so it was nice to share something new and exciting with him.  He is now very excited about going to the Jay County Fair in 2 weeks when we are home for my best friends baby shower!


Here's me petting Mister! You can barely see Debbie's head in the background :)


And here's Paige and Mister after it stopped raining :)  Don't they look good together!

Well, I think that's enough of Rhoton Randomness for today... I'm sure they'll be more to come in the future!

Weekend in P-town

Even though I say there isn't much to do in P-town, I must admit I always have a good time when I go there.  Remington and I arrived there kind of late in the evening on Friday because I left Indy in the middle of rush hour... yeah... not the smartest move.  When I finally did arrive, Mom and Dad had Pizza King waiting for me!  YUM!  I hardly ever get to eat it except when I go home.  Once dinner was over with we all got around and took Remington on a long walk before bedtime.


Here's Remi waiting patiently to start heading to P-town!


"Come on Mom, let's go!!"

Saturday, I got up early and cleaned out the inside of my car and Dad helped me hand wash it.  He is a good dad!  :)  Afterward, most of the day was spent playing with Remington and lounging around the  house.  In the evening, Grandma Fowler came over and played cards with us.  This is one thing that we do every time I come home.  Our favorite game is SkipBo!  Most of the time, Grandma and I will win against Mom and Dad, but unfortunately they beat us this weekend.


"I love playing with my tennis ball!"


"Throw it Mom!!!"


Taking a break....


"I'm sooo tired!"

Sunday was by far the busiest day.  I got around and went to the church with Mom and Dad in the morning.  We have a new pastor at Asbury so it was nice to get the chance to meet him.  So far, I really like him.  Afterward, it was time to go to Rachel's bridal shower.  It was really nice and it makes me happy to see her sooo happy.


Hanging with Mom before she went to Rachel's Shower!


Celebrating Rachel's soon to be married life!

I left the shower at around 2:45 and hurried home because Dan and I were getting together with Mike and his parents because they just got a new goldendoodle puppy, Buddy.  We went to the diamonds where we always take Remington to play so they could get acquainted.  I was very impressed with how good Remington was with Buddy.  He never once played too rough with him and they seemed to be great friends in no time.  Below are some pictures of their shenanigans!


"Hi guys... I'm Buddy!"


"I'm pretty little right now... but I'll be Remington's size soon!"


"Remington, will you be my friend?"


"I love you already!"

I'm sad that the weekend is over and now it's time to start another week.  Hopefully it will be over before I know it!  Thanks Mom and Dad for putting up with me all weekend.  I miss you already!

Vibram Five Fingers

In a previous post I filled you in on what Dan was wanting for his B-day, Vibram Five Fingers.  Well, he got them a little early....

Yesterday we made our way to Greenfield to pick up some Five Fingers.  I was hoping that both of us would be able to get some, but I knew that their selection was not the best.  The main thing that we needed to do was get measured for them.  You see, the size of Five Fingers is completely different than a regular shoe.  I think that Dan measured 44 and I measured 36.  Anyways, Dan ended up finding his perfect pair.  I on the other hand did not.  I really wanted purple, but after some thought decided against it and thought I would be better suited with a more neutral color choice.


Here is Dan sporting his new pair of Five Fingers around the house!  You are suppose to break them in for 2 weeks before you do any type of running in them.


Here is the pair that I placed an order for when I got home... they should be shipped out today!

Dan's are the KSO... they are made for pretty much anything you can think of.  Mine are the Classics... they are made for indoor fitness.  I picked the Classics as my starter pair.  I would eventually like to get a pair of KSOs if I like them and Dan would like to get a pair of Classics.  I know what you're all probably thinking... we are a strange pair :)  However, we already know that!

Below are some more pictures of people who love their Five Fingers!


Come on... you can't tell me that you don't want a pair.... just a little bit???

I'm heading home for the weekend at around 5 today.  Rachel is having her Bridal Shower on Sunday, so I really didn't want to miss it since I have a feeling I might have to miss her Bachelorette Party because of work and Phonathon training.  I doubt it will be too exciting in P-town besides the party since I really need to do some homework while I'm there... but you never know... we shall see! 

Crazy for Stir Crazy!

By far my favorite Chinese Restaurant in Greenwood is Stir Crazy.  I don't get to go there very often, but Myla is often my partner in crime when I do get to go.  Last night was one of those fateful nights of good food, good convo, and good company :)  I can't help it that I'm crazy for Stir Crazy!!


