How much is that Puppy in the window?

It's been awhile since I got on here.  I feel a little like I've missed out on some of the things that are happening in your lives, but then, maybe I'm still up to date as long as you're still on Facebook!  I check FB but rarely have a lot to actually post on there.  Maybe because so many people that I don't actually care to know all my life details may read it...but here, with my few close friends, I feel like I can share more information without as much reserve.

So let me tell you about the newest exciting thing in my life!  I decided to get a puppy!  I've wanted one for a long time, and a friend's dog had a litter.  I'd decided early that I wasn't ready, but then she was going to have a puppy returned to her since the buyer was facing a serious illness.  I decided it was a "sign"!  And I made an offer.  Unfortunately, the buyer hadn't totally made up her mind...so was I willing to wait a month or so (while the puppy lived with her, getting attached to her, was being trained by her)?  Umm, I decided no.  For the simple reason that this dream puppy I have wanted is a Rottweiler.  Yes, I know the stereotypes, but I have known some amazing Rotti dogs.  However, if I'm going to have one, I want to train it from the earliest possible point, so that no friends or family have to be concerned about coming to visit.

So I said no to being "wait-listed" for the puppy.  Sad day!  But I'm pretty sure it was the right decision.  In my sadness, I browsed through some rescue websites...and lo, and behold, I found a dog.  Not a puppy.  Not a pure Rotti.  But possibly the most adorable, tragic story, trained, good-fit-for-my-family dog ever.  (Besides of course, our yellow lab Toby who is a great dog!!)

So on Sunday, Luna is coming to visit!  We will see if she and Toby seem they can be friends, and if so, Luna will stay through Wednesday to find out if she's a good match for us, and us for her!  I'm so excited.  I really had wanted a puppy to train and raise, but I feel good about the potential for Luna to become part of the family.  She needs a good home since her current owner's job requires so much travel, and I can avoid the whole house training/initial costs of a puppy thing...Here's a Luna pic:

I've been looking up lots of tips for helping an adult dog adjust.  I didn't realize how many great sites and information are out there!  So here's a plug--if a pet is right for you, check out how many there are out there that just need a new good home.  With much less cost and effort than a new puppy, you may find a perfect match for you.

I'll let you know how things go--if Luna becomes a family member or not--and what we learned to make the transition easier!

When the room spins 'round...

The room almost felt like it started spinning on Tuesday morning:

One of those women's appointments that you're really supposed to have annually.  Yet for people like myself who just love doctors, it was something more like 4 years in between.  Typical appointment, physical, exam, blood taken, etc.  Then suddenly, a "hmm, here's a cyst."  Okay, I think.  That doesn't sound like a big deal.  Then I look at the doctor's face.  She's very serious and studying my face.

Doctor's orders for a mammogram (I'm 27 years old for crying out loud!  I thought I had at least 13 years before going through that torture that I've heard my mom and so many other women complain about!).  So now a week in between the doctor "finding a lump" and my mammogram/ultrasound appointment.  Great.

Talk about a week of ups and downs!  I know these things are common, and that they're commonly no big deal.  But just try convince your emotions of that at random points during the day when your logic can't seem to win out...I really don't think it will be anything.  But the nagging lack of knowledge about what it is precisely is frustrating.

The main reason for the doctor's concern and contributing factor to my own occasionally unsure-ness is that almost exactly 7 years ago my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.  It's a sobering week for me (and my family) although, at the same time, we are at peace for we know that He who has been with us before is with us still and will be again.

So what do we learn from this?

I suddenly realize that I need to have some paperwork/information sorted and organized.  I find myself not so concerned with some of the little things that aren't really so important.  And right now--I'm kicking  myself for not getting the exam sooner.

Recommendation as of Friday evening (and 5 days out from the next time I get to learn anything):

Get your check-up.  Keep up with your own self-exams.  And don't let a little discomfort with a doctor appointment keep you from taking care of yourself.  Life's short.  Life's important, and there are more people whose lives are tied to yours and who care about you than you realize.  I'm so grateful for my family caring about what's happening with me, and even more importantly--they care about how I'm doing mentally and emotionally.  They mean the world to me.

The song I heard twice on my way to my dr. appt and the lyrics that speak to my heart right now:

Let The Waters Rise 


Don't know where to begin
Its like my world's caving in
And I try but I can't control my fear
Where do I go from here?

sometimes its so hard to pray
When You feel so far away
But I am willing to go
Where you want me to
God, I trust You

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

I will swim in the deep
'Cuz You'll be next to me
You're in the eye of the storm
And the calm of the sea
You're never out of reach

God, You know where I've been
You were there with me then
You were faithful before
You'll be faithful again
I'm holding Your hand

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You

God Your love is enough
You will pull me through
I'm holding onto You
God Your love is enough
I will follow You
I will follow You

Ohhh

There's a raging sea
Right in front of me
Wants to pull me in
Bring me to my knees
So let the waters rise
If You want them to
I will follow You
I will follow You
I will follow You




  (Mikeschair group)