It doesn't matter when we go, we always get the same thing.  The Market Bar.  The Market Bar allows you to pick and choose what you would like in your food dish.  So first, you would pick the type of meat you want.  I always get the veggie, so no meat. Then you pick the type of noodle or rice you want.  I always get the flat rice noodle.  It's my fav.  You then get to go up and pick out your veggies and sauce. Once you're done with that, you take it to the chef and they put it all in their pot and heat it up!  It's delicious, plus you can go back as many times as you like! This option is good for people who eat a lot... like me :)  If you're ever in the Greenwood area, you should really try it.  I promise it won't disappoint!

Lessons you learn in life...

Last night, I met up with Chanelle, my old college roommate.  She just recently moved back to Greenwood from Bloomington.  I stopped by her new apartment to check it out since she only lives like 5 minutes away from me!  YAY!  The apartment is beautiful.  She has added her own special touches to it and it seems just perfect for her :)  Also, while I was there I met her new boyfriend Blaine.  Chanelle got married 3 years ago and is now going through a divorce.  It has been very difficult on her, but for some reason pretty difficult on me as well.  I guess it is just hard to see the people you love go through something like that.  Anyways, meeting Blaine was a big step for me and for her.  And even though I was skeptical at first... I have to admit... I love the guy.  The first thing he did when I met him was give me a hug.  I love people like that... it reminds me of the Rhoton's.  He is wonderful and I think he might just be perfect for Chanelle...

Lesson Learned: You have to trust the decisions of the people you love, even if you think they aren't the right ones at first.

Dan came home this morning pretty excited.  I guess he got into a car chase last night.  He has been wanting to get in one for a while now... just nothing has come along.  Anyways, last night a motorcycle raced through a red light and he stopped the guy, but when he approached him, he took off!  I guess this guy was doing like 100 miles per hour through town and it was all Dan and his partner could do to keep up with him.  Anyways, they finally found his bike parked in an alley.  After questioning the neighbors they found out he lived in an apartment in the area.  Long story short... they arrested him.  I guess he was drunk, had a suspended license, and no license to have a motorcycle...

Lesson Learned: Some people are just plain dumb! :)

I recently received a birthday request from Dan telling me what he would like for his birthday present.  Keep in mind we are both on a health kick right now.  I've been eating healthy and working out.  He has been eating healthy, working out, and counting his calorie intake!  To lose weight his "recommended daily intake" of calories is 2400.  He has been doing a great job and I'm really proud of him.  Anyways, he has also been working out hard core in the mornings with some of his other cop buddies and two of them have these shoes call Vibram Five Fingers.  Anyone ever heard of them?  Me either. Below is a picture...


Yeah.... pretty freaky right?  Well supposedly these shoes are awesome and these two guys that have them have been talking them up to Dan.  One of them says that he was able to cut 2 minutes off his running time because of them... so of course now he wants a pair.  Here is a little summary of them: "The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised. That’s why we recommend wearing FiveFingers for exercise, play, and for fun. Stimulating the muscles in your feet and lower legs will not only make you stronger and healthier, it improves your balance, agility and proprioception."  I guess they are great for any outdoor sport such as running, rock climbing, kayaking, windsurfing, strength training, Pilates, yoga, etc.  

Lesson Learned: My husband can talk me into just about anything... and I think I want a pair now... 

The Health Benefits of Journaling... or Blogging?

So for probably the past 3 years or so I have been keeping a journal.  My good friend Myla is the one who got me started and I'm so glad that she did.  I have really started to enjoy writing.  Not really the creative type of writing... just writing to write... does that make sense?  I started keeping journals so hopefully one day when I'm gone my children will be able to find them and learn about my life and have something to hold onto to remember me by.  In comparison to my blog, my journals hold much more personal thoughts and feelings.  The blogs are just way to keep our family updated on what is going on... well, mostly my Mom, since she is probably one of the only people who reads this blog on a daily basis.

Anyways, the other day I ran across an article about the health benefits of journaling that I thought I would share.  I would think this would pertain to blogging as well.

The Health Benefits of Journaling

By Maud Purcell, LCSW, CEAP

I’ll bet you write (or word process) daily. If you are like most women, you record only what you must. In an effort to change your mind and your habits, I’ll let you in on a well-kept secret: A pen coupled with paper can serve as a powerful life tool.

Journaling (or keeping letters or diaries) is an ancient tradition, one that dates back to at least 10th century Japan. Successful people throughout history have kept journals. Presidents have maintained them for posterity; other famous figures for their own purposes. Oscar Wilde, 19th century playwright, said: “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train.”

Health Benefits

Contrary to popular belief, our forefathers (and mothers) did know a thing or two. There is increasing evidence to support the notion that journaling has a positive impact on physical well-being. University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James Pennebaker contends that regular journaling strengthens immune cells, called T-lymphocytes. Other research indicates that journaling decreases the symptoms of asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Pennebaker believes that writing about stressful events helps you come to terms with them, thus reducing the impact of these stressors on your physical health.

I know what you’re thinking: “So writing a few sentences a day may keep me healthier longer, but so will eating lima beans! Why should I bother journaling when I’ve already got too much on my plate?” The following facts may convince you.

Scientific evidence supports that journaling provides other unexpected benefits. The act of writing accesses your left brain, which is analytical and rational. While your left brain is occupied, your right brain is free to create, intuit and feel. In sum, writing removes mental blocks and allows you to use all of your brainpower to better understand yourself, others and the world around you. Begin journaling and begin experiencing these benefits:
  • Clarify your thoughts and feelings. Do you ever seem all jumbled up inside, unsure of what you want or feel? Taking a few minutes to jot down your thoughts and emotions (no editing!) will quickly get you in touch with your internal world.
  • Know yourself better. By writing routinely you will get to know what makes you feel happy and confident. You will also become clear about situations and people who are toxic for you — important information for your emotional well-being.
  • Reduce stress. Writing about anger, sadness and other painful emotions helps to release the intensity of these feelings. By doing so you will feel calmer and better able to stay in the present.
  • Solve problems more effectively. Typically we problem solve from a left-brained, analytical perspective. But sometimes the answer can only be found by engaging right-brained creativity and intuition. Writing unlocks these other capabilities, and affords the opportunity for unexpected solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems.
  • Resolve disagreements with others. Writing about misunderstandings rather than stewing over them will help you to understand another’s point of view. And you just may come up with a sensible resolution to the conflict.
In addition to all of these wonderful benefits, keeping a journal allows you to track patterns, trends and improvement and growth over time. When current circumstances appear insurmountable, you will be able to look back on previous dilemmas that you have since resolved.

How To Begin

Your journaling will be most effective if you do it daily for about 20 minutes. Begin anywhere, and forget spelling and punctuation. Privacy is key if you are to write without censor. Write quickly, as this frees your brain from “shoulds” and other blocks to successful journaling. If it helps, pick a theme for the day, week or month (for example, peace of mind, confusion, change or anger). The most important rule of all is that there are no rules.
Through your writing you’ll discover that your journal is an all-accepting, nonjudgmental friend. And she may provide the cheapest therapy you will ever get. Best of luck on your journaling journey!

Dawn's Wedding

Well, Dawn got married on Sunday at 7:00 pm.  As far as I know it didn't rain, but it looked kind of cloudy!  They also had to wear shoes because the sand was soooo hot down there!  I have included a picture for Pam :)  While your here Pam, check out the rest of the site :)  Love ya!


Picture sent via text by the Third Musketeer (Christopher)... HOLLA!

Two Weddings and a Workout Plan!

September 25th and October 16th... those are the wedding dates.  What does that give me??  Around 2 months or so to get into shape?  Phew, this should be tough...

You see, being a part of someone's wedding is an honor.  I guess it kind of means that you are important enough to the person who is getting married that they wouldn't think of going through that day without you there.  Quite flattering really.  However, the bad thing about it is, even though all eyes are mostly on the bride, the people standing up with her can't help but fall into view.  Another problem... all the girls that will be standing up there with me are skinny, in shape, and beautiful... which means my workout plan for the next couple of months better work. :)

So, on July 6th I started.  I'm doing something called the 30 Day Shred.  It is a workout that last only about 30 minutes, but it is suppose to get you "shredded" in 30 days.  The person who is featured on the video is Jillian Michael's (the lady trainer on the Biggest Loser).  What can I say, she's kind of annoying but the video kicks your butt.  I'm also running as often as I can and eating pretty well.  I fell off my vegetarian wagon during vacation, but I'm back on board now with the diet :)  If only I could get enough will power to stop eating sweets and drinking pop....


Oh, well... that's another place and time right?
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